Once healthcare organizations have established partnerships with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), the focus shifts to maximizing the long-term value of these relationships. As noted in recent academic research on healthcare partnerships, "The health care sector is in the midst of transformational change (i.e., more patients, technology, information, patient-centered care, and new delivery models) and faces many challenges in keeping up with the dynamic nature of the sector." Beyond initial implementation and compliance achievement, successful partnerships deliver ongoing benefits through continuous risk management, enhanced operational efficiency, and strategic advantages that strengthen both patient care and organizational resilience.
Both MSPs and MSSPs play roles in the ongoing risk assessment activities required by HIPAA. The Security Rule requires covered entities to conduct regular risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in their systems and implement appropriate safeguards. As Larisa Albanians observes in How MSSPs Can Help Healthcare Organizations Meet and Exceed HIPAA Compliance, "One of the first steps in achieving HIPAA compliance is conducting a thorough risk assessment"—a process that can be complex and time-consuming for healthcare organizations to manage independently.
The scope of compliance challenges facing organizations today is substantial. According to The Hacker News, "Recent data shows there are approximately 33.3 million SMBs in the U.S., and 60% or more are not fully compliant with at least one regulatory standard." This statistic shows the need for professional compliance management services that MSPs and MSSPs can provide.
MSPs and MSSPs bring systematic approaches to risk assessment that many healthcare organizations lack internally. As noted in MSP HIPAA Compliance: Key Requirements, Challenges & Solutions, "MSPs can conduct risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and areas of noncompliance." They use established frameworks and tools to evaluate technical, administrative, and physical safeguards. Their experience across multiple healthcare clients provides a valuable perspective on common vulnerabilities and effective mitigation strategies.
As explained in The Hacker News, "Traditional compliance audits have been conducted periodically—often annually or quarterly. However, this approach leaves gaps where security threats and compliance violations can go unnoticed." Continuous monitoring helps healthcare organizations maintain a current understanding of their risk profile and implement timely remediation measures.
Compliance monitoring represents another area where managed service providers excel. They implement automated tools and processes that continuously verify compliance with HIPAA requirements. This might include monitoring user access patterns to ensure the principle of least privilege is maintained, verifying that encryption is properly implemented across all systems handling ePHI, and confirming that audit logging is functioning correctly.
Learn more: Healthcare and the principle of least privilege
These training programs typically cover technical aspects of HIPAA compliance that may be outside the expertise of healthcare staff. This includes training on proper use of technology systems, recognition of security threats, and appropriate response procedures for suspected incidents. MSPs and MSSPs can provide role-specific training that addresses the particular compliance challenges faced by different types of healthcare workers. Academic research has shown that successful partnerships require understanding "the role of employee beliefs and attitudes in supporting organizational outcomes," emphasizing the importance of training and engagement programs.
One of the benefits of MSP and MSSP partnerships is how they enable healthcare organizations to focus on their primary mission. According to Channel Insider, "By entrusting HR and IT management and support to MSPs, healthcare organizations can focus their resources on their core mission of delivering high-quality patient care." This strategic advantage allows medical professionals and administrators to concentrate on clinical excellence rather than the technical complexities of HIPAA compliance.
The real-world impact of compliance burden on organizations is illustrated by case studies from the MSP industry. As one MSP executive shared with The Hacker News, "Before using Compliance Manager GRC, compliance was drowning us. One law firm client alone was costing us $5,000 a month in lost revenue and wasted time on audits and documentation." This example demonstrates how compliance management, when not properly systematized, can consume resources that should be directed toward core business activities.
The value of this focused approach is reinforced by academic research showing that "The advantage of IOR is heterogeneous organizations with differing motivations, interests, and practices can partner to create synergic benefits and value creation." When healthcare organizations attempt to manage compliance internally, they often find that resources are diverted from patient care activities. Staff members who should be focused on clinical outcomes instead spend time troubleshooting IT issues, managing security incidents, or struggling with compliance documentation. MSPs and MSSPs eliminate these distractions by taking full responsibility for the technical aspects of compliance management.
The benefits of MSP and MSSP partnerships extend beyond operational efficiency to include patient relationships and organizational reputation. As Larisa Albanians notes, "This partnership not only helps in complying with legal requirements but also builds trust with patients." When healthcare organizations can demonstrate data protection capabilities through their managed service relationships, they strengthen patient confidence in their ability to safeguard sensitive health information.
The importance of demonstrating compliance commitment cannot be overstated in today's market environment. As The Hacker News reports, "Consumers and partners are more likely to work with businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to compliance and data security." This trust-building aspect becomes important in an era where data breaches regularly make headlines and patients are increasingly aware of privacy risks.
MSPs and MSSPs also help healthcare organizations stand out in competitive markets. According to The Hacker News, "MSPs that provide compliance as a managed service stand out in a crowded market." This differentiation extends to healthcare organizations that can demonstrate superior data protection and compliance capabilities through their service provider relationships.
The competitive advantage becomes more significant when healthcare organizations can point to continuous monitoring capabilities rather than traditional periodic assessments. This shows a proactive approach to compliance that resonates with patients, partners, and regulatory bodies alike.
The regulations surrounding healthcare data protection continue to change. MSPs and MSSPs help healthcare organizations navigate this complexity by maintaining current expertise across all applicable requirements.
This is important given the resource constraints facing healthcare organizations. As the academic research indicates, "During times of squeezed budgets and resources which are emphasized post-pandemic, the focus on maximizing social value must be realized by existing resources". These service providers invest in staying current with regulatory changes and industry best practices in ways that individual healthcare organizations often cannot match. They participate in industry associations, maintain relationships with regulatory bodies, and invest in continuing education for their staff. This expertise helps ensure that their healthcare clients remain compliant as requirements evolve.
Technology evolution also requires ongoing attention to maintain compliance effectiveness. New types of medical devices, cloud services, and digital health tools create new compliance challenges that must be addressed systematically. As noted in MSP HIPAA Compliance: Key Requirements, Challenges & Solutions, modern considerations include how "cloud-based platforms can be accessed from anywhere with internet connection, whereas on-prem access is limited." MSPs and MSSPs help healthcare organizations evaluate and implement new technologies in ways that maintain HIPAA compliance while supporting operational objectives. Research has demonstrated the importance of understanding how partnerships can lead to both intended benefits and unintended consequences, requiring careful management to maximize positive outcomes while minimizing potential risks.
Read also: Simplify HIPAA compliant email for your clients
They often offer scalable, cost-effective packages tailored to resource-limited healthcare settings.
ROI is typically measured through improved compliance scores, incident reduction, cost savings, and operational efficiency.
No, they supplement internal teams and handle specific managed services as defined in the partnership agreement.
They assist in developing and managing HIPAA compliant disaster recovery and data backup strategies.
Yes, long-term contracts without flexibility clauses can limit adaptability to changing needs or technologies.