Accessing health data and sharing it securely has always been challenging. By nature, health data is sensitive, which means it requires the highest level of privacy or security. But then again, not being able to access that data when necessary can cause significant harm. This problem has prevented the healthcare industry from achieving universal interoperability. Unfortunately, a lack of interoperability prevents healthcare givers from understanding patients’ health needs, leading to poor outcomes and high costs.
What Is Interoperability?
Interoperability is the ability of various information systems, applications, and devices to access, integrate and exchange data in a coordinated manner within organizations and across regional and national boundaries.
One technology that is helping the healthcare industry move closer to achieving perfect interoperability is cloud fax technology. A secure faxing service for healthcare facilities can help healthcare givers easily access patient information, diagnose conditions accurately and increase more positive outcomes.
How Cloud Fax Boosts Interoperability in Healthcare
Cloud faxing services are centralized and compatible with many devices. Due to this nature, they allow multiple healthcare givers to exchange information efficiently across different platforms. Some of the ways cloud-based faxing boosts interoperability are discussed below.
Increasing Efficiency
When different healthcare systems are working together, it becomes necessary to maximize efficiency. This will promote a streamlined process that will ensure no one system prevents information exchange. Cloud fax systems can help with this. They reduce the need for physical filing, scanning, recordkeeping, and waiting. They also prevent the destruction of sensitive data and reduce the inefficiencies that happen when facilities have to spend time figuring out how to get different systems to work together.
Promotes Communication Between Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
Over the last few years, many healthcare facilities have embraced the use of EHRs. In fact, more than 80% of facilities have adopted a basic EHR system. Cloud faxing is compatible with different EHR systems, allowing for effective communication and flawless exchange of patient data. Adopting cloud faxing technology is a great step towards convenient interfacility communication.
Encourages Data Sharing in Compliance With HIPAA
Traditional faxing can leave a healthcare facility vulnerable to compliance risks. Faxing patient information to the wrong number or leaving patients’ records unattended on a fax machine can easily expose you to lawsuits if that information falls into the wrong hands. Cloud faxing meets HIPAA standards. A healthcare facility won’t face the common risks that come with the traditional faxing system.
Centralizing Data Storage
Cloud fax technology allows healthcare givers to view records in one central repository. This centralization streamlines data access because anyone with authorization can view it from wherever they are. This system is particularly helpful in rural practices that are yet to implement EHRs. A centralized cloud-faxing system promotes data-sharing capabilities.
Providing Structured Data
One of the disadvantages of traditional forms of communication is they lack a consistent structure. Incompatible infrastructure, whether digital or physical, prevents the effective transmission of information. One organization may not have the proper hardware to communicate with the other. Cloud faxing systems are compatible with different systems ensuring facilities access and use the same data.
Enables Multi-Device Access
Faxing may be old technology, but there’s a reason American hospitals still use it. It’s an effective mode of transferring patient data. But even better is a cloud-based fax system. It allows various devices, such as laptops, desktops, and tablets, to access data, thus increasing interoperability.
Cloud-based faxing protect sensitive patient information by eliminating endpoint vulnerabilities. Most importantly, it’s easy to install and makes healthcare givers’ work much more manageable.
