IT staff augmentation and managed IT services are two options for healthcare practices looking for office staff support. Staff augmentation outsources specific tasks and functions (input), while managed services outsource the entire problem and solution to a third-party vendor (output).
The landscape of healthcare IT is more than just electronic health records or managing a server. IT services include the management of cybersecurity, VoIP solutions, server backup, recovery, and more. Medicus IT can help you optimize your current team, with our managed IT services.
What is staff augmentation?
Staff augmentation provides skilled technical resources to cover mission-critical positions on a temporary or permanent basis to enhance a company’s IT needs. Think of travel nurses who have been in high demand over the course of the pandemic - they travel to places around the nation that are experiencing staffing gaps. In this case, it is your IT projects that require the expertise of project management. Staff augmentation, also known as resident staffing, is the outsourcing of contract employees to create project scaling based on current needs by leveraging the staff you already have at the ready.
Some pros and cons may help to paint a clear picture of managed services vs. staff augmentation:
Staff Augmentation Pros:
- Helps to fill gaps during vacation and sick leave
- Short hiring time
- Reduces operational costs
Staff Augmentation Cons:
- Only temporary
- Limited commitment
- Risk resides with the client
Resident staffing fills gaps without spending too much time in the hiring and training process. While it has its perks in the right situation, it is not the best option for every circumstance.
What are managed services?
IT managed services offers a more holistic approach that includes a comprehensive collection of services for long-term solutions and management. Just like outsourcing medical billing and coding, outsourcing your IT services to a third party provider brings many advantages to your organization in a different way from staff augmentation. Managed services introduce a long-term solution to all of your IT needs, including:
- Cybersecurity, including management of electronic health record security
- VoIP solutions
- Backup recovery
- Committed services for a specific rate
Managed services are popular for small or large organizations that lack the up front capital required to hire and manage an in-house IT team. If you are looking for long-term solutions with the expertise you need and the dedication you require for your organization, Medicus IT should be the first step on your path to IT success and independence.
Staff Augmentation vs. Managed Services: Medicus IT can Help with Both
Whether you are looking for staff augmentation or an IT managed services model, you should conduct your own research to determine the best path for your organization’s needs. Medicus IT can provide exactly what you need with a fully managed services package that increases your efficiency to improve patient care. For all of your IT needs, Medicus IT is the best solution. To learn more about our services, contact us today.
