Top Pain Points For Health and Wellness Businesses to Address

Note: This article was updated on April 19, 2025

Running a business in the health and wellness field isn’t what it used to be. What once relied on word-of-mouth and in-person care now demands digital tools, online visibility, and a whole new way of connecting with clients.

That shift can feel like a lot to keep up with for small practices. New systems, higher expectations, and tighter regulations have introduced challenges that simply didn’t exist a few years ago.

In the sections below, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common digital pain points facing health and wellness businesses today, and why it’s so important to start addressing them.

How the Health and Wellness Industry Is Changing

Technology has reshaped how people find, interact with, and choose their health and wellness providers. What used to be a highly personal, in-person field is now becoming just as reliant on digital tools and platforms as any other industry.

From online appointment scheduling to digital intake forms, today’s patients want a more convenient experience. Many expect to manage their care through online portals where they can access test results, refill prescriptions, or message providers directly. These tools improve the patient experience and also help reduce the administrative burden for staff.

At the same time, regulatory requirements around patient data, privacy, and accessibility are constantly evolving. Health and wellness providers are expected to meet strict standards, which can be difficult to navigate without dedicated support. For small practices, this adds pressure to adopt new technology and maintain it properly in order to stay competitive.

Top Challenges in Health and Wellness 

Adapting to a more digital approach brings a lot of benefits, but it also comes with a unique set of challenges, especially for small businesses that may not have in-house tech support or large marketing teams. Below are some of the most common issues health and wellness providers face when managing their online presence and digital operations.

Patient Data Protection

In the health and wellness field, handling personal information is a core part of doing business. Whether you’re storing appointment details, intake forms, or treatment history, you’re responsible for keeping that information safe. And for small practices, that’s not always easy.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 133 million healthcare records were exposed in data breaches in 2023 alone. Many of these incidents affected small providers, not just large hospital systems. Cybercriminals often see smaller practices as easier targets, assuming they lack the advanced protections of larger organizations.

One of the best ways to reduce your risk is by choosing a secure, HIPAA-compliant practice management platform like SimplePractice. These tools are designed with built-in safeguards like encrypted data storage, access controls, and audit logs to help you stay compliant and protect your patients. Using a trusted system means less stress, fewer manual errors, and greater peace of mind for both you and your clients.

Missed Appointments and Scheduling 

No-shows and last-minute cancellations disrupt your schedule and directly impact your bottom line. For small health and wellness businesses, even a few missed appointments a week can add up to thousands in lost revenue over time. Over time, these gaps in your schedule can stall growth and affect your ability to serve your community effectively.

Usually, it’s just that the client is busy and they forget. Others may feel uncomfortable canceling last minute or find it difficult to get in touch. Automation is a great answer to this problem. Appointment reminders, when done right, keep your clients informed and accountable while removing extra work from your staff.

Look for tools that let clients book online, receive automatic text or email reminders, and manage their appointments on their own time. These systems create a smoother, more professional experience for your clients, which builds trust and improves satisfaction.

Inefficient Communication 

Clear, timely communication is one of the most important aspects of providing great care, but for many small health and wellness businesses, it’s also one of the biggest challenges. Phone tag, missed messages, and outdated communication methods can leave patients feeling frustrated or unsure about their care.

Online patient portals help solve this by giving clients a secure, convenient way to access their records, ask questions, and stay connected with your practice. They can view test results, update forms, request refills, and even message your team, all without picking up the phone.

Not only does this reduce administrative strain for your staff, but it also creates a more streamlined and modern experience for your clients. The easier it is to communicate with your practice, the more likely patients are to stay engaged and return for future care.

Finding New Clients

The health and wellness space is growing fast, and that means more competition. Traditional advertising methods don’t go as far as they used to, and referrals alone often aren’t enough to keep a steady flow of new clients coming through the door. If your business isn’t easily findable online, you’re likely missing out on potential clients. 

Local SEO helps your business show up when someone searches for services like yours in their area, like “massage therapist near me” or “nutritionist in [your city].” There’s a lot to unpack about local SEO, but a good place to start is setting up your Google Business Profile and optimizing your website with location-specific keywords. All of this will help your practice appear in Google Maps and local search results.

It’s also important to build trust with potential clients before they ever reach out. Sharing helpful, relevant content like blog posts, FAQs, or short videos on your website or social channels positions you as an expert in your field and helps answer common questions that your audience may already be Googling.

Gaps in Telehealth Capabilities

As more people grow accustomed to the convenience of virtual care, small health and wellness businesses are under pressure to keep up. Clients expect options like video consultations, online follow-ups, or remote wellness coaching, and when those aren’t available, they may look elsewhere.

Adding virtual services can feel overwhelming for small practices. There’s tech to figure out, workflows to adjust, and questions around compliance and privacy. But ignoring the shift toward flexible care options can put your business at a disadvantage.

The good news is you don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Start by identifying services that are easy to offer online, and choose a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform to host them. Even a simple video check-in or virtual Q&A session can go a long way in meeting client expectations and expanding your reach.

Disorganized Billing Systems

Between client invoices, insurance claims, and payment tracking, managing billing can quickly add up. Mistakes like missed payments, delayed invoices, or incorrect charges can frustrate clients and create financial instability for your business.

On top of that, outdated or manual systems make it harder to stay on top of what’s been paid, what’s overdue, and what needs to be followed up on. That means more time spent chasing payments and less time focused on delivering care.

The right billing software can simplify this process. Many practice management platforms now include built-in billing tools that automate invoices, accept online payments, and even integrate with insurance. These tools save time while also making your business look more professional and making it easier for clients to pay you on time.

Simplify Your Practice with Vervology

Running a health or wellness business means juggling a lot, from client care to scheduling, billing, and everything in between. Trying to manage it all without the right tools can slow you down and pull your focus away from what matters most.

That’s why Vervology partners with SimplePractice to bring your practice management into one place. With SimplePractice’s all-in-one practice management software and Vervology handling your website and digital presence, you get expert support on both the front and back ends of your business.

If you’re ready to make things easier and more efficient, set up a call with our team to learn more.