As artificial intelligence (AI) enhances technology, many industries are using it to automate processes. Healthcare companies are taking advantage of AI and other automation tools to assist with diagnostics, improve the detail of patient records, and make billing and claims more efficient.
Automation improves administrative processes, cutting down on workloads and letting administrators focus on more complex tasks. Plus, being able to automate appointment setting and reminders means patients are more likely to attend follow-up appointments.
When you implement automation in healthcare, you can reduce data entry errors and make better decisions for your patients. WorldView’s healthcare solutions make it easier for your team to manage and transmit patient records and physician orders so you can start treatments faster and boost patient outcomes.
Key Trends in Healthcare Automation for 2024
Clinical automation and medical automation have continued to evolve this year. Here are some of the trends impacting 2024 and beyond.
Automation in Medical Documentation
Medical tools that use AI and machine learning can transcribe patient visits in real time, giving your caregivers an accurate log of each patient visit. Your team can use software to transfer these notes into each patient record.
Once you’ve seen your patients, AI-powered software can analyze medical records to assign the right billing codes. If your team is still manually entering billing information, AI and other healthcare solutions can scan the bill and flag any errors before you submit them for processing. These tools reduce your rate of claim denials and improve your revenue cycles.
Automation in Administrative Processes
Automating administrative tasks including billing, scheduling, and payment tracking makes your staff more efficient. With a lightened workload, your administrative team can tackle high-value tasks like training, budgeting, and human resources.
Physicians can also easily review and sign off on orders and attach them to a patient’s medical record, allowing caregivers to start treatments faster.
Robotics and AI in Clinical Settings
Surgeons can use robotic arms to perform delicate procedures, which helps control blood loss and reduce pain. Some healthcare professionals are also using AI to analyze patient scans and charts to assist with diagnosis.
The Benefits of Automation in Healthcare
Implementing automation and healthcare AI can seem daunting, but they offer multiple benefits to your agency and employees.
Improved Efficiency and Reduced Human Error
Repetitive manual tasks like data entry and medical billing are prone to human error. When your team is entering data for hours on end, they risk miskeying information, which often results in claim denials, double booking, and other errors. Automation takes over these repetitive tasks and increases accuracy.
With fewer data entry errors, you can stay in compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurance requirements for billing and coding. Accurate records also keep you in compliance with governing bodies.
Cost Savings for Healthcare Providers
As you implement your automation solutions, your administrative team becomes faster and more efficient. They can focus on other tasks, such as marketing to attract more patients.
Better processes also save you money. For example, reducing billing errors means you don’t have to pay people to research and rectify claim denials.
Better Patient Care
Automating parts of your process frees up your caregivers from administrative tasks so they can focus on patient care. AI-driven automation allows your team to approach each patient with accurate and up-to-date information for personalized care.
By freeing up their time, you also reduce the need to rush caregivers from patient to patient. They can spend more time with their patients, listening and understanding their conditions and needs.
Challenges of Implementing Automation in Healthcare
Automation is not without its challenges. Here are a few initial hurdles you might face when implementing automation.
Initial Setup and Integration Costs
Automation systems are costly. While these systems can improve your cashflow and save you money in the long term, they require a large investment upfront. You also need a system that integrates with existing solutions, such as electronic health records, billing software, and other digital tools.
Training and Adaptation
Your team may be hesitant to implement healthcare process documentation AI. Some of them may feel like they’re being replaced. But you can get your team on board by explaining the benefits and helping them understand how their work lives will improve.
You also need time to train your team on automation solutions while they’re still managing their daily responsibilities.
Ensuring Compliance with HIPAA and Data Security
Because automation tools use AI and machine learning, you may be concerned about your hospice data and patient information falling into the wrong hands. It’s important to choose systems that help you protect your data and comply with HIPAA regulations.
Use a tool that offers encryption and manage access to the system to prevent transferring sensitive patient information.
How WorldView Supports Healthcare Automation
WorldView’s healthcare solutions enable you to automate key processes. We have tools that help you quickly track and manage referrals, submit and receive physician orders, and securely transmit patient records.
We offer solutions powered by AI and machine learning to accurately classify your referrals to increase your revenue. Our tools will help you manage workflows while staying in compliance with HIPAA and other regulations.
Best Practices for Implementing Automation in Healthcare
Here are some best practices to follow for a smooth transition to automation.
- Don’t try to automate all your processes at once. Start with your most cumbersome processes, such as documentation, billing, and scheduling.
- Leverage AI to support diagnoses and plan treatments for better patient outcomes.
- Once you’ve implemented a solution, keep it updated so you stay compliant.
- Train your staff thoroughly to reap the maximum benefit.
Conclusion
Healthcare automation has the power to transform how you treat patients. By reducing your team’s administrative burden, you free them up to manage your practice and treat patients. You can also positively impact patient outcomes and help more people while improving your profitability.
Learn how WorldView can help you implement automation in your agency.
