Innovate Like a Tech Company: How to Future-Proof Your Practice with a Startup Mindset

What if your practice operated like a tech startup—constantly innovating, adopting the latest tools, and rethinking the way you work? This is the mindset that’s driving success for Dr. Brianna Rhue, an optometrist and practice owner who’s pushing the boundaries of innovation in healthcare.

In an era where disruption is the new norm, Dr. Rhue is proof that to thrive in healthcare, you don’t just need to keep pace with change—you need to lead it. Her approach? Embrace technology not just as a tool, but as a core part of your strategy for growth, efficiency, and, most importantly, patient care.

Here, Dr. Rhue shares how her practice has harnessed tech to rethink everything from patient scheduling to staff collaboration, all while keeping a finger on the pulse of industry shifts. If you’re looking to evolve, adapt, and stay ahead of the competition, these strategies will help future-proof your practice for whatever’s next.

Don’t Avoid. Adapt.

Running a practice in today’s healthcare landscape is anything but easy. There are challenges that just won’t go away—long hours, busy staff, patient no-shows, and a high turnover rate in the workforce. But Dr. Rhue isn’t content with merely managing these problems. She’s leveraging technology to turn challenges into opportunities.

“Healthcare is changing, but that doesn’t mean the foundational issues are going anywhere,” says Dr. Rhue. “The key is to stop seeing these as roadblocks and start using tech to work smarter, not harder.”

And yet, many practices are still hesitant to make the jump. According to the 2023 Optometry Business Insights Report, 35% of providers are reluctant to invest in new technologies due to financial concerns. But as Dr. Rhue points out, the right tech can deliver substantial ROI by improving efficiency and patient outcomes.

The Tech-Forward Playbook

For Dr. Rhue, tech isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. “We’re not just using software to schedule appointments—we’re using it to create a better experience for our patients and reclaim valuable time for our staff,” she says.

By implementing cutting-edge practice management software, Dr. Rhue’s team has been able to increase appointment capacity, reduce administrative overhead and enhance the patient journey. Whether it’s automating reminders or optimizing daily workflows, the technology she uses isn’t simply about doing things faster. It’s about doing them better.

“Tech allows us to spend less time managing logistics and more time focusing on patient care,” Dr. Rhue explains. It’s a simple but powerful shift that frees up resources and elevates experiences for everyone involved.

Evolving, Not Changing.

The secret to getting buy-in from your team on new technology? Reframe the conversation from “change” to “evolution.” According to Dr. Rhue, change triggers resistance—after all, people tend to associate change with discomfort. But evolution? That’s a natural, ongoing process.

“We remind our staff that we’re here to evolve. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow, and that’s perfectly okay,” says Dr. Rhue. By positioning new tools and systems as part of a continuous improvement process, she creates an environment where innovation feels like a collective opportunity rather than a mandate.

Open communication and a collaborative approach ensure that everyone feels involved in the process. When new tech is rolled out, Dr. Rhue involves the staff early on, explaining the benefits from their perspective and soliciting feedback to make sure it’s a win-win.

Elevation Through Automation

Technology is transforming Dr. Rhue’s practice is by improving the patient experience. Automated tools are essential for streamlining everything from appointment reminders to follow-up communications. This proactive, tech-forward approach reduces the number of no-shows, increases appointment adherence, and ultimately boosts patient satisfaction.

“If a patient misses a call, they get an immediate follow-up text offering to reschedule or place an order,” explains Dr. Rhue. By embracing automation, the practice stays on top of its patient care while eliminating the tedious back-and-forth that can overwhelm staff.

The Power of Reviews: Turn Feedback Into a Growth Engine

If you’re not paying attention to your practice’s online reviews, you’re missing a huge opportunity to grow. Dr. Rhue sees reviews not just as feedback but as a critical business tool. “If you don’t have at least 200 reviews, make that your goal for the next 90 days,” she advises. Having a strong base of reviews not only improves your practice’s credibility but also boosts its visibility in local search results.

But Dr. Rhue takes it a step further—her team doesn’t just collect reviews; they actively mine them for insights. “We dive deep into both positive and negative feedback to identify strengths and areas for improvement,” she says. This ongoing analysis allows the practice to refine its operations and continuously elevate the patient experience.

The Key to Scaling Innovation

Building a tech-forward culture isn’t just about adopting the latest software—it’s about your people. Dr. Rhue believes in empowering her staff to not just use new technologies, but to champion them as part of their personal and professional growth.

“Technology adoption isn’t about handing someone a tool and expecting them to figure it out,” she says, “It’s about helping the team understand the ‘why’ behind the tool, and how it can make their jobs easier and more fulfilling.”

To successfully integrate new technology, Dr. Rhue involves her entire team in the decision-making process. She creates space for feedback and encourages staff to be vocal about what’s working and what’s not. This transparency builds trust, reduces resistance, and fuels excitement around new tech initiatives.

Tech for the Future

To truly future-proof your practice, you need more than just the latest gadgets—you need a tech-first mindset. This means thinking like a startup: data-driven, agile, and always looking for ways to optimize operations and elevate the patient experience. It’s about using technology as a strategic advantage, not just a functional tool.

“Adopting a tech-forward mindset allows your practice to continually evolve, respond to patient needs, and streamline operations in ways that were once unimaginable,” Dr. Rhue says. “It’s not about jumping on every tech trend that comes along—it’s about being strategic and finding the tools that actually make a difference.”