How Does Cloud Use Increase Case Management Efficiency?
- By Renato Parletta
- July 1, 2021
Are you wondering how using the cloud can boost the efficiency of your case management? Click here for some reasons why cloud management is the way to go.
Imagine you have an appointment with a patient, and you’re ready to meet with them. You walk into their room only to find that you don’t have their case file.
You’ve used paper files for years without any issues, but you realize that you may need to switch to the cloud for case management.
That way, you can keep from embarrassing yourself in front of your patients.
Keep reading to learn why you should make the switch.
Share Files
One of the best ways the cloud can increase case management efficiency is when it comes to sharing files. If you need to share a patient file with another provider, the cloud makes it easy to collaborate.
Perhaps you’re going to take a day off but still have patients to see. Or maybe you have a question about a case and want some feedback. When you use the cloud, you just need to share the link to the file.
However, when you don’t use the cloud, you need to either copy the physical file or send it in an email. Both options can take a lot of time, and someone may accidentally see the file when they shouldn’t.
Access From Any Device
Even if you don’t need to collaborate with other providers on a patient’s case. But you forgot to bring your laptop to work, or you need to charge it or take it in for a repair. Or maybe you upgraded to a new computer and haven’t transferred your files yet.
In any of those cases, you wouldn’t be able to do your job well. However, the cloud takes away those problems as long as you have an internet connection.
Whether you borrow a colleague’s laptop or use your new one, you can log into your cloud case management program. Then, you can access your patient files as normal, saving time and stress.
Reduce Paperwork
While time efficiency is important, so is physical efficiency. Cloud-based case management can help you cut down on the amount of papers you need to keep in your office.
That way, you don’t need to have as many files or filing cabinets. If you can cut down on papers, you can use your office space more efficiently, and you won’t need a bigger office just for storage purposes.
Whether you want to downsize your office or reallocate the space, the cloud benefits are great. You don’t need to have a spot for every patient file, so you can take on more patients easily.
Save Time
Moving physical files to the cloud can also help you save time. Instead of having to search through different filing cabinets, you can do so from your computer.
And you can use a naming system to help name files. That way, you’ll know what search terms and filters to use when you need to find a specific file.
While it may not save much time for an individual file, it can save time over the course of a day or week. If you have a lot of patients and cases, you may spend hours each week looking for paper files.
Quick Updates
Updating a paper file can take a bit of time. You need to find the file on your computer, know what parts of it need updates, and make those changes. Then, you’ll need to print off the new version and put it in the patient’s folder.
However, you can save a lot of these steps when updating files in the cloud. All you’ll need to do when updating cloud files is find the file and make the changes right there.
You can edit the file when you meet with a patient, which means you can update their information in real-time. That way, you won’t have to wait until you have a break to make the change.
More Security
Another benefit of the cloud for medical professionals is better security. When you rely on paper files, you need a physical system to protect them.
That can involve filing cabinets, specific storage rooms, and keys to restrict physical access. All of that can cost money, and it can get more expensive as you need more storage space.
While you still need digital security measures for storing cloud files, they can be easier and more affordable to implement. You can use passwords and grant different levels of access to different people.
That way, you can access the patient files that you need, and you don’t have to grant access to more people than necessary.
Save Money
Of course, there are some financial benefits of using the cloud. You don’t need to pay for physical storage, and that can get expensive.
While you do need to pay some money for a cloud service, it won’t be as expensive as physical space. Plus, you can get just as much storage space as you need.
That way, you don’t have to spend more than necessary. When you do need more storage, you can upgrade to just what you need.
Easier to Scale
When you rely on physical space for case management, you have a lot of limitations. Of course, you can move to a larger office space with more areas to store files.
However, the cloud doesn’t have the same limits. If you reach the maximum amount of storage, you can upgrade to a plan with more space.
Whether you get one new patient or a hundred new patients, you’ll have space for each of their files. You won’t need the time or money to move to a different office.
Case Management Made Easy
Case management is crucial for health professionals, and the cloud can help make it more efficient. Then, you won’t have to spend time searching for physical files or money on more storage equipment.
Instead, you can spend more time learning about and interacting with your patients. You’ll be able to provide better treatments when you know more about their symptoms and problems.
While the transition to the cloud can take time, it will help save you time overall. That way, you don’t have to focus as much on the administrative side of medicine.
Do you want to learn more about how to manage your cases? Request your free Ebook today.