Doctolib innovates and launches online payment for physical consultations

In a press release dated May 28, Doctolib presented a number of new features, including an online payment function that is now widespread. The solution simplifies billing for doctors, while guaranteeing a secure option for patients thanks to a strong authentication request. All the innovations unveiled by Doctolib have a common objective: to support healthcare professionals by optimizing the tools available to them.

FACTS

• Doctolib has therefore announced that an online payment function for physical consultations will be deployed shortly.
• Patients will be able to add a payment method directly on the Doctolib app or website.
• The way the service works is simple:
• When paying online for the first time, patients first book an appointment.
• Once the appointment has been confirmed, they can select a payment method.
• The patient enters their card details and can then decide to save their card for another time.
• They then click on validate, and may be redirected to the page requiring strong authentication, before authorizing the practitioner to initiate payment.
• At the end of the consultation, the doctor makes the payment directly to the registered payment method.
• The customer then receives confirmation of the amount deducted by e-mail and on their Doctolib account.
• The company has also announced that by the end of the year, it will be launching a secure payment system for mutual insurance companies, aimed at healthcare professionals practicing third-party payment.
• To offer this service, Doctolib has chosen Adyen, a leading European payment service provider.

CHALLENGES

• Reduce administrative overload: The introduction of online payment is designed to reduce manual billing and invoice follow-up. These tasks are extremely time-consuming, costing practitioners valuable time. Thanks to the solution, professionals will be able to devote the time they save to their patients.
• Securing revenues: The government is working on a "rabbit tax", highlighting the growing risk that practitioners will see their patients not honor appointments booked on Doctolib. The introduction of this new payment method represents a new means of engaging patients. Doctolib is also thinking of specialties such as physiotherapists, who are used to paying by group of sessions. Despite its practicality, this habit regularly leads to unpaid bills, which can put professionals in difficulty.
• A global collaborative strategy: Online payment is part of a series of innovations designed to improve the day-to-day working conditions of healthcare professionals: among themselves, within their practices and in the care of their patients.

MARKET PERSPECTIVE

• In line with this strategy, this week the company launched Doctolib Siilo, the most widely used free instant messaging service for healthcare professionals in Europe. Its aim is to support caregivers in coordinating care, client transfers or any other matter. The company is also launching a task manager aimed at better managing activities in practices. It enables supervision to be centralized, assignments to be allocated and progress to be monitored.
• Doctolib also mentioned the development of four AI-based innovations. One of these, a consultation assistant, is currently being tested in several medical practices in France.