The verdict in three sentences
For an outpatient dialysis centre in Berlin with 40 stations, choosing software comes down less to the demo than to the vendor's answers on device data capture, statutory insurance billing and data protection. A budget of 80,000 to 300,000 EUR is realistic in 2026, but a vague answer on billing certification or data export should rule an offer out on the spot. The questions below, each with the good and bad answer to expect, work as an interview grid for every vendor meeting.
The context to give vendors
| Centre parameter | Value (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Dialysis stations | 40 |
| Patients | 180 to 260 |
| Rhythm | 3 sessions per patient per week, 540 to 780 sessions weekly |
| Shifts | 3 a day, 6 days a week |
| Payers | Statutory health insurers, private insurers, self payers |
| Market budget | 80,000 to 300,000 EUR |
| Market support cost | 1,500 to 6,000 EUR a month |
| Constraints | Bedside entry, device data, hospital level data protection |
Questions on sessions, devices and data protection
| Question to ask | Good answer | Bad answer (red flag) |
|---|---|---|
| Which dialysis machines can send data automatically? | A tested list by model and software version, with a plan for the rest | All machines, without having seen yours |
| How are session parameters recorded? | Nurse friendly session chart, under 2 minutes per patient, alerts on deviations | A generic consultation form |
| Where is patient data hosted? | Named data centre in Germany or the EU, encryption, daily backups with restore tests, a GDPR processing agreement | In the cloud, no details |
| Who can see what? | Role based access (nephrologist, nurse, admin, billing) with full audit logs | Shared logins per ward |
| How do you handle downtime? | Local fallback for session charting, documented recovery time | Paper, then re keying |
Questions on billing, contract and costs
| Question to ask | Good answer | Bad answer (red flag) |
|---|---|---|
| Is your billing certified for statutory health insurance? | Yes, with proof of current certification and update policy | We export, your billing office does the rest |
| How do you handle private insurers and self payers? | Separate billing tracks under the private fee schedule with receivables tracking | Same invoice template for everyone |
| What does support include? | Written scope: fixes, updates, guaranteed response time, weekend cover | Everything is included, with no document |
| How do we get our data back on exit? | Full export in an open format at any time, fair fees | Paid exports by volume or a proprietary format |
| Who trains night and weekend shifts? | Shift by shift onsite training, hypercare during the first weeks | One two hour session |
The clinical and billing core must come from a certified vendor. Kolonell is one nearshore option for surrounding components such as patient communication, transport scheduling or management dashboards: Kolonell's prices are 6,100 to 10,670 EUR for a medium application and 10,670 to 22,870 EUR and up for a complex one, with Premium maintenance at 183 EUR a month. Ask us the same questions as everyone else.
Mini case study
Illustrative example: Dr. Schneider, medical director of a 40 station centre in Berlin Charlottenburg, treats 220 patients, or 660 sessions a week. Nurses chart on paper and admin staff re key data for billing.
Re keying takes 4 minutes per session, 44 hours a week, roughly 1.1 full time roles at 55,000 EUR loaded cost: about 60,000 EUR a year. Billing audits also find around 2% of sessions billed late or with errors that trigger rejections. Removing re keying and catching errors at the bedside pays back a 180,000 EUR project in about three years on staff time alone, faster once rejected claims fall.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
FAQ
What budget for a 40 station centre?
As a 2026 market estimate, 80,000 to 300,000 EUR depending on scope (charting, devices, billing, pharmacy), plus 1,500 to 6,000 EUR a month in support.
Do all machines need to connect from day one?
No. Start with fast assisted charting under 2 minutes per session, then connect machines model by model once the vendor has tested them.
How long does go live take?
Plan 4 to 8 months, including a 3 to 4 week pilot on one shift before extending to all 40 stations.
What data protection documents should we demand?
A GDPR processing agreement, a hosting description, the technical and organisational measures and a recent penetration test summary. Have your data protection officer review them before signing.
How do we compare an 80,000 and a 300,000 EUR offer?
Convert both to a three year cost including support, and score each vendor on the questions in this guide. A cheap offer that fails on billing certification will cost more within the first quarter.
Let's scope your project. Send us your station count, patient numbers and the components you need around your clinical core, and we will answer this guide's questions in writing with an indicative budget and rollout plan. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
