As technology becomes more essential in healthcare, medical practices are relying on a wider range of digital tools to run smoothly, serve patients, and stay compliant. But with that technology comes a lot of unfamiliar terminology. Whether you’re managing a growing office or simply want to understand the tools your practice depends on, knowing the basics can help you make informed decisions—and communicate more effectively with your tech support team.
Here are ten tech terms every medical practice should know, explained in plain language:
Your network is the system that connects all your devices—computers, printers, phones, and more—so they can communicate with each other and access the internet. A well-designed network keeps your software running smoothly, allows staff to access electronic records quickly, and protects patient information from unauthorized access. It’s the backbone of your digital operations.
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. These phones use your internet connection instead of traditional phone lines. They offer clearer call quality, lower costs, and helpful features like voicemail to email, call routing, and remote access—perfect for practices with hybrid teams or telehealth services.
Managed IT refers to outsourcing your technology needs to a team that monitors, maintains, and supports your systems. Instead of hiring an in-house IT person, your managed service provider (MSP) takes care of software updates, security, troubleshooting, backups, and more—usually for a flat monthly fee. It helps you prevent problems before they happen and ensures expert support when you need it.
Onsite IT means a technician physically comes to your office to handle equipment issues, installations, or system maintenance.
Offsite IT (also called remote support) allows technicians to access your systems from a different location to fix problems or perform updates without stepping foot in your office.
Most medical practices use a combination of both for flexibility and speed.
A firewall is a digital gatekeeper that protects your network from threats like hackers, viruses, or unauthorized access. It filters incoming and outgoing data, blocking anything suspicious. For medical practices, a firewall is essential for HIPAA compliance and patient data security.
Cloud backup means your important data is stored securely on remote servers (instead of only on your in-office computers). If your systems crash, your information is still safe and recoverable. This is critical for protecting electronic health records (EHR), financial data, and patient files from loss due to fire, theft, or system failure.
Encryption is the process of converting information into a secure format that only authorized users can read. When data is encrypted, it’s protected from being intercepted or accessed by hackers. This is especially important when transmitting patient information through email, patient portals, or telemedicine platforms.
A patch is a small software update that fixes bugs or security vulnerabilities. Patch management means keeping all of your systems up to date with the latest patches to protect against threats. It’s a quiet but essential part of IT support that helps keep your systems safe and functional.
A server is a powerful computer that stores and manages data for your practice. It might hold your patient records, billing systems, and shared files. Servers can be located onsite (in your office) or in the cloud (hosted remotely). Keeping your server secure and well-maintained is key to avoiding downtime and data loss.
2FA adds an extra layer of security when logging in. In addition to your password, you’re asked to verify your identity with a second method—like a code sent to your phone. For healthcare practices, 2FA helps protect patient records and user accounts, even if someone’s password is compromised.
You don’t need to become an IT expert to run a successful practice—but understanding the basics helps you ask the right questions and make smart decisions. Whether you’re adding new services, expanding your staff, or just trying to prevent costly downtime, clear communication with your tech team starts with shared language.
MedTech provides managed IT support specifically designed for medical practices. We simplify the technology so you can focus on what matters most—caring for your patients. Need help understanding your current setup or planning for growth? Contact us today to schedule a tech check-up.
Don’t let tech challenges hinder your practice’s growth. Partner with MedTech Consulting for expert IT solutions tailored to healthcare.
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