The Top 6 Tips for Running a Successful Private Healthcare Office During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Running a private healthcare office comes with its own, inherent challenges—throw in an unexpected, unpredictable global pandemic, and suddenly, those challenges have compounded. As a small business, especially in the healthcare industry, you’re focused on putting your patients’ privacy and protection first—now, however, you’re attempting to juggle new regulations, ongoing HIPAA compliance, ever-changing rules, and more.

With all of these things piling up, the stress of running your business can seem overwhelming. But we’re not here to dwell on the issues that pandemic has brought us. We’re here to share some impactful news—news that we believe can help you reset and refocus your private healthcare office, making it easier than ever to get back on track for success!

The Need-to-Know Tips for Running Your Healthcare Business Successful In the Midst of a Pandemic

With all the changes you’ve made this year, pivoting you’ve had to do, and adjustments you’ve had to get used to, it’s probably hard to think about tacking on even more change. Don’t worry, we’ve kept that in mind with this guide. The tips we’ve laid out are easy to understand and even easier to implement, making it simpler (and more streamlined) than ever for you to get back on track, steering your private healthcare office toward success.

Don’t Let Your HIPAA Compliance Slip

You’re the healthcare professionals, so you don’t need us to lay out the importance of HIPAA compliance—you’ve already got that part covered. What we’re here to do is remind you that your compliance is more important now than ever. With the way things have changed, it’s likely that some of your employees, coworkers, and patients are sharing private information online—from healthcare records to payment information, it’s more crucial than ever to ensure you’re doing everything needed to keep your compliance in check.

Our suggestion? Even if you’re moderately sure that you’re doing everything by the book, check-in with HIPAA Privacy guidelines for your industry and make sure that how you’re currently operating falls into those guidelines. Remember, your HIPAA guidelines fall into three major categories—administrative, physical security, and technical security. You’ll want to be sure that you’re doing everything by the book—especially since so much of your process has changed lately.

Protect Yourself, Your Patients, and Your Connection

Privacy is crucial in your line of work. It’s your duty to ensure that your patients are protected in more ways than one, and in our modern society, that includes digital protection. Just as you’d never leave the door to your medical office unlocked and open for anyone to walk in, you should never attempt to run a private medical office on an unsecured, unsafe connection.

If you can, have a professional come in for an audit and test the security of your network and connection. This can be incredibly revealing, show you where your weak spots are, and give you a guideline for where to begin fixing any privacy issues you might be dealing with.

Opt for the Best High-Speed Business Internet

Your private healthcare business can only function as well as the connection that fuels it. It’s no secret that we all rely on the internet these days, and your business is no exception. If you, like so many other businesses, had to nudge toward digital operations as a result of the pandemic, you’re probably realizing more than ever how crucial reliable, cutting-edge, high-speed business internet connection is.

Our advice? Partner with the best high-speed business internet service provider in your area. Look for a business internet provider who can supply you with super-fast speeds (500mbps is our recommendation), premium tech support (because we all need help from time to time), secure connections, and optimum voice features.

Don’t Skimp When it Comes to Voice & Mobile Tools

Your patients—and your co-workers and colleagues—need to know you’re doing everything in your power to make their experiences seamless and streamlined. Because of this, it’s crucial to choose voice and mobile tools that will uncomplicate your life and your business—not the other way around.

Partnering with a provider who can offer you a multitude of features is key! Some of the best providers out there will offer you mobile and voice tools that include things like:

• Fast, reliable service
• Cloud storage
• 4g LTE
• VOIP phone systems
• Hosted business voice
• Toll-free numbers
• Mobile plans and devices
• Voicemail to email features
• Call routing services
• Collaboration tools
• Wi-Fi hotspot access
• Free email accounts
• Unlimited calling

Maintain Data Streams on COVID-19 For Situational Awareness

As a healthcare provider, it’s your job to stay up-to-date and informed—especially when it comes to the pandemic. You’ll need to ensure that you’re up to speed when it comes to your area’s unique guidelines, whether it pertains to your state, county, city, or specific facility. Reliable, speedy internet connections and consistent mobile plans can ensure your ability to check-in regularly with new guidelines, ensuring that you and your office are always on-par with the ever-changing regulations.

Create a Communication Plan for Your Workers, Staff, Patients, and Community

Communication is key for any business—especially during an unprecedented event like the pandemic. One of the best things you can do as a business—no matter what industry you’re in—is ensure that communication is transparent, consistent, and thorough.

Try setting up virtual town halls, huddles, and daily calls with local leaders. Create your own version of best practices based on CDC guidelines for how to handle daily work, patient delivery, and more. Schedule regular check-ins and conferences with staff and patients through email, phone, and more to ensure that everyone is always up to speed.

Protecting Your Business and Prospering During a Pandemic—We’re Here to Help You

Though the challenges of the pandemic certainly aren’t over, you’ve already learned several ways to adapt, change, and keep your patients, staff, and communities safe—we want to help you charge forward as we face new obstacles and celebrate new wins. At Optimum Business, we’re proud to provide small business partners like you with the tools, equipment, and service you need to stay protected, grow your business, and thrive—no matter what life throws at you.

We’re here for anything you might need—from secure, high speed business internet and cutting-edge mobile plans to encouragement and tips for growth. No matter what the rest of the year (and beyond) might throw your way, you can count on us to be a steadfast partner in the face of change. Have questions about how we can help? Contact us today! Our representatives are standing by with information, answers, and encouragement—give us a call now at 866-209-1099 to learn more!