Home

No Denying That AI Can Greatly Reduce Claims Denials

I was recently at the HFMA 2025 Conference focused on Revenue Cycle Management. Much of the talk was around AI which included a keynote address from Zach Kass formerly of OpenAI to kick off the first day. He encouraged leaning into the benefits of AI and referred to the technology as a tool. Humans have forever used to tools to accomplish things we can’t ourselves. AI is no different.

This brings me to examining the other hot topic at the conference, Claims Denials. I spoke with several Providers and Solution Providers about some of the issues they are facing. Many issues were fairly typical of what our customers experience: ever changing Payor plans, little or no information as to why something was denied and coding errors. Solution providers have up to this point provided some help to lower denial rates, through automation, analytic reporting and somewhat limited predictive AI. It’s widely reported that before COVID the denial rate was 9%, today it’s above 12%. In some cases, a payer can downgrade the procedure they will reimburse with no notice, and it can cause excessive rework and lead to potentially write off the claim. With denial write-offs trending toward 5%, that is a lot of money being lost by providers that are struggling to achieve any type of positive margin. Historically a well-run Provider system could expect to be at 6%, today many are struggling to stay in the black above 0%.

The benefits of deploying AI and RPA are not just theoretical. A number of healthcare providers have deployed bots in their revenue cycle operations and reported the following results for different types of bots as referred to in RCM Advantage by Jonathan G. Wiik, 2024.

The Medical Coding Bot: This bot looks at the claim information, reviews the coding, and assigns a code. Providers who deployed this bot realized an average labor savings of between 3.5 and 4 FTEs (full-time equivalents) and saw an ROI of between 525% and 875%.
The Payment Posting Bot: This bot reviews the payment information from payers; posts cash and adjusts accounts as appropriate. Providers who deployed this bot realized an average labor savings of between 2.5 and 3 FTEs and saw an ROI of between 358% and 533%.
The Eligibility Bot: This bot reviews eligibility responses in the EHR patient access system to verify eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid patients. Providers who deployed this bot realized an average labor savings of between 0.35 and 0.6 FTEs per provider site per year.
Late Charge Management Bot: A late charge management bot can leverage the pricing information in a contract management system to adjust the charge for claims that will not have a net reimbursement effect on a net reimbursement claim. Providers who deployed a Late Charge Management Bot realized an average labor savings of between 0.35 and 0.6 FTEs per provider site per year.

There are many reasons decision-makers are considering Intelligent Automation solutions for their back-end office challenges. One reason we are hearing more referenced by our customers and prospective clients is related to labor challenges. From our perspective this is a problem that CANNOT be solved by hiring more people, necessarily. This problem requires Intelligence and Automation. A Provider needs a strong data set that is used dynamically by the tool to help solve this problem with AI and automation to “prevent death by a thousand clicks,” as one of our prospective customers recently expressed to us. And this is just a sliver of what this tool can assist with. CampTek has also found success with using this technology with managing “appeal letters.”

There are a lot of words floating out there about AI. At the end of the day, CampTek is working with a very specific fraction of the technology and successfully making it work for the solution and our customers in secure, effective, and time- and cost-saving ways. We believe in what we are able to offer with this Intelligent Automation toolkit and are excited for what is possible for our customers.

Written by:
Peter Camp, CEO & Founder

August 4, 2025

health system resources

Why outsourcing key hospital functions is no longer a choice, but a necessity

In nearly every industry, leaders have learned to focus on what they do best and bring in trusted partners to handle the rest. It is a simple principle: focus on your strengths and find others who can support the work that is essential, but outside your core competencies.

So why doesn’t that principle always apply in health care?

Health systems do have experience outsourcing certain support services. Environmental services, food service, IT infrastructure—these are areas where leaders have recognized that specialized partners can often do the work more efficiently and at scale.

But when it comes to functions that touch the patient journey more directly, like nurse triage or patient transfers, many organizations still try to manage them internally, even when it stretches their people and systems to the limit.

Health systems exist to care for people. That is the heart of what we do. But over the years, health systems have taken on more and more responsibilities that, while critical, pull focus and resources away from clinical care. Managing triage lines after hours. Coordinating time-sensitive transfers across multiple facilities. These are complex processes that require dedicated infrastructure, clinical training, and nonstop availability.

Clinicians are doing meaningful work, but they are juggling too much. Often, valuable time and energy are spent on tasks that could be handled more effectively by a partner whose sole focus is to do that work, and do it well.

This is where the right kind of outsourcing makes a difference. Not to cut corners or lose control, but to give internal teams the breathing room they need to focus on delivering care.

When nurse-first triage is handled by an experienced clinical partner, patients can reach a registered nurse any time of day and get quality clinical guidance right away. That supports better outcomes, reduces pressure on providers and builds patient trust. Similarly, when patient transfers are coordinated by a centralized team with clinical experience and dedicated workflows, systems see faster transfers and fewer delays in care. That benefits everyone—patients, providers, and operations.

These are not just workflow improvements. They are care improvements.

At Conduit Health Partners, we work with systems that are rethinking what must be done in-house, and what can be done better through partnership. These decisions are not always easy, but they are necessary. Because trying to do it all is not sustainable and in many cases, it is not serving patients or teams as well as it could.

Outsourcing does not mean giving up control. It means protecting your mission. It means letting your clinicians and operational leaders focus on the work that only they can do, while bringing in trusted partners to support the rest.

The best health systems I work with are not trying to do everything. They are focused on doing the right things and doing them well. They are building the kind of operational foundation that allows them to grow, adapt, and care for their communities with excellence.

If your team is still trying to hold it all together, I encourage you to step back and ask, what are we carrying that we do not have to? Where could a thoughtful partnership allow us to focus more on patients and less on process?

These are the questions that shape strong, future-ready systems. And now is the time to start asking them.

Dusti Browning, MSN, RN, NE-BC is the Vice President of Growth and Client Solutions for Conduit Health Partners. She joined Conduit Health Partners in 2017 to develop the Nurse Triage program. In 2018 she assumed responsibilities as System Director for Transfer Center, Triage and Virtual Care. Subsequently in 2020, she led efforts to attain URAC Health Call Center Accreditation. In her current role, Dusti is responsible for new business development, creating clinical solutions and ensuring client success.

Dusti brings over 25 years of healthcare leadership experience, including roles at The Christ Hospital Health Network and Mercy Health, where she led The Blood Cancer Center and maintained multiple accreditations for transplant and leukemia care. She has a strong track record in program development, quality improvement, and advancing access to care, with work published in Urgent Matters. Dusti holds executive nursing leadership certification, completed advanced leadership training, and has contributed to national nursing certification content and organizations.

June 2, 2025

health system resources

Digital transformation essentials — Supply chain management

Healthcare supply chain management (SCM) solutions represent specialized digital platforms that optimize the flow of medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals throughout health systems. These solutions integrate inventory management, procurement, logistics, and analytics to create more efficient and reliable supply chains.

Supply chain management framework

Inventory management	Solutions that provide real-time tracking, automated reordering, and predictive analytics to maintain optimal inventory levels, reduce stockouts and overstock situations, and decrease carrying costs while ensuring critical supplies are available when needed. Example companies: Tecsys, GHX, FlexScanMD, Infor, Pycube
Procurement and spend management	Solutions that analyze historical purchasing data and spending patterns to drive strategic sourcing decisions and future procurement strategy. These solutions identify cost-saving opportunities, consolidation possibilities, and price benchmarking through comprehensive data analysis and AI-powered insights, focusing on optimizing what to buy, from whom, and at what price. Example companies: Coupa, Workday, GHX, Clarium, Pycube
Contract and price management	olutions that focus on managing existing supplier agreements and ensuring pricing compliance throughout the contract lifecycle. These platforms centralize contract information, automate compliance monitoring, verify that invoiced prices match contracted rates, manage rebates and discounts, and optimize contract terms to prevent revenue leakage and minimize maverick spending. Example companies: symplr, Icertis, Pactum AI, Pycube
Supply chain visibility and asset tracking	Solutions that provide real-time location tracking and monitoring of medical equipment, supplies, and assets throughout the healthcare facility. These platforms leverage RFiD, RTLS, Bluetooth, or other tracking technologies to enable equipment utilization optimization, prevent loss, and ensure critical assets are available when and where they’re needed for patient care. Example companies: RFiD Discovery, Eptura, Zebra Technologies, CenTrak, Pycube

These are example companies, and not meant to be comprehensive. Did we miss your company? Schedule some time to connect.

The case for digital in supply chain management

Healthcare supply chain management has evolved from a back-office function to a strategic imperative as health systems face unprecedented financial pressure, supply shortages, and operational complexity. Forward-thinking health systems are now embracing digital transformation of their supply chains to address mounting cost pressures, mitigate shortage risks, and generate actionable intelligence from previously untapped data sources. This shift from reactive supply management to proactive supply chain strategy represents one of healthcare’s most promising opportunities for sustainable competitive advantage.

Enhance operational efficiency and cost control

Healthcare organizations increasingly recognize the financial impact of supply chain inefficiencies, with supplies representing a significant expense category, accounting for 10.5% of the average hospital budget which amounts to $146.9B spent on supplies.¹ Yet only 17% of healthcare leaders report having complete visibility into their supply chains.² This visibility gap represents a significant challenge, as 78% of hospitals still use manual inventory management processes that lead to $5 billion in annual waste from expired products alone.³ Digital supply chain solutions bridge this gap by delivering real-time inventory visibility and automated processes, resulting in meaningful efficiency improvements. By focusing on data-driven optimization and automation, healthcare organizations can create streamlined operations that drive cost savings in an increasingly financially constrained space.

Mitigate supply chain disruptions and risks

Supply chain management solutions can dramatically improve resilience against increasingly complex challenges that threaten the continuity of operations. A typical regional health system manages between 30,000 to 60,000 unique SKUs annually, sourced through numerous contracts from global suppliers.⁴ This complexity is compounded by macroeconomic factors like inflation, logistical disruptions, and geopolitical limitations on raw materials. Manual processes exacerbate these vulnerabilities as manual procurement workflows create error-prone transactions, paper-based inventory tracking prevents real-time visibility, and disconnected systems make forecasting nearly impossible. Digital supply chain solutions directly address these challenges through automated transaction processing, real-time inventory visibility, and integrated data management. By connecting appropriate systems to these tools, organizations gain crucial product utilization data that enables sophisticated demand forecasting. This transformation from reactive response to proactive risk management converts supply chain vulnerability into operational resilience and financial stability, even during periods of extreme market volatility.

Drive strategic decision-making through data-driven insights

Beyond enhancing operational efficiency and risk management, sophisticated supply chain solutions transform strategic planning through comprehensive analytics and actionable intelligence. Despite their clear value, many healthcare organizations still underutilize analytics capabilities. It was found that 37% of supply chain departments rely on basic Excel spreadsheets to track margins per case, while 18% don’t analyze their supply chain at all. Those that do implement analytics often limit usage to basic functions like inventory tracking (76%) or supplier consolidation (71%), with only half leveraging more advanced capabilities such as cost-per-case analysis or supply expiration prediction.⁵ Modern supply chain platforms provide unprecedented spend visibility across the entire procurement ecosystem, enabling executives to identify hidden cost drivers, evaluate supplier performance, and align purchasing strategies with broader organizational goals. These platforms facilitate more strategic supplier relationships by providing data-driven insights for negotiations, performance tracking, and collaborative cost-reduction initiatives. The financial advantages come from transforming vast amounts of transactional data into actionable insights that drive better planning, budget allocation, and resource utilization – exactly what high-performing hospital supply chain departments invest in to gain financial stability in today’s challenging healthcare environment.

Sources

April 15, 2025

health system resources

The future of CFO leadership: Embracing patient loyalty as a financial strategy

Maximizing profitability: The turnkey business solution CFOs need now

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, CFOs are facing new pressures to deliver profitability while maintaining quality and patient loyalty. According to a recent poll, 8 out of 10 CFOs are actively seeking profitable, turnkey business units that require minimal IT and operational resources.

Moreover, 7 out of 10 recognize that their roles have expanded beyond traditional financial oversight to include a consumer-centric perspective, where patient acquisition and, just as importantly, patient loyalty are now key metrics. It’s no longer just about margin improvement; today’s CFOs must collaborate with stakeholders from innovation, strategy, and marketing to drive financial success.

For the past two decades, healthcare organizations have heavily invested in EHR systems – rightfully so. However, the times have changed. The real opportunity lies in developing patient loyalty through innovative membership models that provide both operational efficiency and long-term growth.

The market shift: Patient loyalty is the new margin mover

Amenities Health’s market research has shown that health systems are losing patient volume year after year. In fact, 80% of health systems are experiencing patient leakage. Even more striking, over 50% of patients who identify themselves as loyal to a specific health system are regularly receiving care from competitors. In today’s subscription-based economy, healthcare has often taken a backseat to other services.

However, when offered a premium membership from their local health system, 95% of patients state they would exclusively seek care from that health system for themselves and their families. This is a tremendous opportunity for CFOs to drive revenue through patient loyalty.

The Amenities Health turnkey membership platform

Amenities Health provides the only truly turnkey patient membership platform that allows healthcare organizations to attract and retain loyal patients while generating predictable, recurring revenue. By incorporating both technology and services, this platform delivers ROI from day one. For example, just 2,000 members can result in a $1 million revenue bump for health systems.

Our turnkey solution includes:

Strategy services: A comprehensive business and go-to-market plan to attract and retain ideal members, leveraging local market surveys, demographics, healthcare needs, and customized pricing models.
Membership growth: A fully white-labeled member acquisition website and demand generation campaigns (SEO, social media, paid search) that target the right patient demographics.
Seamless technology: Tools like Rapid Registration and Care Search & Scheduling, which make it easy for patients to engage with the system and schedule care, all while integrating seamlessly with existing EHRs and patient portals.

But it’s not just about tech – patient loyalty is driven by the comprehensive turnkey clinical services included in the membership platform. These services, such as Primary Care+, 24/7 virtual urgent care, and specialist eConsults, create the “stickiness” that drives significant revenue opportunities. Combined with a seamless user experience, these offerings enhance patient retention, reduce leakage, and ultimately contribute to a $1 billion-plus payback in most markets.

A margin mover for CFOs

The real financial potential is in the backside of loyalty – surgical procedures, major treatments, and high-margin services secured when patients are engaged and loyal. The Amenities Health membership platform not only strengthens patient acquisition and delivers near-term subscription revenues, but it can also drive 10X sustained revenue through repeat business and long-term loyalty.

Here’s why CFOs should act now:

Increased patient acquisition: Secure a steady, growing patient base that remains loyal to your health system.
Revenue growth: Drive substantial revenue from both membership fees and clinical offerings, creating multiple income streams.
Operational simplicity: With minimal IT lift and operational complexity, the turnkey platform ensures smooth integration into your existing systems.
A true consumer-centric solution: As patient expectations evolve, this platform provides the on-demand, subscription-based care that consumers want, while reducing reliance on traditional fee-for-service models.

This is the margin mover that CFOs have been waiting for. It’s not just about improving margins, this is a strategic investment that will future-proof your health system and position it as a market leader.

Amenities Health is your dedicated digital front door platform committed to enhancing the patient experience and fostering brand loyalty for health systems. We address critical issues in new patient acquisition and care scheduling by delivering a modernized digital experience akin to mobile banking apps and platforms like Amazon.

Our unique offering includes the only white-labeled mobile app seamlessly integrated with health system patient portals, such as MyChart. This integration extends optimized patient experience features to health system websites, facilitating rapid registration, provider search, and scheduling.

To learn more about how Amenities Health can help your organization grow and build lasting patient loyalty, contact us for a demo.

April 1, 2025

health system resources

Digital transformation essentials — Non-emergency medical transportation

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) solutions help healthcare organizations optimize patient access to medical care when transportation is a barrier. These solutions can streamline transportation logistics and reduce missed appointments by identifying transportation needs earlier and coordinating reliable rides more effectively.

Non-emergency medical transportation framework

Transportation hub

Solutions that identify patients with transportation barriers and connect them with appropriate transportation services based on mobility needs, location, and urgency.

Example companies: Roundtrip, Kaizen Health, Modivcare, SafeRide Health, Hitch Health

Direct service providers

Solutions that provide transportation services with digital interfaces that facilitate real-time communication between patients, healthcare providers, and transportation vendors, ensuring timely pickups, reducing wait times, and providing status updates to all stakeholders throughout the transportation journey while ensuring compliance through healthcare-credentialed services.

Example companies: Lyft Healthcare, Uber Health, MTM Health, Modivcare

These are example companies, and not meant to be comprehensive. Did we miss your company? Schedule some time to connect.

The case for non-emergency medical transportation

Transportation barriers represent a critical healthcare access challenge affecting millions of patients nationwide, particularly those with chronic conditions, limited mobility, and lower socioeconomic status. As healthcare delivery becomes increasingly complex and distributed across various settings, digital NEMT solutions have emerged as essential technologies that transform how patient transportation is managed while reducing missed appointments, optimizing operational costs, and improving patient outcomes.

Reduce missed appointments and care gaps

Missed appointments due to transportation issues represent significant clinical and financial challenges for healthcare organizations. Approximately 3.6 million Americans miss or delay medical care each year due to transportation barriers.¹ NEMT solutions help address these challenges by identifying patients with transportation needs and connecting them with appropriate services. Through systematic identification of transportation barriers and proactive intervention, healthcare organizations can improve patient access to care while simultaneously reducing costs and improving health outcomes.

Improve patient experience and satisfaction

Transportation challenges create significant stress for patients and can negatively impact their overall healthcare experience. According to peer-reviewed research, between 10-51% of patients report that transportation was a barrier to access, with low-income patients facing higher rates of access barriers than the general population.² Digital NEMT platforms address these concerns through reliable scheduling, real-time ride tracking, and personalized transportation options based on patient needs. By ensuring reliable, comfortable transportation to healthcare settings, these solutions enable patients to focus on their health rather than logistical challenges, ultimately improving both satisfaction scores and clinical outcomes.

Advance access and health equity

There is an intensified focus on addressing social determinants of health, including transportation, with CMS expanding its allowances for transportation benefits under Medicare Advantage plans and some Medicaid programs. Medicare Advantage plans can now include NEMT as a supplemental benefit, with around 36% of plans offering transportation benefits in 2024.³ Medicaid beneficiaries also utilize NEMT to access a variety of services outside of primary visits and include behavioral health, dialysis, specialist visits, and rehab.⁴ By removing transportation as a barrier to consistent healthcare access, these solutions help healthcare organizations advance health equity goals, improve community health outcomes, and ensure all patients have equal opportunity to benefit from available healthcare services regardless of their transportation resources.

Sources

March 31, 2025

health system resources

Digital transformation essentials — Caregiver support

Caregiver support solutions are designed to help healthcare organizations enhance support for both family caregivers and professional care teams. These solutions provide education, resources, and coordination tools to address caregiver burden and burnout, improve care quality, and ensure better support across the care continuum for those that they care for.

Caregiver support solutions

Caregiver education and training	Solutions that provide comprehensive, accessible education and skills training for caregivers, using personalized digital learning, simulation tools, and just-in-time instruction to build caregiver competence and confidence in delivering complex care tasks. Example companies: Trualta, CareAcademy, Wellthy
Caregiver coordination and resource navigation	Platforms that connect caregivers with community resources, respite services, and peer support networks, reducing isolation and ensuring caregivers have access to necessary assistance and temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities. Example companies: Cariloop, Carallel, Careforth, Wellthy, CareLinx
Continuous monitoring and connected care	Technologies that provide real-time insights into care recipient status, detect emergencies, manage medications, and enable family caregivers to stay informed about their loved one’s wellbeing from anywhere. Example companies: Medisafe, GrandCare, CarePredict

These are example companies, and not meant to be comprehensive. Did we miss your company? Schedule some time to connect.

The case for digital in caregiver support

The complexity of patient care continues to expand beyond clinical settings and traditional care teams. Today’s healthcare reality increasingly relies on everyday caregivers who shoulder the responsibility for patients outside hospital walls—family members, friends, and community caregivers who provide critical support with limited resources and training. Digital caregiver support solutions have emerged as transformative technologies that strengthen this essential but often overlooked component of the care continuum. By addressing caregiver needs, these solutions create sustainable caregiving models that simultaneously improve caregiver well-being and patient outcomes, bridging the gap between institutional care and the daily realities of home-based support.

Address workforce challenges and caregiver burnout

Both professional and family caregivers face caregiving challenges that threaten care sustainability and quality. The average staff turnover rate of hospitals in the US stands at 20.7%, which, on average, cost health systems $50-$75K per employee.¹ This workforce crisis is further compounded by the fact that approximately 73% of employees also serve as family caregivers outside their professional roles, creating a dual burden that significantly impacts retention and performance.² Simultaneously, approximately 40% of family caregivers report high levels of burden, with caregiving-related stress contributing to $13.4 billion in additional healthcare costs annually.³ Digital caregiver support solutions address these interconnected challenges by providing comprehensive resources for both professional and family caregivers while recognizing the unique needs of healthcare employees who serve in both capacities. By recognizing and supporting caregivers and employees, health systems can create a more sustainable care environment while also reducing costs. Healthcare systems that support employees with caregiving responsibilities can reduce unplanned absences and decrease turnover amongst their employee populations.

Enhance care quality and patient outcomes

Care continuity can be challenging when caregivers are not adequately supported which can lead to increased emergency department visits and care complications. Caregivers are often not trained on how to best support those they care for with studies showing that caregivers receive inadequate training for medical tasks they’re expected to perform.⁴ Digital caregiver support platforms address this lack of education and resources through accessible education, real-time guidance, and continuous support. Effective caregiver education and support programs have been shown to reduce hospitalizations, decrease complications, and increase adherence to care plans.⁵ By equipping caregivers with necessary skills and resources, these solutions enable better quality care in home settings, ultimately improving patient outcomes while reducing healthcare utilization costs.

Strengthen patient-centered care and community health

Supporting caregivers serves as a powerful extension of patient-centered care philosophy, recognizing that effective healthcare extends beyond clinical settings to embrace the social support systems surrounding each patient. Healthcare organizations increasingly recognize that caregivers represent critical partners in achieving positive health outcomes and maintaining continuity across care transitions.⁶ By implementing comprehensive caregiver support solutions, healthcare systems demonstrate a commitment to whole-person care that addresses patients’ needs within their real-world contexts. This community-centered approach aligns with healthcare’s evolving role as an anchor institution responsible not just for treating illness but for fostering health and well-being throughout the populations they serve. By investing in digital tools that empower and sustain caregivers, healthcare organizations strengthen their position as trusted community partners while simultaneously improving clinical outcomes and operational efficiency.

Sources

March 31, 2025

health system resources

Digital transformation essentials – Digital imaging & radiology

Digital Imaging & Radiology solutions encompass advanced technologies that help healthcare organizations optimize workflows, care collaboration and enhance clinical decision-making. These solutions reduce diagnostic errors, accelerate turnaround times, and enable more convenient access to imaging services.

Digital imaging & radiology framework

Workflow optimization and intelligence	Solutions that enhance radiologist efficiency and diagnostic accuracy by leveraging artificial intelligence to detect abnormalities, prioritize worklists, provide quantitative insights, and streamline imaging workflows. These platforms optimize resource utilization, reduce wait times, and improve clinical decision-making through intelligent scheduling and automation, ultimately reducing radiologist burnout and improving patient outcomes. Example companies: Aidoc, Viz.ai, Qure.ai, Lunit, Rad AI, Sirona, Synapsica
Advanced image processing	Solutions that use deep learning algorithms to improve the quality of medical images enabling more accurate diagnosis and interpretation. Features may include the ability to reduce image noise, increase contrast, enhance resolution, and obtain more information from standard scans. Example companies: Subtle Medical, Vista.ai, AIRS Medical, Cleerly
Point-of-care utilization	Technology that brings advanced imaging capabilities directly to the patient bedside or clinic setting, enabling immediate diagnostic decisions, reducing patient transfers, and facilitating timely interventions through portable technologies. Example companies: Butterfly Network, EchoNous, eXo, ThinkSono

These are example companies, and not meant to be comprehensive. Did we miss your company? Schedule some time to connect.

The case for digital in imaging & radiology

As healthcare facilities manage increasing volumes of complex studies with constrained resources, AI-enhanced imaging solutions have emerged as essential technologies that transform how diagnoses are made while reducing errors, optimizing operational costs, and improving patient outcomes.

Transform detection capabilities and reduce diagnostic errors

Diagnostic misses and interpretation errors in medical imaging represent a critical challenge for healthcare delivery, with medical diagnoses error rates estimated to be ranging from 10-15%, affecting more than 12M Americans each year.¹ AI-enhanced imaging solutions directly address this challenge through computer vision algorithms that can detect subtle abnormalities often missed by the human eye. These systems excel particularly in detecting early-stage cancers, with studies showing AI-assisted mammography increasing early breast cancer detection while simultaneously reducing false positives, in comparison to traditional screening methods.² By providing consistent analysis of every pixel in every image, AI systems serve as a powerful second reader, helping imaging specialists overcome perceptual and cognitive limitations that contribute to missed findings and diagnostic errors.

Overcome radiologist shortages through intelligent workflow optimization

Radiology departments face an unprecedented capacity crisis, with imaging volumes growing at 5% annually while the radiologist workforce expands by only 2%.³ This widening gap can create dangerous interpretation backlogs, with longer waiting times for non-critical studies. AI-enhanced imaging solutions tackle this challenge by automating routine aspects of image analysis and prioritizing cases based on clinical urgency. This can help reduce interpretation time for studies and improve critical finding notification. By handling routine analyses and flagging abnormal studies, AI systems allow radiologists to practice at the top of their license, focusing their expertise on the most complex cases and consultative roles that drive the greatest clinical value.

Elevate image quality while reducing patient radiation exposure

The diagnostic quality of medical imaging has traditionally been constrained by a fundamental tradeoff between image resolution and patient safety concerns, particularly radiation exposure from CT scans and X-rays, and toxic contrast agents in MRI. Each year, medical imaging contributes approximately 50% of Americans’ total radiation exposure, with an estimated 2% of future cancers attributable to CT scans alone.⁴ AI-enhanced imaging solutions break this longstanding tradeoff through sophisticated deep learning algorithms that can extract diagnostic information from lower-dose scans. These achievements can be particularly significant for pediatric patients and those requiring repeated imaging for chronic conditions. In addition to safety benefits, AI image enhancement capabilities are extending the clinical utility of existing imaging equipment, with algorithms enabling standard ultrasound devices to identify subtle tissue changes previously visible only with more advanced modalities. By simultaneously improving image quality while reducing patient exposure to harmful radiation and contrast agents, AI-enhanced imaging solutions are fundamentally transforming the risk-benefit calculus of diagnostic imaging procedures.

Sources

March 26, 2025

health system resources

Why every health system needs to rethink patient transfers for financial sustainability

Health systems today face mounting financial pressures—rising operational costs, shrinking reimbursements, and the increasing shift toward value-based care. While many executives focus on clinical efficiencies and revenue cycle management, one critical factor often goes overlooked: patient transfers. A well-managed transfer process can strengthen financial sustainability, improve patient care, and enhance operational efficiency.

The hidden costs of inefficient patient transfers

Patient transfers are often treated as routine, but inefficiencies in this process can have profound financial and operational consequences. Delays or mismanaged transfers may result innegative patient outcomes, poor patient satisfaction, and lost revenue when patients receive care outside the system. Under value-based care models, these inefficiencies can even result in financial penalties.

Consider the time it takes to manage each transfer. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that nurses spend an average of 42 minutes coordinating a single transfer. These delays don’t just disrupt care; they burden frontline staff, reduce workforce efficiency, and contribute to overcrowded emergency departments. The impact extends beyond operations—when patients are unnecessarily transferred out of network, it disrupts care continuity, complicates follow-up, and affects long-term financial performance.

The financial and operational benefits of a centralized transfer center

A strategic approach to patient transfers can unlock significant value. By transfer operations, health systems can streamline patient flow, reduce inefficiencies, and better utilize bedside resources.

A well-structured patient transfer center (PTC) ensures that patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time. This reduces length of stay, prevents avoidable readmissions, and improves patient experience—all of which contribute to financial stability.

Additionally, an outsourced (PTC) model enhances workforce efficiency. By designating a dedicated team to manage transfers, health systems free up clinicians to focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks, reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction. With ongoing challenges relative to nurse retention and recruitment, an outsourced model enables organizations to utilize the resources within their communities for direct patient care.

Another key advantage of a PTC is data-driven decision-making. Transfer centers generate real-time insights that help executives identify service gaps, optimize resource allocation, and strategically expand specialty services. When properly leveraged, these insights lead to smarter business decisions and stronger financial outcomes.

The return on investment of outsourcing patient transfer centers

For large, multi-facility health systems, managing transfers in-house can be complex and resource-intensive. Outsourcing this function to experts ensures seamless coordination while allowing health systems to focus on their core mission: delivering high-quality care.

Financially, the case for outsourcing is compelling. A new study by Eliciting Insights reveals a nearly 3:1 return on investment for organizations that engage Conduit Health Partners to provide transfer services. This was even greater for certain service lines. This demonstrates how optimizing patient transfers not only enhances operational performance but also drives measurable financial benefits.

The strategic advantage of rethinking transfers

In today’s financial climate, every operational decision impacts a health system’s long-term sustainability. Rethinking patient transfers is no longer just about logistics—it’s a strategic imperative. Optimizing this process strengthens network efficiency, improves patient outcomes, and enhances financial stability. In a competitive and cost-conscious health care environment, a well-managed transfer strategy isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for future success.

Download Conduit Health Partner’s whitepaper to explore how your health system can speed care, strengthen revenue and increase patient retention and acquisition.

Conduit connects patients and providers, partnering with your health system in patient navigation. Aimed at encouraging volume growth through patient acquisition and retention, our services help you effectively manage inbound and outbound transfers. Let our experienced call center nurses guide you in finding the best locations and practitioners for patient needs, to ease access to care for patients. Conduit makes moving patients the least of your worries—so you can focus on other aspects of your business.

March 21, 2025

health system resources

Digital transformation essentials — Discharge planning

Discharge Planning solutions encompass digital platforms and technologies designed to help healthcare organizations optimize patient transitions from hospital to home or post-acute care settings. These solutions streamline discharge processes, reduce readmissions, and improve patient outcomes by identifying discharge barriers earlier, coordinating post-acute care more effectively, and ensuring safer transitions across the care continuum.

Discharge planning framework

Discharge planning upon admission	Solutions that begin the discharge process at the point of admission, using AI and predictive analytics to estimate discharge dates, identify potential barriers, and streamline discharge workflows from day one. Example companies: Qventus, Aidin, Pieces
Care coordination	Platforms that facilitate communication and collaboration among multidisciplinary care teams, ensuring smooth transitions and handoffs throughout the patient journey and into post-acute settings. Example companies: Bamboo Health, Vynca, CareCentri
Hospital at home	Solutions that leverage a combination of remote monitoring technologies, telemedicine, and in-home healthcare services to deliver acute medical care, including diagnostics, treatment, and monitoring, to patients at home. Example companies: Medically Home, Contessa, Inbound Health, Dispatch Health, Current Health

These are example companies, and not meant to be comprehensive. Did we miss your company? Schedule some time to connect.

The case for digital in discharge planning

The complexity of patient transitions continues to expand, creating urgent challenges that traditional discharge methods cannot effectively address. As healthcare facilities serve more patients with complex conditions and social needs, digital discharge planning solutions have emerged as essential technologies that transform how care transitions are managed while reducing readmissions, optimizing operational costs, and improving patient satisfaction.

Minimize excess days and readmission risk

Discharge delays and readmissions represent significant operational and financial challenges for healthcare organizations. Approximately 20% of Medicare beneficiaries are readmitted within 30 days of discharge, costing the healthcare system over $15 billion annually.¹ Discharge planning solutions help address these challenges by identifying readmission risk factors and targeting interventions for the highest-risk patients. Organizations implementing discharge planning tools report significant improvements in key metrics, with studies showing how these tools can reduce mean length of stay by 16%.² Through systematic identification of discharge barriers and proactive intervention, healthcare organizations can transform their throughput efficiency while simultaneously reducing costs and improving the quality of care delivery.

Streamline clinician workflows and resource allocation

Healthcare organizations face significant staffing challenges that impact discharge efficiency, with the average hospital case manager juggling 20-30 active cases simultaneously.³ Traditional manual discharge processes consume approximately several hours of clinician time per patient and can often result in delays for the patient, creating administrative burdens that detract from direct patient care.⁴ Digital discharge planning platforms address these inefficiencies through process automation and standardized workflows. An efficient discharge planning process can reduce documentation time by 70% and reduce summary deficiencies by 44%.⁵ By reclaiming valuable clinician time and standardizing critical workflows, these solutions enable care teams to focus on complex clinical decisions rather than administrative tasks, ultimately improving both staff satisfaction and patient outcomes.

Align care transitions with value-based care goals

The increasing interest in value-based care has placed increased emphasis on effective transitions, with CMS expanding its focus beyond readmissions to include post-discharge outcomes and patient experience measures. Medicare’s Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) Advanced program now includes post-discharge metrics that directly impact reimbursement, with financial consequences for suboptimal transitions.⁶ Additionally, discharge planning quality is also incorporated into the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program along with other value-based initiatives, affecting Medicare reimbursements for participating hospitals.⁷ Digital discharge planning solutions help organizations meet these requirements by standardizing discharge processes, improving documentation quality, and optimizing post-acute care transitions. By aligning discharge planning with value-based care objectives, healthcare organizations can simultaneously improve clinical outcomes, enhance patient experience, and strengthen financial performance across the care continuum.

Sources

March 20, 2025

health system resources

Digital transformation essentials — Interpretation services

Interpretation Services solutions encompass technological platforms and systems designed to help healthcare organizations effectively communicate with patients who have limited English proficiency (LEP) or are deaf or hard of hearing. These solutions leverage a variety of delivery methods—from real-time human interpreters to AI-powered automated systems—enabling healthcare providers to bridge language barriers while optimizing operational efficiency and improving patient outcomes.

Interpretation services solutions

Synchronous interpretation solutions	Real-time interpretation services that provide immediate language support for live patient interactions, including video remote interpreting and over-the-phone options. Example companies: LanguageLine Solutions, Martti, AMN Healthcare Language Services, CyraCom, GLOBO
Asynchronous interpretation solutions	Language services that enable communication across language barriers through pre-translated materials, document translation, and non-real-time interactions. Example companies: Lionbridge, TransPerfect, LILT, Morningside Translations

These are example companies, and not meant to be comprehensive. Did we miss your company? Schedule some time to connect.

The case for interpretation services

The language diversity of patient populations continues to expand, creating urgent communication challenges that traditional interpretation methods cannot effectively address. As healthcare facilities serve more LEP patients and hard-of-hearing individuals, digital interpretation solutions have emerged as essential technologies that transform how care is delivered across language barriers.

Prevent clinical miscommunication and medical errors

Language barriers significantly compromise patient safety and clinical effectiveness when not properly addressed. Patients with LEP experience worse hospital outcomes, including more readmissions, adverse events, longer lengths of stay, mortality, and decreased patient satisfaction compared to their English-proficient counterparts.¹ Furthermore, adverse events affecting LEP patients are nearly twice as likely to involve physical harm compared to English-speaking patients.² Interpretation services address these challenges through immediate access to qualified interpreters and translation tools.

Address overhead costs

Traditional interpretation methods can create substantial administrative and financial challenges for healthcare providers. Digital interpretation services streamline these processes through on-demand access and resource optimization. While these services can cost around a few hundred dollars per patient per year, this cost is often offset by enhancing patient experiences to encourage them to comply with their care and reducing testing and visit time.³ Strategic deployment of synchronous and asynchronous solutions allows healthcare systems to match interpretation modality to clinical and patient need, creating substantial operational efficiencies.

Improve patient experience and regulatory compliance

Language barriers significantly impact patient satisfaction and create compliance risks. LEP patients report lower satisfaction scores compared to English-speaking patients, with communication difficulties cited as the primary concern.⁴ Simultaneously, language access in healthcare is governed by multiple federal regulations, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. Digital interpretation services address both challenges through consistent, documentable language support. This enhanced experience translates directly to improved HCAHPS scores, higher patient retention, and reduced legal risk.⁵

Sources

March 13, 2025

health system resources

Supply chain management framework

The case for digital in supply chain management

Enhance operational efficiency and cost control

Mitigate supply chain disruptions and risks

Drive strategic decision-making through data-driven insights

Sources

Maximizing profitability: The turnkey business solution CFOs need now

The market shift: Patient loyalty is the new margin mover

The Amenities Health turnkey membership platform

A margin mover for CFOs

Non-emergency medical transportation framework

The case for non-emergency medical transportation

Reduce missed appointments and care gaps

Improve patient experience and satisfaction

Advance access and health equity

Sources

Caregiver support solutions

The case for digital in caregiver support

Address workforce challenges and caregiver burnout

Enhance care quality and patient outcomes

Strengthen patient-centered care and community health

Sources

Digital imaging & radiology framework

The case for digital in imaging & radiology

Transform detection capabilities and reduce diagnostic errors

Overcome radiologist shortages through intelligent workflow optimization

Elevate image quality while reducing patient radiation exposure

Sources

The hidden costs of inefficient patient transfers

The financial and operational benefits of a centralized transfer center

The return on investment of outsourcing patient transfer centers

The strategic advantage of rethinking transfers

Download Conduit Health Partner’s whitepaper to explore how your health system can speed care, strengthen revenue and increase patient retention and acquisition.

Discharge planning framework

The case for digital in discharge planning

Minimize excess days and readmission risk

Streamline clinician workflows and resource allocation

Align care transitions with value-based care goals

Sources

Interpretation services solutions

The case for interpretation services

Prevent clinical miscommunication and medical errors

Address overhead costs

Improve patient experience and regulatory compliance

Sources

About AVIA Marketplace