Why Are Practices Switching to Cloud Image Storage?

If you’ve been talking about digitizing your practice, chances are you’ve come across the topic of cloud computing and cloud storage. The concept of cloud-based communications has revolutionized almost every aspect of our lives, and it’s no surprise that this groundbreaking technology has also made a measurable impact in healthcare. But just for starters - what is it?

A View from Above - What Is Cloud Storage?
Simply put, cloud storage refers to a computing service model where all types of data can be securely stored on a remote storage system, aka “the cloud”, and can be accessed anytime from any location. The maintenance and management of the cloud is provided by a hosting company or platform, like Carestream Dental’s Sensei Imaging Cloud Services, and it offers a variety of benefits to users in an easy-to-share and access system.

For dental practitioners, cloud storage solutions have become extremely useful in not only maintaining patient chart information, but also as a convenient platform to save imaging. Any practice, large or small, can store thousands upon thousands of image files in a cloud-based system to help streamline workflows, increase efficiency and improve their bottom line. If you’re still wondering if moving to a cloud-based storage solution is the right decision, consider these advantages and how cloud image storage can take your practice to a new altitude.

Safe & Sound in the Cloud
While modern-day privacy breaches are all too common, dental practitioners need not worry when it comes to the security of patient data in the cloud. Cloud-based systems use data-encryption coding for security purposes and are regularly monitored for risk assessment to be fully HIPAA-compliant as a tool for maintaining electronic medical records. Strict cyber security protocols and procedures are in place to ensure the safety and security of data in the cloud, even while allowing for ease of access and sharing. You can rest easy when accessing images, and there will never be a “misplaced” file or lost image with the power of the cloud as your practice watchdog.

Access Whenever - and Wherever - You Need
Just as its name suggests, the cloud isn’t tethered, and therefore neither are you. Images can be accessed anywhere you have an internet connection, providing practices with greater flexibility. More flexibility means more efficiency and faster turnaround times, so you can see more patients and communicate more effectively by having easy, immediate access to their images. Sharing patient data, internally or with other providers, also becomes more manageable and improves upon patient services. And because images stored in the cloud can be accessed and shared with such ease, you will see an increase of collaboration within your practice - amongst staff and patients alike.

Be a Smooth Operator with Improved Workflows
It’s not only access that’s improved with cloud-based images - it’s also practice organization and everyday workflows. Cloud solutions enable a smooth process to migrate and store information, so time is freed up from hunting down files and less energy is spent on keeping track of paper - or X-ray - trails. Your entire practice staff will benefit from the immediate access to images and the seamless organization that a cloud solution offers. With images stored securely in the cloud, the focus can remain on patient care and communication, not unpredictable and messy office maintenance. You’ll have all the information and every image you need for visits and exams exactly when you need them.

Convenient, cloud-stored images are changing the way dental practices operate and are improving the quality of patient care. With increased security protocols, easy access and optimized workflows, cloud solutions are proving to be game-changers for dental providers. If you’re interested in learning more about how your own practice can reach new heights with the benefits of cloud storage using Sensei Imaging, schedule a demo below.