As business owners, we all run into problems from time to time.
Some are small, others bigger, and some appear to be colossal.
For NPs in private practice, most problems fall into one of two broad categories: people-related and other, frequently technology-related.
While most, if not all, problems have solutions, people-related issues tend to be more challenging to solve, certainly when compared to more straightforward technology problems.
Ever had a day when nothing seems to work…?
- The network keeps going down.
- Your front desk person just called in sick.
- Your main computer is on the fritz.
- The scanner quit working.
- And, your first appointment is a no-show; again!
Of course, you’ve had a day like that, probably more than just one…
As annoying as days like that are, they are to be expected and guaranteed to happen again.
Unfortunately though, they also tempt business owners to make hasty decisions, even if it means jumping out of the frying pan, into the fire.
Because when your scheduling system goes down for the second time this week, or your EHR takes forever to load, it’s easy to think:
- “There has to be something better out there.”
- “There has to be a better solution.”
And to make things worse, we’re bombarded with new and improved products and services daily.
Each one promises to be “the thing” we’ve been looking for; to be the answer to our problems, that will make everything fall into place.
If only…
But here’s what happens…
FOMO, the fear of missing out, creeps in.
New products and services are introduced to the market seemingly every day.
And if you believe what the ads say, everyone is using this new solution, and you should too.
Never mind that this new and improved product or service may not be the right fit for your situation.
So, before you abandon ship and jump into something new, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s really going on.
The Temptation of the New
FOMO, the fear of missing out, isn’t just a social media phenomenon; it shows up in clinical settings, too.
Not only may your patients ask you for the purple pill advertised on TV, but it may also cause you to make decisions that are not based on facts but on other factors, including fear.
It’s the fear of falling behind, of using outdated tools, or of losing patients to competitors with newer, sleeker systems.
So when one of your systems fails, even temporarily, it may feel like your entire infrastructure is not working.
You may feel frustrated by a glitch, a delay in processing, or a temporary outage, which may spark the impulse to switch platforms altogether, to something new that works better and is more reliable. The desire to change feels urgent, even necessary, and before you know it, you are taking the necessary steps…
What Sets FOMO in Motion?
For most NP practices, common triggers that unleash the fear of missing out include:
- Repeated technology challenges, even if only temporary: a scheduling system crash, a network unable to connect, and computer problems may cause temporary panic.
- Peer recommendations: listening to your colleagues rave about their new system or software can lead you to question your own.
- Constant marketing hype: promises of new features, seamless integrations, and one-click solutions for everything are hard to resist.
- Burnout: when we’re overworked or feel overwhelmed, almost any change can feel like progress.
Of course, the situation in your office may necessitate updates to software or hardware. To run your office effectively, you may need to upgrade your systems.
However, the danger lies in making significant changes based on temporary emotions or surface-level challenges, not on necessity.
The Hidden Cost of Frequent Switching
While jumping from one system to another may feel proactive, it often leads to:
- Financial strain: onboarding fees and setup costs, potentially higher subscription fees, and lost productivity during the switch can add up quickly.
- Disrupted workflow: getting up to speed on a new system takes time. You and your staff need to get trained, your workflows need to be updated, and data migration needs to happen, all of which take time.
- Loss of continuity: your patients may notice inconsistencies or experience delays in the care they receive until the new system is fully integrated into your workflows.
- Damage to reputation: in the long run, frequent system changes can damage your credibility and your bottom line.
Pause Before You Pivot
Instead of immediately switching, ask yourself:
- Was the problem a one-time glitch, or is it a recurring problem?
- Is it a technical issue, a training issue, or a combination of the two?
- Do you know the platform well enough to use it correctly and to its full capacity?
- Have you contacted support for help and explored available optimizations?
Because sometimes what appears to be a system failure may be a user error or a lack of adequate training to utilize the system to its full potential.
Don’t Give in to FOMO
Creating a stable, high-functioning practice means resisting the urge to chase every new tool that comes along.
That doesn’t mean staying stuck—but it does mean making decisions with clarity, not fear.
To keep FOMO at bay, do the following:
- Schedule regular reviews of your systems and processes to determine if they still meet the needs of your practice.
- Designate a “system champion” on your team to master and maintain key platforms; by default, this person will become your in-house support desk.
- If you entertain changing systems, create a checklist of criteria that must be met before a major system change is considered.
Recognize When It’s Time to Change
Of course, at some point, all systems outlive their usefulness.
If your current solution:
- Puts you at risk of non-compliance.
- Creates unnecessary or more work for you.
- Can’t scale with your growing practice.
- Or lacks essential functionality…
… it may be time to explore new options.
It’s a big task; approach it with care. Research all your options and compile your findings.
Remember, it’s easy to reach for something new, but it takes time to implement and master the learning curve.
Plan all aspects of the transition carefully and make sure you provide adequate training for everyone on your team.
In Summary…
Running a practice means things will go wrong from time to time. But not every glitch is a sign that it’s time to start over.
Sometimes, the most strategic thing you can do is pause, assess, learn, and optimize what you already have.
So the next time FOMO rears its head and whispers, “There’s something better out there,” stop and take a deep breath.
Chances are, you might already have what you need; it’s just waiting to be utilized to its full extent.
I invite you to share your own experiences with FOMO; we’d love to hear from you. Please leave your comments and your questions below.
By Johanna Hofmann, MBA, MAc., EAMP; regular contributor to the NPBusiness blog and author of “Smart Business Planning for Clinicians.”