3. Provide the right technology to professionals
Administrative spending, including billing and insurance-related costs, accounts for up to 30 percent of health care spending, and at least half is considered wasteful. Technology that can automate labor-intensive tasks and manual processes gives employees time back, and the information and patient care are processed faster through streamlined operations. One survey found that even though automation is already saving the industry $166 billion annually, an additional $122 billion could be saved by fully automating manual transactions.

Tools like electronic physician-to-specialist consultations and referral management platforms reduce primary care practice spending by eliminating time-consuming referrals and reducing the time required to verify insurance and find an appropriate specialist that accepts that insurance when referring a patient. . Preventing unnecessary specialist visits using eConsults could save billions of dollars and avoiding out-of-network specialty care. While out-of-network specialty care makes up a small portion of total health care spending, the low totals often obscure what happens when a patient is referred to an out-of-network provider – the patient fails to receive specialty care. As with the failure to receive preventative care, the lack of advice from a specialist drives up the cost of care and diminishes patient outcomes. Digital health platforms that enable care by the PCP with guidance from a specialist, often referred to as an eConsult, and referral scheduling with insight into health plan coverage delivers consumer cost savings by reducing unnecessary travel, childcare, and time-off work.
4. Optimize patient flow
As the industry continues to experience increased patient volume and high staff turnover, efficiency is critical. Unnecessary specialty care visits and a physician shortage mean longer wait times to diagnose and treat patients, some of whom might be in immediate need of care. Delayed care often results in worsening conditions and outcomes, so health care organizations need ways to tackle rising patient volumes.

Quality of care improves when the patient flow is optimized because those patients with the greatest need are less likely to experience delays in appointments or in-patient services. In addition, staffing is stabilized through increased satisfaction, reduced turnover, and improved productivity. Delivering more efficient care while maintaining or improving patient outcomes leads to more cost savings when the practice operates within a value-based payment model. Improving communication between physicians, practices and staff, as well as equipping them with the right tools, are a must when optimizing patient flow.

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