Private practice is a growing field in the medical industry, and as it grows, so does the need for technology. Technology plays a vital role in the success of private practices, and it is essential to have the right tools to ensure that the practice runs smoothly. 

In this article, we will explore the importance of technology in private practice and provide tips and strategies for hiring, remote work, training, and future-proofing your private practice.

When hiring employees for your private practice, it is essential to consider their technology skills. In today's world, technology is an integral part of every industry, including healthcare. Some of the technology skills to look for in private practice employees include: 

1. Computer Literacy

Private practice employees should have basic computer skills and be familiar with common software such as Microsoft Office. They should also be comfortable using electronic health record (EHR) systems and other practice management software. 

2. Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial in any workplace, and it is even more critical in private practice. Employees should be comfortable using email, video conferencing, and other communication tools to interact with patients, colleagues, and vendors. 

3. Security Awareness

Private practice employees should be aware of the importance of data security and be trained in HIPAA compliance. They should be able to identify potential security threats and take steps to prevent them.

Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend. Many private practices have had to adapt to remote work to continue providing care to their patients. Here are some technology tools and tips for a successful remote team. 

1. Video Conferencing

Secure video conferencing tools like Microsoft Teams are essential for remote work. They allow for face-to-face communication and collaboration, making it easier for teams to stay connected. 

2. Cloud-Based Software

Cloud-based software like OneDrive or Dropbox makes it easy for remote teams to access and collaborate on files. It also ensures that everyone has access to the most up-to-date information. 

3. VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) is essential for remote workers to securely connect to the practice's network. It encrypts data and protects against potential security threats.

Training and onboarding are critical components of any successful private practice. It is essential to ensure that new employees are adequately trained and onboarded to prevent any issues down the line. Here are some tips and strategies for training and onboarding private practice employees. 

1. Create a Training Plan

Create a detailed training plan that outlines what the new employee needs to know and how they will be trained. This plan should include both in-person and online training. 

2. Assign a Mentor

Assign a mentor to the new employee to help them navigate the practice and answer any questions they may have. This mentor should be someone who is familiar with the practice's processes and technology. 

3. Provide Ongoing Training

Technology is constantly evolving, and it is essential to provide ongoing training to keep employees up-to-date. This training can be in the form of online courses, webinars, or in-person training sessions.

Having the right hardware is essential for private practice employees to do their job effectively. Here are some essentials that all private practice employees should have. 

1. Desktops

Desktops are ideal for employees who work in the office and need a large screen and processing power. They are also more secure than laptops as they are not portable. 

2. Laptops

Laptops are ideal for employees who need to work remotely or move around the practice. They are portable and allow for flexibility. For remote/hybrid employees, ensure to provide them with a high-power secure laptop with a compatible monitor, keyboard, and mouse to ensure security and increase productivity in their home workspace.

3. Tablets

Tablets are ideal for employees who need to access information on the go. They are lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect for home visits and practice administrators on the move. Tablets have an inherent risk of being lost or stolen. Ensure tablet handling procedures and storage are in place to properly mitigate this risk in your practice.

When you're hiring new employees for your private practice, you need hardware solutions that will help your employees run the software they need efficiently without breaking the bank. 

The Workhorse Bundle by DBR Associates is a carefully selected package including a professional-grade laptop, monitor, and mouse.

Laptops are essential for private practice employees who need to work remotely or move around the practice. Here are some features to consider when choosing the best laptop for your private practice employees. 

1. Portability

Private practice employees need a laptop that is lightweight and easy to carry. Look for laptops that are less than 4 pounds and have a battery life of at least 8 hours. 

2. Processing Power

Private practice employees need a laptop that can handle multiple applications and large files. Look for laptops with at least an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM. 

3. Security Features

Private practice employees handle sensitive patient information, so it is essential to have a laptop with security features.

Having the right software is essential for private practice employees to do their job effectively. Here are some essential software programs that all private practice employees should have. 

1. Practice Management Software (Scheduling, Billing, Point of Sale, Financial Dashboard)

Functioning as the business hub of the practice, practice management software plays a critical role in operating the entire private practice. We recommend identifying a cloud-based solution, when possible, to ensure key functions such as network maintenance, billing, collections, scheduling, and reception can be taken out of the clinic to optimize revenue generating square footage.

2. Electronic Health Records (EHR) Software

While all administrative staff will work with the practice management software, the clinical team will work in the EHR to document the visit to support the billing for services rendered. Integration between practice management software and EHR software is not necessary but is a preferred efficiency. The advantages and staffing cost savings of automated daily claim submission offered by the integration is paramount to keeping human collection hours as low as possible. 

3. Accounting Software

With out-of-the-box solutions as outstanding as Xero and QuickBooks on the market, it’s hard to go wrong. We recommend accounting software that integrates with your corporate bank accounts to ensure staff bookkeeping expenses are tracked automatically as deposits are received, and expenses are withdrawn.

Technology is constantly evolving, and it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends to future-proof your private practice. Here are some technology trends to watch out for. 

1. Telemedicine

Telemedicine and advanced telehealth software have become increasingly popular in recent years and has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Private practices that offer telemedicine services are more likely to attract and retain patients. 

2. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by improving diagnosis and treatment. Private practices that incorporate AI into their practice are likely to see improved patient outcomes. 

3. Wearable Technology

Wearable technology like fitness trackers and smartwatches can provide valuable data for healthcare providers. Private practices that embrace wearable technology are likely to see improved patient engagement and outcomes.

Investing in technology is essential for the success of a private practice. Technology can improve communication, efficiency, and patient outcomes. Private practice employees should be trained in technical skills, and the practice should have the proper hardware and software to ensure that the practice runs smoothly. 

By staying up-to-date with the latest technology trends, private practices can future-proof their practice and provide the best possible care to their patients.