Healthcare IT, AI & Automation Consulting for SMB Practices
HIPAA-aligned cloud migration, cybersecurity, and AI automation for clinics and healthcare practices. Houston-based, U.S. remote.
HIPAA-aligned modernization for clinics and practices that need defensible IT, not just working IT.
I'm Scott McAuley, a Houston-based IT and AI consultant serving healthcare, medical, and dental SMB practices across the U.S. remotely. I design HIPAA-aligned cloud environments, cybersecurity foundations, and safe AI automation that protect patient data and pass audits. I work alongside your existing EHR vendor and MSP, keep recommendations vendor-neutral, and deliver clear reporting your administrator and board can actually use.
Common challenges
- Aging on-prem infrastructure with frequent downtime
- HIPAA compliance gaps flagged in risk assessments
- EHR/PM integrations that constantly break
- Phishing and ransomware targeting patient data
- No bandwidth to evaluate AI tools safely
Why work with me
- I've designed HIPAA-aligned Azure environments that passed audit on the first attempt
- I work alongside your existing EHR vendor and MSP — I don't try to replace them
- Vendor-neutral: my recommendations fit your size and budget, not a partner program
- Clear monthly reporting your administrator and board can actually use
How I help
- Cloud & IT Infrastructure — HIPAA-aligned Azure / M365 with backup, DR, and BAAs in place.
- Cybersecurity Foundations — MFA, EDR, email auth, training, and incident response built for HIPAA.
- AI Voice & CX — Front-desk overflow, scheduling, and reminders with compliance-aware scripts.
- Fractional CTO / vCIO — Strategic IT and AI leadership without a full-time hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep a small practice HIPAA compliant?
I start with a Security Rule risk assessment, then close gaps with MFA, encryption, EDR, access controls, audit logging, and backups. I put Business Associate Agreements in place with every vendor, document safeguards, and give you a reporting trail so you can demonstrate compliance during an audit or breach investigation.
Will you replace our EHR or practice-management vendor?
No. I work alongside your existing EHR, practice-management, and MSP relationships. My job is to make those systems integrate reliably, stay secure, and meet HIPAA requirements. Recommendations are vendor-neutral and sized to your practice and budget, not tied to any partner program or product I'm paid to resell.
How do you protect patient data from ransomware?
Layered defense: phishing-resistant MFA, endpoint detection and response, email authentication, patched systems, least-privilege access, and staff training. Just as important, I maintain tested, immutable offline backups and a written incident response plan so that if attackers get in, you can restore patient records quickly without paying a ransom.
Can we use AI in a clinic without violating HIPAA?
Yes, carefully. I evaluate AI tools for where protected health information flows, require signed BAAs, and favor solutions that keep PHI within compliant environments. For front-desk overflow, scheduling, and reminders I use compliance-aware scripts, so you gain efficiency without exposing patient data to unvetted models or unmanaged third parties.
What does healthcare IT consulting cost for a small practice?
It depends on your size, systems, and risk profile, so I scope every engagement individually. Many practices start with a fixed-fee risk assessment, then move to a monthly fractional CTO or vCIO arrangement. That gives you strategic IT and security leadership at a predictable cost, far below a full-time hire.