Health Tech: Why Quick Fixes Often Miss the Mark

Technology in healthcare is often hailed as the next big thing. But does it always deliver? A patient once visited a doctor, convinced she had sleep apnea. Her smartwatch had recorded her snoring, complete with timestamps. The doctor agreed that her symptoms were concerning. However, despite this data, the patient still had to go through the traditional sleep lab test. This is a common issue in healthcare. Technology is advancing rapidly, but the healthcare system often struggles to keep up. The healthcare industry is buzzing with talk of "disruption. " Everyone wants to be the next big innovator. But is this focus on disruption really helping? Change is definitely needed. The current system has its flaws. Innovation could improve access, outcomes, and efficiency. But disruption for its own sake, without understanding how care is delivered, is a mistake. Healthcare isn't like other industries. It's personal and heavily regulated. Simply declaring the system broken and designing new tools in isolation is a recipe for failure. True innovation comes from evolving the system thoughtfully. It requires collaboration with clinicians and patients to design solutions that fit into existing workflows. Take smartwatches, for example. They collect valuable health data. But what if that data could go straight to clinicians? This would allow for early detection of issues without needing an overnight lab visit. The technology is there, but the system needs to catch up. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are another example. They've changed how many people with diabetes manage their health. But they haven't fully disrupted diabetes care. They often don't integrate with medical records, and most insurers don't cover them unless a patient requires insulin. The tech is ahead of the system. AI scribes are another tool that shows promise. The best ones understand how doctors work and automatically place notes into the chart. But many others add extra steps, making the process more complicated. Until these tools are fully integrated, they won't deliver on their promise. Forward is a company that tried to reinvent primary care with a telehealth model. The approach promised convenience and scalability. But it didn't work out. Part of the challenge was that many patients don't want to discuss their health in public settings, even if it's inside a kiosk. Care isn't just about data and devices. It's about trust and connection—and yes, the environment. Patients and providers alike feel the gap between technology and practical use. Many providers say workflow integration is essential, but the tools they're offered often don't deliver. Patients use health-related apps or devices, but their regular providers rarely recommend them. These gaps reflect a deeper issue. Too often, we focus on the technology first and only then ask what problem it might solve. The key to successful innovation in healthcare is understanding the fundamentals. Technology should fit the way care actually happens. It's time to stop chasing disruption and start building for the real world. The best innovations don't blow things up. They quietly, powerfully make things better.