Seton Marshall is the chief financial officer at Dash Solutions, a Birmingham, Alabama-based provider of digital payments services and other software for employers.

The flaws of paper checks have been discussed in dozens of news stories recently. “When it comes to payments, checks are something of a relic,” a consultant told Retail Dive. “The check is inherently insecure,” a trade group representative said on CNBC. The sentiment seems to be pushing towards a consensus: the era of paper checks is drawing to a close.

Despite expert opinion, many industries, particularly healthcare, continue to cling to this outdated payment method, seemingly oblivious to the winds of change sweeping through the financial world.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare finance, providers face a critical crossroads: embrace digital disbursements or risk becoming obsolete. The persistence of paper checks for patient refunds is not just an inconvenience — it's a symptom of a larger problem that threatens the very sustainability of healthcare organizations.

As we delve into the hidden costs and missed opportunities associated with paper checks, it becomes clear that this is not merely a matter of modernization, but a crucial step towards ensuring financial health and patient satisfaction in an increasingly competitive healthcare market.

Providers still rely heavily on paper costly checks for patient refunds. This outdated practice is more than a financial drain; it's a liability in an era of rampant check fraud, with billions of dollars in estimated losses. But the cost goes beyond dollars and cents. In a consumer-driven healthcare market, patient satisfaction is currency. Consumers who find slow refunds the most frustrating aspect of their healthcare financial experience represent a ticking time bomb of patient attrition and damaged reputations.

This is not a matter of keeping up with trends; it's about survival in an increasingly competitive and consumer-focused healthcare environment. With declining margins, providers cannot afford the luxury of inefficient processes. Digital disbursements offer immediate cost savings and operational efficiencies. In an age where patients have more choices than ever, providers who offer a seamless financial experience will have a significant competitive advantage.

As check fraud escalates, robust digital solutions offer security measures that protect both patients and providers. Additionally, as healthcare regulations evolve, digital systems are better equipped to adapt quickly to new requirements. Digital platforms also provide valuable data that can inform strategic decisions and improve overall financial performance.

The healthcare industry stands at a pivotal moment. Those who cling to paper checks are not just falling behind — they're actively jeopardizing their future. Digital disbursements are not a luxury or a future consideration; they are an immediate necessity for any healthcare provider serious about financial health, patient satisfaction and long-term success.

The choice is clear: evolve now or risk becoming a cautionary tale in the annals of healthcare history. The time for digital transformation in healthcare payments is not coming — it's already here.