When we think of AI in healthcare, we tend to think of it as something that ‘they’ are doing. Probably because it seems so far removed from the everyday working of a private practice. For example, AI is being used in pharmaceutical research to expedite the drug discovery process. With AI, we can analyse millions of medical images in minutes. AI & predictive analytics can easily identify high-risk patients & help doctors to deliver patient-centred care. 

AI is constantly evolving & is increasingly becoming an integral part of the modern healthcare landscape. But what exactly does that mean for your medical practice? In this blog, we will discuss the top 5 practical ways doctors are using AI to run better businesses. 

Appointment scheduling & patient communication

At its core, AI is the use of computer systems to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. In the past, your staff was tasked with handling patient queries, appointment management and communication. But now, integrating AI-powered scheduling systems and AI bots can automate appointment bookings, reminder notifications, patient follow-ups and even communicate and follow-up with patients. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Investigate integrating an online appointment booking system such as Recomed with your practice management software. 

Medical billing & coding

When done manually, medical billing was time-consuming & prone to error. AI has streamlined the medical billing process by accurately coding procedures, enabling real-time invoicing & claims submission & automated accounts reconciliations. Moreover, the use of technology has also boosted the integrity of the data to help reduce billing errors & ensure timely payments. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Ensure your practice is using cloud-based medical billing software that makes it easy and straightforward to improve every financial aspect of your practice.

Patient Management

AI is used in EMRs (Electronic Medical Records) for safer, more efficient patient management. When designed using AI, EMRs can extract & analyse pertinent patient data from medical notes, lab results, & other records. This provides doctors & multi-disciplinary treatment teams with valuable insights & reduces the time they need to spend on paperwork.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Implement an integrated cloud-based EMR solution to efficiently manage your patient’s clinical treatment & your practice finances. By using an end-to-end solution, you can maximise your time & efficiency. 

Medicines management & electronic prescribing

Prescribing medicine can be time-consuming & complicated. Especially since no one can commit hundreds of thousands of medicines to memory. AI that can analyse and predict your most prescribed medicines, together with dosage information & present alternative or generic options, makes managing medicines & prescribing simpler for you and safer for patients. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Implement a smart EMR such as Healthbridge Clinical with a built-in prescribing tool – SmartMeds. SmartMeds ensures that medicines, dosages & generic alternatives are appropriate, making issuing prescriptions faster & more accurate than what’s possible with a pen & prescription pad. 

So, you can see that while the idea of AI in healthcare may have once seemed distant & out of reach, it is now accessible & practical for private practices. Embracing AI to automate routine & complex tasks at your practice can boost your clinical capabilities, reduce the administrative burden on your staff, improve the running of your business & empower your patients to take a more active role in their health. 

If you haven’t explored the power of AI technologies in your practice, contact sales@healthbridge.co.za. Healthbridge’s commitment to providing innovative, user-friendly solutions that truly help you achieve business success is why they are the technology partner of choice to over 6 000 private practitioners. Contact Healthbridge today for an obligation-free practice health assessment.