Investing in Practice Technology
March 2025
Like it or not, computers are the backbone of your practice. Even if you aren’t yet fully paperless and exclusively utilizing Electronic Medical Records (EMR), computers are undoubtedly still at the core of your successful day-to-day operations.
Email, imaging, scheduling, phone systems, data management, claim transmission, electronic funds transfers and credit cards are all functions that hinge on a stable and secure computer network environment in your practice.
Maintaining a current technology infrastructure can undoubtably be costly. But it is also a critical investment especially as cybersecurity attacks in the healthcare sector continue to pose serious threats.
How can you be proactive?
(1) Email / Attachments
Don’t use a generic free email account for any practice communication (Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail), this inhibits your ability to comply with HIPAA encryption guidelines and increases your vulnerability to malicious phishing emails. Setup up all staff with their own secure practice email account.
(2) Passwords / Multifactor Authentication
Enforce strong password policies, including complexity requirements, regular password changes, and the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. Prohibit password sharing.
(3) Software Updates*, Antivirus, Firewalls
Keep all software, operating systems, and applications up-to-date with the latest security patches. Utilize firewalls, anti-virus scanning, and encryption.
(4) Training and Monitoring
Regularly evaluate and update cybersecurity policies, procedures, and technologies to adapt to evolving threats and vulnerabilities. Train employees on topics such as phishing attacks and best practices for password management
*Important Update!
Microsoft has announced that their support and software updates for Windows 7, 8, 10 will end in October 2025.
Any outdated computer in your practice – even that rarely used old desktop in your back operatory – can pose a significant security and stability risk to your practice. Learn more at https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/end-of-support
Beyond data security, maintaining updated practice management software enables you to stay up-to-date on the everchanging CDT/CPT/ICD code sets as well as current dental and medical claim forms. Clearinghouses and software vendors are regularly bridging new data fields for electronic claim transmission (EDI), making a successful claim submission harder and harder if your systems are not kept current. In short, investing in your technology infrastructure is a way of maintaining healthy operations and cashflow. It’s a win-win.
Dental Billing & Consulting Professionals is always here for your as a revenue cycle management resource. We are happy to help you maximize technology and get the support you need to meet your goals. Our services are customized to your practice’s specific needs. Call or text us at (860) 435-7344 any time for a free consultation on how we can support you.