Robotic Process Automation in Healthcare: 6 Best Use Cases You Must Know

The healthcare industry is constantly striving for efficiency and improved patient care. One exciting technology that’s making waves in this field is robotic process automation in healthcare. RPA uses software “bots” to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks, freeing up valuable human time and resources. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of robotic process automation in healthcare. We’ll explore six of the most impactful use cases that are transforming the way healthcare is delivered. From streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing patient care, RPA is proving its worth across the healthcare spectrum.

What is RPA?

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is designed to emulate and enhance human capabilities. It aims to boost efficiency and reliability in executing a broad array of tasks, including those that are crucial for business operations. According to McKinsey, up to 30% of tasks in most jobs could be automated. This view is supported by KPMG, who estimates the global RPA market to be valued at approximately $5 billion.

The adoption of RPA brings numerous advantages across various sectors by streamlining workflows, eliminating inefficiencies, and fostering economic growth. Here are some industries where RPA has been beneficial:

Despite these benefits, RPA’s adoption in the healthcare industry has been slow. Several factors contribute to this, such as complex logistical requirements, high initial costs, and reluctance stemming from unsuccessful hurried pilot projects. Nonetheless, there is a significant potential for RPA to grow within the healthcare sector, which could improve patient care by enhancing access to and the quality of medical services. Additionally, healthcare professionals could redirect their efforts from repetitive tasks to more critical functions; and overall healthcare costs could be more efficiently managed, allowing funds to be used more effectively elsewhere.

> Related: Beyond Limits: How Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is Transforming Industries

6 Best Use Cases of Robotic Process Automation in Healthcare

Use Case 1: Electronic Records and Data Integration

With the expansion of data sources in healthcare, including general practitioners, third-party platforms, insurance entities, scheduling systems, and medical databases, data management has become increasingly complex. In many regions, this data isn’t centralized, necessitating substantial resources to unify these disparate sources. Robotic process automation (RPA) can significantly reduce the time spent on routine administrative tasks by streamlining the processing of patient records. It’s estimated that the healthcare sector spends around $2.1 billion annually on inefficient, error-prone manual data management. Hence, RPA offers a crucial improvement in both efficiency and precision in handling health data.

Moreover, RPA ensures that electronic data sharing in healthcare complies with privacy standards by managing permissions and access controls. It also enhances cybersecurity by quickly detecting and responding to cyber threats, thus preventing data breaches and losses. This aspect of RPA was particularly valued following incidents like the NHS’s loss of approximately £92 million due to the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2018. For instance, in Dorset, UK, RPA has enabled faster access to medical records for GPs through a system named Wyman, demonstrating its practical benefits.

Use Case 2: Appointment Scheduling

Appointment scheduling is another area where RPA proves invaluable, enhancing efficiency by analyzing incoming data to organize appointments based on factors like symptoms, possible diagnoses, doctor availability, and timing. This not only alleviates the burden on healthcare staff but also improves patient satisfaction. In the UK, the East Lancashire NHS trust has reported significant paper savings and time reductions equivalent to 2.5 full-time employees per month by using RPA for scheduling; allowing them to reallocate resources more effectively. Additionally, innovative solutions like the Indian startup Feat Systems are emerging; which utilize RPA to automate appointment scheduling, reminders, and cancellations through user-friendly web applications.

Use Case 3: Billing, Payments, and Claims Management

Robotic process automation in healthcare streamlines the billing process by consolidating various charges—such as those for tests, medications, and consultations—into one simple invoice. This automation not only saves time but also reduces the frequency of billing errors. RPA technologies can also automate the management of health claims, significantly cutting down the time required to check the status of an insurance claim from 85 seconds to 12 seconds. This efficiency means a single RPA system can perform the work of about nine full-time employees. For example, a U.S. hospital has implemented RPA to verify payor eligibility and quickly identify missing information, accelerating the claims process and reducing financial losses from administrative errors.

Use Case 4: Asset Tracking

The tracking of medical assets like ventilators and defibrillators has become critical, especially during resource constraints like those experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hospitals can lose thousands of hours each month searching for misplaced equipment. RPA, integrated with digital sensors and cloud-based systems, ensures that medical assets are easily traceable, inventory levels are accurate, and equipment conditions are monitored. Companies like Intellibuddies and T-Systems are utilizing RPA to enhance equipment management and even track the time-sensitive locations of organs for transplant procedures, ensuring efficient and timely healthcare delivery.

Use Case 5: Data Analytics and Diagnostics

Daily, vast amounts of patient data are collected in healthcare settings, much of which remains underutilized. RPA can analyze this data to provide tailored insights and diagnostics, enhancing patient care through more precise treatments. A Dublin hospital, for example, has adopted RPA to process and analyze disease codes and test results, saving approximately three hours daily. This automation not only streamlines operations but also enhances patient outcomes.

Furthermore, RPA is increasingly integrated into telehealth services, supporting online patient assessments and diagnostic procedures; which is particularly useful in managing increased demand during health crises like the Covid-19 pandemic. Partnerships like that between Canadian telecom Telus and Babylon Health; which have developed a mobile app incorporating RPA and AI, are forefront examples of this application.

Use Case 6: Post-Treatment Care

Robotic process automation in healthcare extends to managing post-discharge care, ensuring patients continue to recover effectively at home. RPA can automate reminders for patients to take medications, adhere to dietary plans, or monitor vital signs. This communication bridge between hospitals and patients not only improves the at-home recovery experience but also helps to alleviate the strain on hospital resources by potentially reducing readmissions.

> Related: Top 10 Leading RPA Developer That Will Transform Your Business

Conclusion

In conclusion, robotic process automation in healthcare offers a multitude of benefits for providers, payers, and patients alike. By automating repetitive tasks, RPA frees up valuable staff time for more critical activities, improves accuracy and efficiency, and ultimately enhances the overall patient experience. From streamlining administrative processes to supporting patient care coordination, the use cases explored here just scratch the surface of what RPA can achieve in the healthcare industry.

If you’re looking to harness the power of robotic process automation in healthcare, AMELA Technology can help. Our comprehensive RPA solutions are designed to address the specific needs of healthcare organizations, ensuring a smooth and successful implementation. Contact us through the following information:

• Hotline: (+84)904026070 
• Email: hello@amela.tech 
• Address: 5th Floor, Tower A, Keangnam Building, Urban Area new E6 Cau Giay, Pham Hung, Me Tri, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi

Editor: AMELA Technology