In today’s complex business landscape, organizations are constantly looking to improve efficiency. One successful strategy to this end is outsourcing, and it is gaining traction in healthcare, too.
Outsourcing—a definition
What is outsourcing exactly, though? It is one of those hot words people hear during business discussions but only have a vague understanding of. Outsourcing involves delegating certain non-core tasks to specialized third-party providers, allowing organizations to focus on their primary mission. In the healthcare sector, this would mean delivering exceptional patient care.
In this article, we explore the numerous benefits of healthcare outsourcing and why it’s becoming an essential strategy in today’s healthcare industry.
Understanding Healthcare Outsourcing
In healthcare, there are many aspects of the running of an enterprise that could be delegated to third-party specialists. Third-party entities, known as business process outsourcing (BPO) providers, own the expertise and resources to perform delegated tasks efficiently, often surpassing the capabilities of an in-house team.
Let us look at some examples of tasks that could be outsourced to better understand why healthcare organizations might benefit from the approach.
Medical coding and billing
Medical coding and billing are critical but also time-consuming tasks that require specialized knowledge and attention to detail. Errors in coding and billing can lead to health insurance claim denials, delayed payments, and potential legal issues. Outsourcing these tasks to experts can ensure accuracy, compliance with regulations, and timely reimbursement.
IT services
The healthcare industry is increasingly reliant on technology for everything from electronic health records (EHRs) to telemedicine. Managing IT services in-house can be costly and complex, especially given the rapid pace of technological advancements.
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Outsourcing IT services can provide access to the latest technology, skilled IT professionals, and 24/7 support, all while reducing employment costs.
For most healthcare organizations, it is simply not worth it to maintain an in-house IT department, because technology is becoming so diverse and complex that, in most cases, hiring an external team is the more cost-effective approach by a wide margin.
Customer support
Providing excellent customer service is crucial in any industry branch, and in healthcare even more so than usual because patients’ health and wellbeing are at stake. Outsourcing customer support can ensure that patients receive timely, empathetic, and effective assistance.
This can enhance patient satisfaction and loyalty, which are key to a healthcare organization’s success. It has been seen time and time again that excellent customer service is absolutely essential for customer (patient) retention and loyalty. If a patient feels safe, heard, and respected, they are much more likely to stick with a particular provider.
Specialty services
Some healthcare organizations, like large hospitals, may require specialized services such as radiology, pathology, or pharmacy services. Especially in pathology and radiology, we are seeing more and more outsourcing these days. It even goes so far that many hospitals use the services of radiologist physicians living abroad to do readings for them.
Using such outsourced services can also provide access to specialized clinical experts and advanced equipment without the need for a significant upfront investment. After all, not every small local hospital can employ a pathologist who is specialized in a particular field of rare diseases.
However, if the hospital has outsourced pathology, it can nevertheless benefit from this special type of expert and provide good care to “rare patients”, even though the hospital doesn’t maintain a large and expensive pathology department.
Further benefits of healthcare outsourcing
Apart from cost-effectiveness, easy access to experts, and improved customer service, there are also other benefits of healthcare outsourcing that can make or break the long-term success of a healthcare enterprise.
Scalability and flexibility
One of the most compelling benefits of healthcare outsourcing is the scalability and flexibility it offers. In the world of healthcare, patient needs and business demands can fluctuate quite a lot.
Whether it’s a seasonal increase in patient volume, a sudden surge in demand due to a public health crisis (e.g., COVID-19), or a gradual increase in workload as the organization grows, healthcare organizations need to be able to scale their operations quickly and efficiently.
Rapid scaling
Outsourcing allows many businesses to scale their operations up or down based on their current needs. If there’s a sudden increase in workload, the outsourcing provider can quickly allocate more resources to handle the surge.
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However, if there’s a decrease in demand, the organization can easily scale down the services without having to worry about layoffs or wasted resources. This level of scalability is difficult to achieve with an in-house team, making outsourcing a much more flexible option.
Flexibility
Healthcare outsourcing also provides flexibility in terms of the services an organization can offer. As it evolves, the organization may need to add new services or modify existing ones. Outsourcing providers often offer a wide range of services and have the expertise to adapt to the changing needs of the organization.
For example, consider the case of a primary care clinic that recognizes a sudden need for additional nutritional counseling or physical therapy. Hiring new employees, buying equipment, and setting up premises for them are pretty expensive investments.
If the clinic is unsure if the increased demand will be sustained long-term, it is much better off outsourcing these services. This would, firstly, save money and, secondly, be much less risky.
All of this means that, by using a sound outsourcing strategy, healthcare organizations can easily adjust their service offerings without having to hire new staff or invest in additional equipment.
Adaptability to market changes
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, with new regulations, technologies, and patient expectations. Outsourcing providers are typically at the forefront of these changes, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and adapting their services accordingly.
This allows healthcare organizations to stay current and competitive without having to heavily invest in hiring new experts and making additional material investments.
Financial freedom
One of the less obvious but also very significant benefits of healthcare outsourcing is the financial freedom it provides. It comes from the ability to convert fixed costs into variable costs. Such a shift can have a profound impact on a healthcare organization’s financial management and stability.
Fixed costs are expenses that remain constant, regardless of the level of services provided. Examples of these are the labor costs for full-time staff, the costs of maintaining facilities, and investments in equipment and technology. These expenses must be paid regardless of patient volume or revenue, making them a constant financial burden.
Making the most of outsourcing opportunities transforms many of these fixed costs into variable ones, which fluctuate based on the volume of services used. For example, if a healthcare organization outsources its medical coding operations, it pays the outsourcing provider based on the amount of coding work done.
If patient volume decreases, the cost for coding services also decreases. This is in contrast to maintaining an in-house team of medical coders, where salaries and other costs would remain the same regardless of workload.
Having this kind of wiggle room can be life-saving for the organization when it hits difficult times and provide a competitive advantage, too.
Increased focus on core business activities
In the healthcare industry, the primary mission is to provide high-quality patient care. However, healthcare organizations often find themselves juggling a huge list of non-core tasks that, despite being necessary, can distract from the primary mission. By outsourcing such non-core activities, healthcare organizations can redirect their focus and resources towards their core competencies.
Prioritizing patient care
Patient care is at the heart of any healthcare organization. From doctors and nurses to therapists and technicians, healthcare professionals strive to provide the best possible care to their patients. However, when these professionals are burdened with administrative tasks or other non-core activities, it means they have less time and energy to devote to patient care.
Advancing research and development
R&D is important in any field, but in healthcare, it probably matters much more than most. Research and development are crucial for discovering new treatments, improving patient care, and staying competitive.
However, they require significant resources and expertise. By outsourcing non-core activities, healthcare organizations can free up resources that could be redirected towards research and development.
Sooner or later, R&D investments pay off, and big discoveries can be game-changing. However, if an organization never freed up resources to invest in research by outsourcing, it might never reach its full potential.
Enhancing strategic planning
With the day-to-day operations handled by outsourcing providers, healthcare leaders can focus more on strategic planning. This includes long-term goals, growth strategies, and improving patient services. With more time to focus on strategy, healthcare organizations can ensure they are moving in the right direction and making decisions that align with their mission and goals.
Overcoming challenges in healthcare outsourcing
While healthcare outsourcing offers numerous benefits, it’s not without its challenges. These can include communication issues, data security concerns, and quality control. However, these challenges can be effectively managed with the right strategies.
Bridging communication gaps
Communication is the lifeblood of all successful outsourcing arrangements. Misunderstandings or lack of clarity can lead to errors, delays, and frustration. However, these issues can be mitigated by establishing clear and open lines of communication from the get-go.
Regular meetings, detailed reports, and open dialogue can ensure everyone is on the same page. It’s also important to choose outsourcing companies that value communication as much as you do, and are committed to understanding and meeting your organization’s unique needs.
For example, an organization in the EU might decide to outsource its IT services to India. Communication problems might arise due to the different time zones. However, it is possible to avoid them by establishing a strict schedule for regular updates and meetings.
Additionally, using collaboration tools and platforms to monitor ongoing projects can also minimize any friction caused by the decision to outsource. The right information technology service providers will be cooperative and open to implementing such strategies.
Safeguarding data security
In the digital age, data security is a top concern for all healthcare organizations. Outsourcing can raise questions about patient privacy and data protection.
However, reputable outsourcing providers take data security seriously. They have robust security measures in place and comply with all relevant regulations and standards, such as HIPAA in the U.S. and GDPR in the EU.
Before entering into an outsourcing arrangement with a provider, it’s crucial to thoroughly vet their security protocols and certifications. Remember, a trustworthy partner is transparent about their security measures and is willing to work with you to address any concerns.
Ensuring quality control
Maintaining high-quality services is crucial when people’s health is at stake. When outsourcing, there can be concerns about whether the provider can deliver the same level of quality that patients and staff have come to expect.
To ensure quality control, it’s important to set clear performance metrics and standards for service delivery from the outset. Regular reviews and audits can help monitor the provider’s performance and ensure they are meeting the agreed-upon standards. If issues arise, a good service provider will be responsive and take swift action to rectify the situation.
Cultural differences
If you’re outsourcing to a provider in a different country, cultural differences can pose a challenge. Differences in language, work practices, and expectations can lead to misunderstandings. However, these can be overcome with cultural sensitivity training, clear communication, and patience.
It’s also beneficial to choose an outsourcing provider who has experience working with organizations in your country and understands your cultural context.
While healthcare outsourcing comes with challenges, they are not insurmountable. With careful planning, open communication, and a strong partnership with the right BPO provider, healthcare organizations can successfully navigate these challenges and reap the many benefits of outsourcing in order to increase efficiency and improve patient outcomes.
The future of healthcare outsourcing
The future of healthcare outsourcing looks promising. With the arrival of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and telemedicine, the scope of healthcare outsourcing is expanding. These technologies can not only enhance the services offered by BPO providers but also completely change our definition of efficiency and improve patient care.
For instance, AI can be used in medical coding to improve accuracy and speed, while telemedicine can allow healthcare providers to reach more patients, particularly in remote areas.
The AI advantage
AI is in the news all the time these days and is poised to have a great impact in the healthcare industry by transforming how we go about essential problems. Consider medical coding, a critical but complex task that requires precision and expertise. AI can be used to automate this process, significantly improving accuracy and speed.
For example, an AI-powered system can analyze a patient’s medical records, accurately assign codes, and even detect potential errors or discrepancies. This not only streamlines the coding process but also reduces the risk of coding errors, which can lead to claim denials and revenue loss.
Machine learning for predictive analysis
Machine learning, a subset of AI, is another game-changer for healthcare outsourcing. It can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and make predictions. For instance, a BPO provider offering data analysis services can use machine learning to predict patient health trends, identify high-risk patients, or optimize resource allocation.
This can provide hospital executives with valuable insights to improve patient care and make informed decisions.
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The rise of virtual care
Telemedicine is transforming the way healthcare services are delivered. BPO providers can offer telemedicine services, allowing healthcare providers to reach more patients, particularly in remote or underserved areas.
For example, a healthcare organization in a rural area might outsource its telemedicine services to a BPO provider, enabling it to provide virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online health education. This not only expands the organization’s reach but also improves access for patients who might otherwise struggle to receive care.
Because new technologies continue to become better literally every day, healthcare outsourcing will likely become even more integral to the healthcare industry.
What does this mean for you?
Healthcare outsourcing offers a multitude of benefits, from cost savings and increased efficiency to improved patient satisfaction and access to specialized skills. By delegating non-core tasks to BPO providers, healthcare organizations can focus on their primary mission of providing excellent patient care.
While there are challenges associated with healthcare outsourcing, these can be effectively managed with the right strategies and a reliable BPO provider. As technology continues to advance, the future of healthcare outsourcing looks very exciting, offering even more opportunities for healthcare organizations to improve their services and operations.
If you’re a healthcare organization looking to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient care, consider the benefits of healthcare outsourcing. With the right BPO provider, you can transform your operations and position your organization for long-term success.
Sources:
- “Outsourcing Healthcare Pros and Cons – MicroSourcing”:
https://www.microsourcing.com/learn/blog/outsourcing-healthcare-pros-and-cons/ - “3 tactics for unlocking value in healthcare operations”:
https://www.hfma.org/operations-management/cost-reduction/3-tactics-for-unlocking-value-in-healthcare-operations/ - “Unlocking the Benefits of Insurance BPO: Why Outsourcing is …”:
https://www.kserve.co.in/unlocking-the-benefits-of-insurance-bpo-why-outsourcing-is-a-must-in-todays-era/ - “Benefits of BPO Outsourcing In Healthcare – ICCS”:
http://www.iccs-bpo.com/BPO/Benefits-of-BPO-Outsourcing-In-Healthcare
Ivan Sinapov
Ivan is a Technical Copywriter with experience in the field of medical technology and software development.
