3 Myths about health software updates

Anyone who uses clinical practice management software will inevitably encounter prompts to regularly update. But are you really paying attention to these prompts? We take a look at three myths about health software, and why it’s important to finally debunk them.

1. Small updates are no big deal

Software updates are usually small, incremental improvements to improve the operation of your software, smooth out any minor bugs and add support for new models of technical equipment. These updates commonly reach you as a free download for an application, operating system, or software suite.

But although these updates are typically small and free, software updates play important roles often related to introducing new features, improving functionality, and most importantly, protecting data privacy and security.

So in order to ensure your patient data is protected and your system works smoothly, ensure you install all your updates as soon as they are released.

2. Major upgrades will cost me time and money

A major software upgrade often involves installing a completely new version of your clinical management program, which offers a significant change or major improvement over your current version.

One turn off is that there is a lot of time and energy involved in undergoing these larger upgrade projects, and for most busy practices, time lost also means valuable billable hours lost.

However, the long-term effects of not upgrading can actually cost your practice more time and money in the long run. This is because slow, outdated systems can significantly slow your daily workflow down and cost billable hours.

So while there may be some short-term sacrifices needed for major upgrades, the benefits in the long run will be a faster, more secure and reliable clinical and practice management solution, which can free up more valuable time to focus on patient-centric care.

3. Nobody will help me upgrade

At MedicalDirector, we’re here to help and support you from enabling small updates, through to major upgrades. When an update is available for your health software, you will normally be notified electronically, with clear instructions on how to download.

If you have any of our software solutions and an upgrade is required, we offer the upgrade to the latest version for free. Be sure to register the software when you install it and keep an eye out for notifications as well as tutorials on our support pages to ensure the upgrade is completed as seamlessly as possible.

If you’d like a helping hand on updating your software, or want to pick up some tips and shortcuts to further increase your efficiency in using any of our solutions, MedicalDirector offers a range of tutorials and support.

We also offer classroom training, as well as basic and advanced online training for new users and up-skill existing users. Classroom and one-to-one training is available year-round in capital cities across Australia. Simply book a session online or get in touch with us to find a session convenient to you.