Tech upgrade success: 6 rules every practice should follow

The health technology gold rush is back on, and sales reps know where to find you. From AI scribes that promise to slash documentation time to “plug-and-play” patient-engagement portals, vendors descend on medical practices with glossy decks and tight trial deadlines. Yet a single misstep can wipe out months of margin. Hidden expenses—like pricey data extractions, mandatory training seats and surprise interface fees—quietly siphon cash from balance sheets long after the confetti of go-live day has settled, as a recent deep dive into stealth costs shows.

The scars of early EHR rollouts still ache, too. Practices that signed iron-clad contracts on the strength of a catered demo later discovered “buyer’s remorse” offers no refund; walking away often means paying twice; once for the failed system and again for its replacement.

In short, buying technology is no longer a line item, it’s a strategic risk. Before the ink dries on the next purchase order, every practice leader needs a disciplined, six-point due-diligence plan that filters hype from help, protects cash flow and, most important, keeps the exam room running.