The global market for cloud computing in health care is expected to grow from $1.7 billion last year to reach $5.4 billion by 2017, according to a report by research firm MarketsandMarkets, Healthcare IT News reports (McCann, Healthcare IT News, 7/2).
Cloud Computing in Health Care
The report noted that two different categories of health IT systems are using cloud computing services:
- Clinical applications, like electronic health records, computerized provider order entry systems and imaging technology; and
- Non-clinical applications, like revenue cycle management systems, patient billing tools and payroll management systems (Hall, FierceHealthIT, 7/5).
Report Findings
According to the report, the health care cloud computing market will experience a compound annual growth rate of 20.5% between 2010 and 2017.
The report predicted that many health care organizations will set aside funds for cloud computing over the next five years as they work to deliver more services while reducing costs.
However, the report noted that certain challenges are hindering more widespread use of cloud computing services, such as:
- Privacy and security concerns; and
- Tight regulation of publicly operated cloud-based storage platforms (Healthcare IT News, 7/2).