“Digital automation” might sound futuristic, but it is already commonplace. Automation has transformed how humans conduct business, engage in commerce, communicate, and receive information. The healthcare industry is one of the most exciting frontiers for developing digital automation solutions, and for good reason. Interest and necessity have increased demand for the development of automated services and products designed specifically for the healthcare industry. The market for these solutions is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4%, reaching $88.9 billion by 2028. By providing means of completing previously tedious and resource-intensive tasks, digital automation offers industry-wide changes that payers, providers, and patients will benefit from.
The number one benefit of automation is that it can create efficiency throughout systems and operations by replacing menial, repetitive tasks with digital solutions. At the administrative level, digital automation can replace appointment scheduling, insurance verification, and patient record-keeping. These processes would previously have been traditionally completed by hand, with a high margin for human error.
Healthcare enterprises can streamline their workflow and create larger windows of time for patient care, research, and improving services. By limiting the amount of human involvement, digital automation also helps reduce the number of errors in data entry, making patient information more accurate and up-to-date.
Ironically, patient care is often the first thing to deteriorate when providers and payers get overwhelmed or administrative complexities to build up. Automation frees up resources that can be allocated to patients and reduces delays caused by scheduling, filing, paperwork, and data entry. For example, automated appointment scheduling and medication tracking can reduce redundancies and potential errors. They also help alert providers to patients needing screenings or follow-ups, enabling more proactive treatment and detecting health issues earlier. This can, in turn, improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.
Healthcare providers can experience large cost reductions as a result of digital automation. Automated resource management solutions can, for example, cut staffing needs and reduce operating expenses by automating administrative operations. Healthcare providers can see more patients in less time by increasing the efficiency of their operations, which leads to increased income for the enterprise. Frustrating errors like inaccurate billing and duplicate testing are two examples that the increased accuracy of digital automation can solve.
Communication between healthcare professionals and their patients can be better facilitated by digital automation. For instance, patients can contact their healthcare providers and view their medical records using secure online portals. Automated alerts can remind patients of critical health information, including test results, prescription changes, or refills. Automated solutions can also increase patient engagement and result in more informed decision-making by making files and information more readily available.
Data analytics driven by digital automation can be very helpful for healthcare providers. Healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes and lower costs by analyzing patient data to find patterns and trends. Data analytics can pinpoint patients at risk for developing a given illness and create customized therapies to treat or manage that illness. They can also be used to monitor patterns, detect symptoms proactively, and inform the creation of helpful models for future patients.
Remote patient monitoring is another benefit of digital automation. For instance, patients can track their vital signs using wearable technology and provide that data to their healthcare professionals. As a result, healthcare professionals can monitor patients in real time and take appropriate action. Remote monitoring can be especially helpful for individuals with chronic diseases who require regular monitoring and support.
Compliance with healthcare industry regulations and standards can be enhanced by digital automation. Automated warnings, for instance, can be used to make sure that healthcare professionals adhere to the best practices for handling infections and administering medications. Automated solutions can also make it easier for healthcare practitioners to monitor and report on compliance with legal obligations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Healthcare enterprises that want to improve the standards of their operations to meet the demands of a rapidly changing environment must adopt at least a baseline of digital automation. The numerous benefits these solutions have for providers, payers, and patients vastly outweigh any upfront expenses for development and implementation. By making systems more efficient, providers can offer better patient care, payers can streamline insurance procedures, and individuals from all sides can experience more innovative communication. At the level of providers, digital automation can improve data analytics, modeling, and insights, provide better conditions for RHM and compliance, and reduce the daily workload for thousands of doctors, nurses, clinicians, lab employees, and many others.
