System Backup and Disaster Recovery
What is system backup and disaster recovery?
In the modern healthcare landscape, technology is integral to the operation of the practice. An hour or two of downtime will have a negative impact on patient services and care, and if the system is down for an extended period of time, there would be more severe consequences. IT providers must therefore always be ready in the case of an outage.
How can you help me?
In the event of a disaster, we make it possible to be fully functional as soon as possible through backups. We make sure your system is backed up at all times and will be able to replace the current system completely — easily and smoothly. The systems are backed up continuously and stored onsite to ensure a smooth transition. This is the same for clinical and administrative processes, as we understand both are priorities for you.
Let’s Work Together
Whether you just need a nudge in the right direction or a full range of services to get your practice running smoothly, we’re here to help. Book your discovery call today!
FAQs
How often should I back up my data?
The frequency of data backups depends on how critical your data is and how often it changes, but for most medical clinics, daily automated backups are the minimum standard. Practices with high patient volume or real-time documentation (like EHR updates or billing entries) may benefit from hourly or continuous backups to minimize data loss. The key is to choose a backup frequency that ensures recent patient data, appointment logs, and billing records can be quickly restored without major disruption.
What’s the difference between a backup and disaster recovery?
A backup is a copy of your data saved to a secure location, while disaster recovery is a comprehensive plan that includes not just backups, but the processes and tools needed to restore full systems, software, and workflows after a disruption—whether it’s due to a cyberattack, hardware failure, or natural disaster. In short, backups are a component of disaster recovery, but recovery plans also cover timelines, responsibilities, alternative communication channels, and continuity of care strategies.
Where should I store my backups to ensure they're safe?
The safest approach is to use a combination of secure cloud-based backups and offsite physical storage, following the 3-2-1 rule: keep three copies of your data, on two different types of media, with one copy stored offsite. For healthcare practices, cloud-based solutions should be HIPAA-compliant with strong encryption and access controls. Local backups (like external hard drives or network-attached storage) provide quick access, but cloud backups protect against fire, theft, or on-site disasters.