Doctolib is turning its wedge into a vertical SaaS play. The French company launched a full-stack practice management system in Germany about three weeks ago, directly challenging the traditional core software providers that have dominated the market for years (Doctolib). These are the vendors that countless startups have tried or aim to replace in the future. The launch appears to be Germany-only for now, though expansion to France and Italy likely follows.
What the New Platform Actually Does
The practice management system bundles appointment booking, patient documentation, invoicing, and AI-powered call handling into one platform. The AI can answer calls around the clock, categorize patient inquiries, and route appointments directly into Doctolib's system. On the back-office side, the platform includes AI-assisted invoicing and administrative task management. Doctolib estimates doctors can save up to 10 hours per week on administrative work. The system launched for general practitioners, paediatricians, and gynaecologists, with other specialities rolling out in 2026.
Why Doctolib Can Actually Pull This Off
Here's what matters: Doctolib spent over a decade building the perfect wedge. Thousands of doctors already use their appointment-booking solution, patients love the platform, and they've got the resources to move fast. In other industries, startups go straight for full vertical SaaS. But healthcare is different. The feature needs are complex, and existing providers have deep roots. Doctolib needed to establish that wedge first, build trust and distribution, before they could expand into a full practice management solution. Now they can. For Doctolib, launching the practice software isn't a risky bet anymore because they can leverage their existing customer base and resources.
The Embedded Payments Question
Doctolib already has embedded payments through its Adyen partnership, starting with payment acceptance for teleconsultations and patient billing (EFR). But the practice management system opens a much bigger door. Once Doctolib becomes the operating system for German medical practices, embedding payments becomes the natural next step. This follows the pattern we've seen across other vertical SaaS plays: payments come first, then other financial features follow. Payment acceptance at the point of sale and online comes first. Then, virtual cards for practice expenses, and eventually working capital solutions tied to billing cycles. Adyen could remain the infrastructure partner, or Doctolib might look for specialised providers for specific features. What they need is the installed base, and that's precisely what they're building now. My guess is 18 to 24 months before we see Doctolib-powered payment cards for practitioners or practice financing products bundled into the platform.
