There’s no avoiding technology these days. As a practice administrator, you’re pulled in a million different directions and are expected to have the answers. When so much of your practice’s operations rely on a strong technology backbone, you need to know what’s going on. But what’s the best use of your limited time?
As with most things that have value, there aren’t a lot of shortcuts. If you can spend time understanding the right aspects and asking the right questions about technology for your practice, you’ll be ahead of the game. Here are a few of our suggestions on where to focus your energy.
- Learn the basics. Just like learning a new language, you need to build your IT vocabulary and understand how the pieces fit together. Assuming you’ve already come this far by understanding what your basic server, firewall and workstations are, familiarize yourself with some emerging trends and concepts. Don’t hesitate to turn to Google to understand some basics on virtualization, SANs, or security threats like ransomware. Don’t know a term? Right click and google that word! Doesn’t take but a second and you’ll build on what you already know.
- Evaluate new technology. As you build your conceptual knowledge of technology, you’ll need to use it to evaluate new solutions presented by technology vendors. The absolute key to this is ensuring how a particular piece of technology will affect workflow. This is true of something as complex as a new imaging system for your doctors or as mundane as a new spam filtering software. Seeing it work in real time is the best way to understand the solution being presented. The same goes for training and support – if you don’t have support for a go-live, even on something simple, it can be a disaster.
- Walk the walk. Asking someone to implement something new or perhaps change something up? Try it yourself to see if it makes sense. Not only does this help you become more familiar with the proposed solution, but it also brings you closer to your team.
- Have some trusted advisors. Obviously you can’t know everything about everything, especially when it comes to technology. That’s why a set of both internal and external trusted advisors are needed to help steer you in the right direction.
Systeem Medical is your source for all technology needs. Our entire organization is built around understanding your practice and its unique workflow and goals. We’re happy to help educate or advise in any technology discussions. Call us at 940-484-0850 or send us an e-mail.
