Overcoming healthcare technology adoption fears
For private medical practices, technology is an essential tool to enhance patient care, streamline operations, & stay competitive. Despite these (& other) clear benefits, many practices are reluctant to adopt new technology. Among some of the more common concerns are upfront costs, possible disruption to workflows, & security risks. For some, it’s simply a question of: ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ but the benefits of the right technology far outweigh the initial challenges. Especially if you’re building your practice to be sustainable & profitable in the long term.
In this blog, we’ll address four common misconceptions about adopting health tech solutions & discuss why investing in technology is a necessary step for the future of your practice.
Myth 1: “Technology is too expensive to implement.”
Reality: While the initial investment in integrated practice management, clinical & billing software may seem high, these solutions provide substantial financial returns over time. When evaluating solutions & comparing costs, it’s crucial to consider the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over several years, not just the initial investment.
Be wary of very low cost solutions that come with hidden costs that you’ll only discover when you end up paying more than what you budgeted for on a monthly basis. You also increase the risk of increasing bad debt & outstanding payments. When evaluating costs, it’s important to factor in the potential for increased revenue, reduced errors, & improved patient satisfaction, which can lead to better patient retention & word-of-mouth referrals.
Why it’s a myth:
- Automating billing processes reduces errors & improves cash flow
- Streamlined operations lead to reduced administrative costs
- Expanded patient access through virtual consultations can increase revenue
- Improved efficiency allows you to see more patients without sacrificing quality of care
TIP: Prioritise exceptional customer support & service when weighing up your options. If you or your staff can’t get the help you need, when you need it – it’ll end up costing you valuable time & money.
Myth 2: “Our staff will struggle with the new system.”
Reality: Good health tech solutions are designed to be truly user-friendly interfaces. Look for solutions that have been designed together with working clinicians to be able to adapt & enhance your existing workflows. Training should be included so your staff is up & running on the new system within a few hours.
Why it’s a myth:
- Quality health tech providers offer comprehensive onboarding & ongoing support
- Intuitive design makes new systems easier to learn than ever before
- The time saved on administrative tasks allows staff to focus on patient care
- Training and ongoing support should be comprehensive and included in the service from your tech partner
TIP: Involve your staff in the decision-making process when choosing new technology. This can increase buy-in & make the transition smoother. Ensure that your tech partner has a track record of training and support during the adoption phase and beyond.
Myth 3: “I’m worried about data security.”
Reality: As a custodian of personal information, it’s expected that you might be concerned about data privacy & security. Cloud-based systems use advanced encryption & comply with regulations such as POPIA to ensure that patient data is protected.
Why it’s a myth:
- Digital records are often more secure than paper files, which can be lost, damaged, or accessed by unauthorised individuals
- Reputable health tech providers invest heavily in security measures & stay up-to-date with the latest threats & regulations
- Regular backups & disaster recovery plans protect against data loss
- Access controls & audit trails provide transparency on who accesses patient information
TIP: Adopting secure integrated practice, billing & EMR systems not only protects patient data but also strengthens trust between your practice & your patients. Being able to demonstrate robust security measures can not only give you peace of mind but be a competitive advantage in today’s privacy-conscious world.
Myth 4: “New technology will disrupt our current workflows.”
Reality: While there may be a short adjustment period, well-implemented health tech solutions ultimately enhance & streamline workflows.
Why it’s a myth:
- Many solutions can be customised to fit your existing processes
- Automating routine tasks frees up time for more important activities
- Integrated systems reduce the need for double data entry & improve information flow & data quality
- Better access to patient information can lead to more informed decision-making
TIP: Implementating new technology is an excellent opportunity to review & optimise your current workflows. You may discover inefficiencies you didn’t realise existed & find new ways to improve patient care & practice management.
Growing your practice sustainably
Adopting new technology may come with some initial challenges but any disruption should be minimal. What’s more is that the medium to long-term benefits to your practice’s profitability, efficiency, & competitiveness make the investment worthwhile. Bear in mind that healthcare is evolving rapidly, & patients increasingly expect the convenience & efficiency that technology can provide. Don’t wait until your practice is left behind—embrace the future of healthcare now.
At Healthbridge, we understand the unique needs of private practices & are committed to supporting you through every step of your technology adoption journey. Our solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with your practice, providing the tools you need to thrive in the modern healthcare environment. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today at sales@healthbridge.co.za to learn how we can help your practice leverage technology for success.