In nearly every area of modern life, digital is the norm. You manage your finances online. Submit your tax returns digitally. Book travel, order groceries, and communicate with friends and family – all through apps & platforms designed to make your life easier.

So why are some private medical practices still clinging to paper?

If you’re one of them, it’s time to reconsider.

“We often hear doctors say things like, ‘I’ll go digital when I have more time’ or ‘My paper system works just fine.’ But the reality is that staying paper-based isn’t neutral—it’s holding your practice back,” says Ivone Veiga-Moroldo, Head of Value Management at Healthbridge.

Going digital is not just a matter of convenience. It’s a strategic, financial, & operational imperative. Let’s explore. 

Digital is no longer a trend – it’s the standard

Private practice doctors are part of a highly regulated, fast-moving ecosystem. That ecosystem, comprising funders, labs, pharmacies, banks, SARS, & more, has already gone digital. The longer you resist, the more friction you create between your practice & everyone you need to work with.

“The expectation is digital. From funders to patients, everyone assumes you can engage with them efficiently. Paper slows that down,” says Veiga-Moroldo.

Think of it this way: if a patient’s medical aid requires digital claims submissions & you’re still using manual processes, your payment cycle is instantly delayed. If a prescription gets lost or misread, the patient loses trust. If you can’t access a patient’s clinical history in a few clicks, you miss out on continuity of care.

You may think you’re saving time or money by avoiding change, but the real cost is hidden in inefficiency, delayed payments, & reputational risk.

What you’re missing by staying paper-based

Let’s break down what paper-based practices typically struggle with:

• Lost time: Time spent filing, scanning, & locating records all add up
• Billing errors: Manual claims are more prone to human error & rejections
• Slower payments: Chasing payments becomes a full-time job
• Limited visibility: You can’t see trends or gaps in your business
• Higher admin costs: You need more people & more time to do what one system could

On the flip side, practices that have embraced digital tools report better cash flow, less admin burden, & happier patients.

Digital isn’t just a system, it’s a shift in thinking

Going digital doesn’t mean buying expensive software & leaving your staff to figure it out. It’s about choosing the right tools that fit your workflow & being supported throughout the transition.

Healthbridge, for example, offers a tailored approach that considers your practice type, size, & goals. It’s not just about digitising for the sake of it. It’s about building a more resilient, efficient business.

“The practices that succeed aren’t necessarily the biggest or most high-tech. They’re the ones that recognise where digital can unlock value & then act on it. That’s where our team comes in – to help identify & realise that value,” Veiga-Moroldo explains.

Barriers to change (& how to get past them)

Let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room: change is hard.

Doctors are pressed for time. There’s fear of disruption. Sometimes digital tools are sold as a one-size-fits-all solution, which they’re not.

But here’s the good news: the right partner will meet you where you are.

If you’re unsure of where to start, ask yourself these questions:

• Are admin tasks taking up too much of my time?
• Is my cash flow predictable & easy to track?
• Do I have visibility over how my practice is performing?
• Am I confident in my billing & claims process?
• Could I be spending more time with patients & less on admin?

If you answered “no” or “not really” to any of these, digitising your practice could change everything.

What going digital can look like

A digital-first practice doesn’t mean losing your personal touch. On the contrary, it enhances it.

Here’s what a fully digital, efficient practice looks like:

• Patients receive automated appointment reminders
• Electronic health records are accessible instantly
• Claims are submitted in real-time, with fewer rejections
• Billing & cash flow are tracked on a dashboard you can view at any time
• Admin time is reduced, allowing staff to focus on patient experience

There’s no question that the healthcare environment is changing, & fast. Practices that will thrive in the next decade aren’t necessarily the ones with the newest equipment or the biggest waiting rooms. They’re the ones who know how to make smart, agile decisions & use technology to support them.

“Going digital isn’t just a technical decision. It’s a leadership decision,” says Veiga-Moroldo. “It’s about choosing to run your practice proactively instead of reactively. That’s where you unlock real, long-term value.”

Ready to take the first step?

We’ve helped thousands of private practices across South Africa go digital – on their own terms, with expert support. If you’re ready to explore what it could look like for your practice, start with a free Practice Health Assessment by an experienced Business Consultant. Contact us today at sales@healthbridge.co.za to learn more.