You invested in technology to streamline your practice, boost efficiency, & improve revenue. But now, you’re facing unexpected challenges. Maybe too many claims are getting rejected, your staff is struggling with the new system, or you’re still spending too much time on admin. 

Fortunately, all is not lost. While reverting back to paper-based or manual systems isn’t an option, there are some key ways to optimise your tech investment & see a satisfactory return. Let’s dive into common pitfalls & how to overcome them.

Common technology pitfalls 

1. Implementation nightmares

• • Challenge: Implementing new technology can be a complex & time-consuming process, especially when integrating with existing systems. This often leads to frustration & disruptive downtime. 
  • Solution: Choose a technology partner with a proven track record of smooth implementations. Look for solutions that seamlessly integrate with your current systems to minimise disruptions to the day-to-day working of your practice.

2. User adoption challenges

• • Challenge: Staff resistance & low user adoption can mean you’re not getting all the benefits of implementing technology. This could be due to insufficient training or a system that is too complex & difficult to use.
  • Solution: It’s a good idea to involve staff in the decision-making process to increase buy-in & assess user-friendliness. Request a demo from a potential provider & ensure that they offer comprehensive training & reliable ongoing support. 

3. Hidden costs that bite

• • Challenge: While upfront low-cost options might seem attractive, unexpected costs such as maintenance fees, upgrades, or additional features can erode your ROI.
  • Solution: Request a detailed pricing breakdown upfront. Look for transparent pricing models & scalable solutions to avoid any billing surprises.

4. Poor support, lost time

• • Challenge: A lack of customer & tech support can lead to downtime & frustration for your staff & patients. 
  • Solution: Look for partners with dedicated support teams. Evaluate their support services, including response times & availability. 

5. Security risks & compliance headaches

• • Challenge: Inadequate security measures can expose patient data to breaches, leading to legal & reputational risks.
  • Solution: Prioritise security when choosing a technology partner. Ensure they comply with industry standards & have robust data encryption & protection measures in place.

6. A one-size-fits-all approach

• • Challenge: Off-the-shelf tech solutions don’t often align with your practice’s unique needs. & if choosing a solution that hasn’t been designed together with working clinicians, you may be forced to change your preferred workflow to suit the system & not the other way around. 
  • Solution: Find a technology partner that offers customisable solutions tailored to your practice. Ask about click templates & the use of AI to predict & suggest diagnostic & procedural codes, & other features that directly boost efficiency specifically for your practice.  

7. Overpromised, under delivered

• • Challenge: An unmissable red flag is when providers overhype their products, leading to unrealistic expectations & ultimately, disappointment.
  • Solution: Do thorough research on a provider, ask for a track record, read reviews, & request demos to assess the technology’s capabilities & the partner’s ability to understand you & your business.

Choosing the right technology partner

To avoid these pitfalls, it’s important to carefully evaluate potential technology partners. Use the checklist below to ensure that you’ve got your bases covered when choosing a technology that can deliver on its promises. Consider the following:

Carefully selecting a technology partner using this checklist can help you decide whether they truly understand your goals & can demonstrate how their technology can meet & exceed your expectations. 

Healthbridge is the technology partner of choice to over 7,000 private practitioners because they deliver on their promises & you can truly harness the power of technology to improve your practice’s efficiency, patient care, & bottom line.  Contact sales@healthbridge.co.za for a free practice health assessment & demo by an experienced Business Consultant committed to your success.