Overcoming Hesitancy Toward Automation in Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management
Today’s healthcare providers face a plethora of unpredictable and difficult challenges. From regulatory changes to increased cyber threats to shifting payment models, it’s critical that revenue cycle management (RCM) processes are optimized for efficiency to ensure compliance and financial stability.
This is why more healthcare organizations are increasingly aiming to integrate automation and AI tools within their RCM processes. According to Becker’s Healthcare, postponing the adoption of these solutions could come at a high cost for providers. Industry experts emphasize that numerous healthcare organizations are falling behind in implementing these advancements.
“The reluctance to adopt automation leads to inefficiencies, higher labor costs, and increased risk of human error,” they noted. “Bridging these automation gaps is essential for enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.”
Let’s explore the reasons for that hesitation, what providers can gain by automating, and why partnering with Conifer Health Solutions can help overcome those fears and challenges.
The Reasons Behind Automation Hesitancy in Healthcare
Healthcare providers often fear numerous challenges they perceive will result from automating RCM processes.
- A disruption to existing processes and workflows
- An increase in job displacement and decreased workforce morale
- High costs of implementation and poor ROI
- Apprehension and resistance from IT teams
- A lack of internal expertise to implement and manage new solution
Pain Points of Keeping with the Status-Quo
The potential negative impacts of automating RCM systems should not be dismissed, however, continuing to rely on current, manual, non-automated processes and technologies will likely jeopardize a healthcare business’ ability to be viable.
The drawbacks of not optimizing RCM systems include:
- Costly administrative burden from managing manual billing, coding, and payment processing
- High error rates that lead to claim denials, delayed reimbursements, and, ultimately, reduced cash flow
- Workforce shortages and burnout exacerbated by ongoing and tedious manual tasks
- Difficulty in scaling operations and remaining competitive in a rapidly evolving market
The Positive Business Outcomes of Automation
When an organization adopts automated tools, such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), its operation experiences renewed efficiency and data accuracy.
What can a healthcare provider gain by optimizing RCM systems through automation technologies?
| Capability | Positive Business Outcome |
|---|---|
| Streamlining repetitive tasks, reducing administrative workload, and minimizing human error | » Unprecedented time savings |
| Improving accuracy in coding and billing, leading to fewer denials and quicker reimbursements | » Faster reimbursements |
| Enhancing data analytics capabilities for better decision-making and financial forecasting | » More intelligent decision-making |
| Enabling staff to focus on more strategic and patient-centered activities rather than manual tasks | » More content workforce |
Partnering with Conifer
Conifer, a leader in transforming RCM through advanced automation and innovative solutions, is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of healthcare providers. With more than 35 years of experience developing effective RCM solutions for hospitals and health systems, Conifer offers tailored automation strategies that integrate seamlessly with existing workflows and minimize disruption.
Conifer’s results-oriented approach delivers tangible outcomes, such as reduced denial rates, faster claim processing, and improved cash flow. What’s more, our end-to-end support — from implementation to ongoing optimization — ensures that healthcare providers maximize their investment in automation technologies and stay competitive.
The Competitive Advantage of Embracing Automation with Conifer
Take the first step toward automating your revenue cycle management for a more efficient, resilient future. Let’s talk about how we can help with your most challenging RCM issues.