3. Drive down costs with digital or internet-based systems. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) uses modern technology that allows seamless communications and reduces infrastructure costs. These systems use existing internet connections, which can reduce the need for maintaining separate telephone lines. However, it’s important to note that communications will only be as reliable as the internet system being used.
“Typically VoIP services are cost-effective solutions as they let companies make and receive calls at rates much lower than traditional telecommunication services,” according to Forbes.
4. Add additional phone lines and services as needed. Facilities will find that adding new lines using VoIP technologies is typically easier and less expensive compared to adding POTS lines. That’s because with VoIP, there’s no need to add physical infrastructure for new lines.
Adding digital communication services can provide new levels of flexibility, scalability and advanced features. Facilities can utilize these capabilities to quickly adapt to changing needs, implement new services and improve their overall communications without disrupting operations.
“Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are coming to realize that being competitive means using the same tools that bigger businesses do. Which is why many SMBs are turning to software-based technology over the internet—also known as the cloud—to help even the playing field,” according to Verizon . “When it comes to business communications, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution could be exactly what your business needs to deliver big results without breaking your budget.”
5. Experience more reliable telecommunications. POTS lines can have noise and interference, which impacts the quality of calls and can lead to misunderstandings if providers and patients can’t clearly hear each other or calls get dropped.
Modern systems typically offer automatic failover capabilities that switch to backup servers or alternate pathways if the primary connection fails. This ensures continuous service. In addition, digital communication systems benefit from regular updates and patches that fix bugs, close gaps in security vulnerabilities and improve overall performance.
“VoIP telephone service is a great blend of familiar and contemporary. Because it’s so similar to traditional phone service, it’s easy for users to make the transition to VoIP services. No extensive trainings or constant troubleshooting necessary,” according to Verizon. “Plus, since it’s all in the cloud, VoIP service provides access to advanced communications features that can help you improve productivity and performance.”
6. Connect with health IT systems to share data and optimize electronic health records. VoIP systems can be integrated with a facility’s existing IT infrastructure, reducing the need for specialized hardware to maintain and manage communication networks.
Seamless integration ensures data can flow freely between systems to improve coordination between different departments. For example, the integration can support workflow automation, such as sending appointment reminders that help reduce no-shows and improve patient satisfaction.
7. Enhance security to meet privacy and regulatory needs. Modern communication systems use encryption to protect sensitive data, which is increasingly important as data breaches become more common and sophisticated. Advanced communications systems can protect data during transit while helping to prevent unauthorized access and ensuring data integrity.
By leveraging today’s communications technologies, facilities can implement comprehensive security measures to mitigate the risk of cyber threats, reduce potential liabilities and enhance overall resilience of the facility’s IT infrastructure. Facilities can take a proactive approach to security, enabling a safer environment for both patients and healthcare providers.
