Drowning in paperwork? You’re not alone. In our commitment to clinician-led health tech solutions, our Client Lab steering committee recently sat down with doctors to further explore the realities of running a private practice. The interviews revealed a troubling reality: over 80% of doctors believe current methods for collecting & processing patient information hinder their ability to provide exceptional care. 

We sat down with CEO of Healthbridge, Luis da Silva, to unpack some of the shared frustrations expressed by doctors & some of the ways technology can reclaim the significant time wasted on data-gathering & management. 

The current system’s shortcomings

The current system is failing doctors in several ways. “New patient intake often involves inaccurate & time-consuming paper forms. This results in wasted time for both doctors & staff who then have to re-capture data,” Luis explains. “Chronic conditions require even more time spent untangling medical histories, & patients often arrive with multiple reasons for their visit that you’ll only know when they are sitting in front of you.” 

Our interviews found that even with long-term patients, the initial minutes of a consultation are consumed by navigating paper or disparate electronic records to access their history. “These inefficiencies contribute to a broader issue of information overload, where the sheer volume of data can lead to shrinking consultation time & increased risk of errors, ultimately affecting the quality of patient care,” said Luis. 

The vision: More time for patient care

Another significant learning to come out of the Client Lab was a shared vision among doctors to dedicate more time to their patients. “Imagine reclaiming those crucial first minutes of every consultation. No more struggling to find & organise patient histories. Instead, you can focus on building rapport with your patients, delivering accurate diagnoses, & creating personalised treatment plans,” Luis said. He goes on to say that realising this vision is essential for enhancing both patient care & doctor satisfaction.

Automating administrative tasks for a thriving practice

While it’s understood that manual data management takes up too much valuable time, some doctors have tried to address the problem with various ‘single purpose’ solutions. But technology that doesn’t ‘talk to each other’ to safely share information only creates other bottlenecks & admin headaches that affect every aspect of a practice.  

“Inefficiency in administrative tasks impacts more than convenience. Poor appointment scheduling increases no-shows, affecting revenue & disrupting schedules. Delays in referrals & prescriptions hinder patient access to specialists & medications. All this wasted time translates into less time for doctors to dedicate to patient care,” Luis explains. “However, automating these tasks can transform your practice into a well-oiled machine, freeing up valuable time for patient care.” 

Investing in efficiency

Luis goes on to explain that the answer lies in embracing a paradigm shift toward integrated solutions that are amplified when paired with automation. “A streamlined administrative system benefits everyone involved. Patients enjoy a smoother journey, staff work more efficiently, & healthcare outcomes improve. A fully integrated clinical, billing, & practice management system, is the foundation for an efficient, profitable practice.” 

Experience the difference: Automation in your practice

Consider the frustrations discussed earlier about manual & piecemeal solutions & how automation can transform crucial aspects of practice management:

• Online appointment booking: Patients can schedule appointments 24/7, freeing up phone lines & reducing manual work.
• Automated reminders: Easy-to-use appointment reminders via text, email, or WhatsApp have been proven to reduce no-shows.
• Digital forms: Save time & improve data accuracy by replacing paper forms with online intake & pre-visit questionnaires.
• Electronic referrals & prescriptions: Quickly & efficiently write referrals & prescriptions with electronic submissions & AI-prepared documents.

A streamlined system that automates essential but onerous admin offers numerous benefits for doctors, staff, & patients. Automation reduces errors, ensuring accurate data that not only enhances productivity & the financial performance of a practice but also improves patient satisfaction & loyalty. 

Embrace the future of patient care

“From our constant learning & innovating, we know that an integrated solution that automates administrative tasks is key to creating a thriving, efficient, & patient-centered practice. At Healthbridge, we are excited to collaborate on solutions that eliminate the burdens of paperwork & propel practices into the future of healthcare,” Luis concludes. 

Healthbridge is a leading healthcare technology partner that understands how to help you grow your business. We are the technology partner of choice to over 7,000 private practitioners because of our commitment to developing integrated solutions to address real-world challenges. Experience the Healthbridge difference. Contact us at sales@healthbridge.co.za for a free practice health assessment by an experienced Business Consultant.