Robotic Process Automation (RPA) automates business processes by using artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate the actions of a person, interacting with software user interfaces and performing tasks without human intervention. 

Unlike traditional workflow automation software that requires a programmer to integrate with remote software applications and databases through published application programming interfaces (APIs), RPA monitors a user’s actions while they use a software application, then mimics those actions in order to automate repetitive tasks. Traditional workflow automation methods often have significant gaps in automated processes because they’re limited by the absence of proper APIs and must therefore fall back on regular human intervention. RPA, however, fills these system integration gaps in healthcare administration by performing tasks like a human would: transferring data from one system to another or updating records with current and accurate information. RPA creates a more robust and flexible integration that supports end-to-end automation so employees can focus on more impactful tasks.

Filling the gaps in integration and automation

Integration has long been a problem in healthcare technology. Legacy platforms, web applications, and desktop systems often lack integration support. As a result, revenue cycle management (RCM) companies have had to divert human resources towards executing a wide variety of multi-step highly repetitive tasks — such as data entry — to keep information moving between their many disparate systems. These manual steps in a workflow — often referred to as ‘automation gaps’ — burden RCM companies with hours of low-value effort every day that reduce the efficiency of their services and negatively impacts their EBITDA. Through RPA, RCM companies can reduce the time and effort spent on tedious and repetitious workflows and, instead, redirect their teams towards spending time on high-value, high-ROI activities.

What processes are appropriate for RPA?

RPA is exceptionally well-suited to workflows that are:

1. Susceptible to human error 
2. In need of data entry into many different systems 
3. Repeatable, consistent, and routine 
4. Predictable and do not require human decision-making skills 
5. Time consuming and high volume

RPA provides RCM companies with many advantages, including:

1. Improved accuracy and consistency 
2. Secure and compliant data handling
3. Compatibility with existing systems
4. Fast deployment 
5. Increased productivity 
6. Decreased employee burnout