Did you know that the average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million? That’s just one of the many reasons why it’s so important for medical practices to have a reliable and secure information technology (IT) infrastructure in place. But what’s the best way to achieve this? Should you invest in an in-house IT team or outsource your IT needs to a managed service provider (MSP)?

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both options so you can make the best decision for your medical practice.

The Pros of an In-House IT Team

There are some definite advantages to having an in-house IT team, including:

• You have more control over your IT infrastructure: When you have an in-house IT team, you have more control over how your IT systems are managed and maintained. This can be especially important if you have compliance concerns.

• You can tailor your IT solutions to your specific needs: With an in-house team, you can work with them to develop custom solutions that are tailored specifically to your medical practice’s needs. This includes everything from choosing the right EHR system to designing a secure network.

• You can build a strong relationship with your IT team: When you have an in-house IT team, you’ll likely develop a strong relationship with them over time. This can be beneficial if you need to ask for their help or advice on information technology-related matters.

The Cons of an In-House IT Team

There are also some drawbacks to having an in-house IT team, such as:

• It can be costly: One of the biggest drawbacks of having an in-house IT team is the cost. Not only do you have to pay their salaries, but you also have to cover the cost of benefits, training, and other associated expenses.

• It can be challenging to find qualified IT staff: It can be difficult to find qualified IT staff, especially if you’re located in a small town or rural area. And even if you do find qualified IT professionals, they may not want to work for a medical practice.

• You may not need a full-time IT staff: If you have a small medical practice, you may not need a full-time IT staff. In fact, you may only need someone to handle your IT needs on a part-time or as-needed basis.

The Pros of Outsourcing Your IT Needs

Now let’s take a look at the pros of outsourcing your IT needs to an MSP, such as:

• It’s more affordable: One of the biggest advantages of outsourcing your IT needs is that it’s more affordable than having an in-house IT team. With an MSP, you only have to pay for the services you need, when you need them.

• You’ll have access to a team of IT experts: When you outsource your IT needs to an MSP, you’ll have access to a team of IT professionals who can provide the expertise and support you need. This can be especially beneficial if you have complex IT needs.

• You can focus on your core business: When you outsource your information technology needs, you can free up time and resources so you can focus on your core business. This can help you improve your bottom line and better serve your patients.

The Cons of Outsourcing Your IT Needs

There are also some disadvantages to outsourcing your IT needs, such as:

• You may have less control over your IT infrastructure: When you outsource your IT needs, you may have less control over your IT systems. This can be a concern if you have compliance requirements or other specific needs.

• You may not be able to customize your IT solutions: Depending on the MSP you choose, you may not be able to customize your IT solutions. This means you may have to use the managed service provider’s standard solutions, which may not be the best fit for your medical practice.

• You may not have a personal relationship with your IT team: When you outsource your IT needs, you likely won’t develop a personal relationship with your IT team. This can make it more difficult to get the help and support you need.

So, what’s the verdict? There are both pros and cons to having an in-house IT team and outsourcing your information technology needs. The best solution for your medical practice will depend on your specific needs and budget. If your practice can’t afford an in-house team, managed IT services are a more affordable option and offer the same level of expertise, if not more.