{"id":3576,"date":"2021-03-31T15:36:53","date_gmt":"2021-03-31T21:36:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/?p=3576"},"modified":"2024-08-16T14:00:57","modified_gmt":"2024-08-16T21:00:57","slug":"cloud-based-practice-management-can-relieve-dso-pain-points","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/cloud-based-practice-management-can-relieve-dso-pain-points\/","title":{"rendered":"How a Cloud-Based Practice Management Solution Can Relieve Pain Points for Your DSO"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re leading a DSO it\u2019s likely there are a variety of good reasons you chose that path. Now that you\u2019re invested, complexity is something to be reckoned with. Leading a complex organization is now among the reasons to consider how a cloud-based practice management solution can relieve the pain-points for DSOs.<\/p>\n<p>Innovation in the past two to three decades has changed much about how you access and manage data. For dentistry, practice management software has helped level the field of patient scheduling, treatment planning, patient communication, data access and storage, and numerous other routine workflows.<\/p>\n<p>Systems are designed to help you do your job better and more efficiently. As a DSO you\u2019re perhaps reaching or already have reached the limits of a system that\u2019s tethered to an in-house, local client-server.<\/p>\n<h2>\u201cThe cloud you say??\u201d<\/h2>\n<p>Hesitancy is common, especially when you consider untethering your organization from a traditional approach to data access, management, and security. But as you\u2019re perhaps already aware that same system could be reaching the limits required for DSO growth.<\/p>\n<p>Cloud-based systems:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Are easily accessible via a secure internet connection<\/li>\n<li>Require no local server setups or bulky computer hardware<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Confidence remains high among those who have chosen a cloud-based solution. In fact, over 80% of healthcare organizations are already using the cloud.<\/p>\n<p>Like a growing number of solo practices, group practices, and DSOs, care providers are discovering that the cloud delivers.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Data accessibility<\/li>\n<li>Centralized control of patient information and practice metrics<\/li>\n<li>Improved security<\/li>\n<li>Regular updates without service interruption<\/li>\n<li>Organizational scalability<\/li>\n<li>Cost savings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>A few fundamental and convincing reasons a cloud-based practice management solution can relieve the pain-points of your DSO<\/h2>\n<p>Again, it\u2019s not that complexity is a bad thing. But with a complex organization comes some challenges that the cloud can certainly better equip you to handle.<\/p>\n<h3>Accessibility vs. Inaccessibility<\/h3>\n<p>A basic pain-point a cloud-based solution heals is limited access to patient and practice information when you need it. Keep in mind, that might be when you\u2019re not in the office.<\/p>\n<p>Equally, refreshing is being able to access your practice data from any type of device from wherever you are. Functionality will depend on the cloud-solution you select.<\/p>\n<p>Accessing a cloud-solution\u2019s capabilities relies on adequate training and practical implementation.<\/p>\n<p>Initial platform evaluation should include questions that apply to set up, implementation, and training such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Is it easy to learn and navigate (especially on-the-fly)?<\/li>\n<li>How intensive is the setup and related training?<\/li>\n<li>Is the training practical and available within a daily workflow or does it require a closed schedule?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Security vs. Vulnerability<\/h3>\n<p>Fearing a data breach or being guilty of a HIPAA violation is a consistent point of concern. No system is 100% failsafe but your vulnerability is reduced when managing your organization in the cloud.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a common misconception that being able to see your server on-site produces better security. But the bigger question is &#8211; who\u2019s monitoring it around-the-clock?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cloud-based systems are considered secure because qualified individuals are solely tasked with monitoring any threats.<\/li>\n<li>Cloud-based systems are commonly certified and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/hipaa-security-rule-compliance-and-the-high-stakes-for-dentists\/\">HIPAA compliant<\/a>. Their security features are much more robust than a traditional, in-house server-based setup.<\/li>\n<li>Cloud-based providers stand alongside you should a breach ever occur. If one happens to your in-house system you\u2019re basically on your own.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It\u2019s vital that you vet all aspects of a preferred cloud vendor. Confirm that the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/avoid-cybersecurity-threats\/\">necessary security protocols<\/a> are in place from data security, HIPAA certification and compliance, back-up redundancy, and support in the event of an unfortunate breach.<\/p>\n<h3>Cost-effective vs. Cost-intensive<\/h3>\n<p>Software is an investment. There\u2019s an up-front cost and there are ongoing costs.<\/p>\n<p>Cloud-based solutions are no different. Cost-effectiveness will depend on the vendor and the built-in capabilities that come with your investment.<\/p>\n<p>Some cloud solutions are subscription-based. It\u2019s important when considering one that you explore the line items associated with your investment.<\/p>\n<p>Compared with a cloud-based system keep in mind that traditional client\/server-based software often comes with a licensing fee attached. Related, a cloud vendor could typically charge a monthly fee.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Confirm all fee structures when selecting a cloud-based solution. Monthly? What\u2019s included? Will it be cost-effective as your organization grows?<\/li>\n<li>Clarify any and all equipment costs. And ask about upgradability, maintenance, replacement, etc.<\/li>\n<li>Evaluate the system\u2019s capacity to integrate with any third-party applications (e.g. digital imaging, billing, insurance, patient communications, etc).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Scalable vs. Fixed<\/h3>\n<p>Your ability to scale as you grow your DSO is another point of consideration. A contractual agreement with your chosen cloud vendor will most often allow for organizational growth.<\/p>\n<p>A cloud-based agreement will differ from a client\/server-based agreement. You want your platform to have expansion in mind.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Determine growth goals as you negotiate your vendor contract.<\/li>\n<li>Build-in allowances for growth and \u201cbandwidth\u201d capacity for meeting your expansion goals.<\/li>\n<li>Seek to \u201clock-in\u201d a fee structure of fee package that serves your growth goals for an extended period of time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are undeniable benefits of a cloud-based system for your DSO. You probably won\u2019t find a one-size-fits-all solution, so due diligence is essential as you choose.<\/p>\n<p>Explore these related resources to further confirm how a cloud-based solution could be right for your growing DSO:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/cloud-right-for-you\/\">Why the Cloud is Right for Your Solo Dental Practice, Private Group Practice, or DSO<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/denticon-pricing-for-dsos-of-the-why-denticon-series\/\">Denticon Pricing for DSOs \u2014 Part 2 of the \u201cWhy Denticon?\u201d Series<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>When you\u2019re ready to choose!<\/h3>\n<p>You might find the cloud solution like Denticon to be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/most-powerful-denticon-features-for-dsos-and-group-practices-of-the-why-denticon-series\/\">a more efficient dental practice management platform<\/a> to monitor and drive your dental practice, group practice, or DSOs\u2019 performance.<\/p>\n<p>The Denticon platform also provides:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A predictable, monthly subscription rate<\/li>\n<li>Data hosted in the cloud that\u2019s remotely and securely accessible<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/recession-proof-your-dental-practice\/\">Savings<\/a> that compared with a \u201clegacy\u201d system can total an average of 40%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It makes sense to explore the massive potential of upgrading to a cloud-based dental practice management solution.<\/p>\n<p>Thinking about or ready to update your dental practice management software? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/contact-us\/\">Contact us<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/book-a-demo\/\">request a demo<\/a> of the Denticon platform\u2026before you decide!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re leading a DSO it\u2019s likely there are a variety of good reasons you chose that path. Now that you\u2019re invested, complexity is something to be reckoned with. Leading&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3577,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[379,1416,146,1417],"tags":[467,416,468,469,470,471,417],"class_list":["post-3576","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-denticon","category-growth","category-practice-management","category-technology","tag-dental-practice-management-software","tag-dental-software","tag-denticon-software","tag-denticon-solution","tag-dso-practice-management-software","tag-dso-solutions","tag-practice-management-solution"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3576","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3576"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3576\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3577"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3576"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3576"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3576"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}