Recognizing the unique requirements of healthcare organizations is essential to delivering effective IT support.
What is most critical for healthcare companies?
Users require immediate and reliable access to critical patient information.
Users are constantly on the move, so requests must be addressed quickly and efficiently.
Experience with industry-specific applications such as PCC, eClinicalWorks, Sigma Care, and more.
Identifying cost-effective solutions that deliver the appropriate level of service.
Understanding HIPAA compliance requirements.
Safeguarding patient information, including medical records and personal data.
Computer Associates, a specialized division of Network Doctor, was established to meet the unique and demanding IT requirements of the healthcare sector. Unlike many other industries, healthcare depends on a highly tailored IT approach, where even minor technical issues can directly affect patient care. With experience supporting skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare organizations, Computer Associates provides responsive, industry-specific support designed for this critical environment. Our team recognizes that every technical issue impacts patient well-being, and we work diligently to keep systems secure, operational, and compliant with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA. This hands-on, patient-first philosophy defines Computer Associates as the trusted healthcare arm of Network Doctor, dedicated to protecting healthcare operations so providers can focus on what matters most—their patients.
With the modernization of healthcare IT since the mid-2000s, providers have increasingly adopted modern technology systems to accelerate the growth of their practices. As HIPAA has emerged as a primary standard for protecting, transmitting, and storing data, traditional paper charts and legacy workflows have become inefficient, often causing delays in patient diagnosis, billing, and payments. As a result, Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) have become essential components of modern healthcare operations.
HIPAA requires IT controls to safeguard patient information while at rest, in transit, and in storage. These controls include measures such as encryption, strong passwords, and audit logging to track access to all records. Patient records are no longer maintained as a single paper chart moving through a physician’s office from storage to nursing, physicians, billing, and insurance. Instead, modern systems store patient data as individual electronic records that collectively form a complete patient profile. Elements such as name, Social Security number, and date of birth are now stored as separate records, unlike traditional paper charts where all information existed as a single file. To remain compliant, each data field within an electronic chart must be protected, and appropriate controls must be implemented to monitor and log access to electronic records.
Rapid access to patient information during emergencies has become the accepted standard of care. Patients now have online portal access to their personal records, lab results, diagnoses, and outcomes, with the ability to review, share, and grant physicians permission to use this information for treatment and diagnosis. Because this data can change frequently—sometimes daily or even hourly—traditional data protection methods are no longer sufficient. Relying on daily or weekly backups that capture only a single point in time is no longer effective. Modern systems enable backups as frequently as every hour, preserving critical updates to patient information as they are entered throughout the day. In addition, EHR access allows physicians to securely review patient data outside of office hours, ensuring timely care during emergencies.
Regulatory requirements are pushing healthcare organizations (HCOs) to implement and invest more heavily in technology. Value-Based Reimbursement (VBR) models and updated ICD-9/10 requirements demand advanced systems and data analysis capabilities to review and manage patient charts and diagnoses effectively. Billing now depends on precise diagnosis documentation and accurate recordkeeping, followed by the secure transmission of data to insurance providers. In addition, the variety of EHR platforms in use is driving the development of new technologies that enhance accessibility, integration, and information sharing between different EHR systems.
While easier access to data has been a major advancement for physicians, it has also introduced significant risk. The information contained within patient charts is highly valuable, and cybercriminals continue to develop sophisticated tools to breach EHR systems and steal sensitive data. Stolen information is often sold on the dark web, which has become one of the fastest-growing illicit marketplaces worldwide. The rising value of identity theft and the ease of buying and selling personal data place intense pressure on healthcare organizations (HCOs) to remain HIPAA compliant. As a result, HCOs have become prime targets for cyberattacks. Partnering with an IT specialist who has deep expertise in the healthcare industry is essential. For HCOs to deliver high-quality patient care, the availability and security of their data are critical. Additionally, protecting sensitive information on mobile devices presents an ongoing and significant challenge that must be addressed.
System instability, poor performance, and inadequate protection all result in lost time and increased costs when downtime or a security incident occurs. A medical practice can no longer rely on purchasing the cheapest firewall or the most basic server and hope for the best as a security strategy. Every decision carries a cost, and as a practice manager, the key factor you can control is preparation. If your practice is compromised, expenses will quickly add up through data recovery, lost revenue, and operational downtime. By proactively protecting your data, reducing downtime, and preventing data loss, risks become far more manageable—and far less expensive—over time. A data breach that exposes sensitive information and places your practice out of compliance can also result in severe penalties, with fines reaching up to $1.5 million.
Network Doctor delivers a complete range of IT services, covering everything from end-user workstations and networks to servers and cloud platforms. Through continuous training in the latest technologies, our team enables clients to benefit from cutting-edge advancements while reducing the need for costly in-house IT staff. By outsourcing routine and labor-intensive system maintenance, your team can focus on high-priority initiatives. Our professionals can also support your internal IT with new projects and installations where experience may be limited. With expertise in modern server technologies, cloud migrations, security, and data protection, Network Doctor provides the precise IT solutions your practice requires.
I wanted to give a shoutout to your staff for being prompt, responsive, and efficient in resolving some time-sensitive items that have come up for HR&A in the last couple of weeks. It feels good to work with professionals that know what they're doing and got your back.