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Impact of Technology in Revenue Cycle Management and Patient Access

by Jason Dzamba - December 20, 2023

Cristhian Alegria, the IT Manager of Revenue Cycle Management Systems at Baptist Health South Florida, shares insights into his role in supporting patient access systems and the pivotal importance of AI technology in ensuring a seamless patient experience and revenue cycle management.

Enhancing Patient Experience

Alegria emphasizes the significance of patient feedback in shaping a positive experience. Organizations can optimize processes by listening closely to patient needs and coupling this with the latest technologies, such as AI.

While AI initially focused on clinical outcomes, there’s untapped potential for improving patient experiences in administrative areas like scheduling and registration.

Exploring AI Opportunities in Revenue Cycle Management

Despite the robustness of Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) software, Alegria identifies opportunities to make processes more efficient rather than fully automate them. He highlights financial responsibility and authorization management as ideal grounds for AI integration.

The cumbersome and manual authorization process for procedures, inpatient stays, and surgeries presents significant room for improvement.

AI Alleviating Manual Workload and Staff Burnout

The manual nature of authorization management causes significant stress and workload for staff. Constantly navigating the complexities of patient communication, insurance verifications, and procedural changes becomes arduous.

Alegria points out the potential for AI to streamline these processes, potentially mitigating staff burnout and ensuring smoother operations.

Agility in Healthcare IT

Discussing the approach in healthcare IT, Alegria acknowledges a tendency to tackle multiple issues simultaneously. He advocates for a more targeted approach, focusing on specific areas rather than attempting to solve all problems simultaneously.

Embracing agility over a traditional waterfall approach could lead to more effective and prompt resolutions.

Paving the Path for Efficient and Patient-Centric Healthcare

Alegria’s insights shed light on the intersection of technology and patient access, illuminating the potential for AI to revolutionize administrative healthcare processes.

By prioritizing patient feedback and leveraging technology’s capabilities, healthcare institutions can aim for enhanced efficiency, reduced staff burnout, and, ultimately, a more patient-centric healthcare system.

Need help connecting healthcare data to your IT systems? Contact our team.

About Jason Dzamba

Director of Media Relations, Productivity Strategist, and Host of Inside the Bot Podcast, Jason uses a process-driven approach to help leaders optimize their actions and achieve their most important business objectives. His creative outlet is painting abstract art and producing music. He lives in Orlando, Florida, with his three kids.