Black Book Research has established itself as a trusted authority in the healthcare industry for over 20 years. As a renowned international market research niche firm, it specialises in conducting surveys that delve into the perspectives, obstacles, and priorities of major hospitals, prominent insurers, and top technology companies in the United States.
According to a recent survey by Black Book, the healthcare industry's outsourcing sector is expected to double by 2027.
The study, which gathered insights from approximately 16,000 hospital and physician organisations across 40 different categories of managed services, revealed that 91% of respondents believe that more healthcare providers are turning to outsourcing vendors to address their growing solution delivery challenges.
Outsourcing in Healthcare
In the realm of healthcare, the trend of outsourcing has surged significantly in recent years, with organisations increasingly turning to healthcare Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) for various functions. This shift is not merely a coincidence but rather a response to a confluence of factors driving the evolution of the healthcare landscape.
Hospital outsourcing opportunities
Healthcare operators considering outsourcing can benefit from the following opportunities:
- Cost savings: Outsourcing can help healthcare providers reduce costs significantly. Partnering with offshore destinations like the Philippines can lead to savings of up to 70% on labor costs alone. Additionally, expenses related to recruitment, training, onboarding, and infrastructure can also be minimised.
- Improved patient care: By outsourcing repetitive and time-consuming tasks like claims processing and medical transcription, healthcare providers can free up their clinical staff's time. This allows them to focus more on patient care and improving outcomes, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of care provided.
- Data management: The collection, storage, and accuracy of healthcare data are crucial. However, under-resourced staff can become overwhelmed, leading to delays and errors. Outsourcing data management provides access to dedicated staff and advanced technology, ensuring the secure and accurate handling of data.
- Technology solutions: The shift from paper-based records to electronic medical records has increased the demand for robust technology solutions. Offshore providers are investing in innovative digital solutions to meet these needs. Additionally, outsourced IT support can be a valuable resource for hospitals seeking technological expertise.
- Revenue cycle management (RCM): Healthcare providers need efficient systems to manage revenue alongside patient care. Outsourcing RCM services can help ensure tasks like patient registration, insurance verification, and claims submissions are handled accurately and promptly, benefiting both the healthcare organisation and its patients.
Hospital Outsourcing Challenges
In the realm of healthcare outsourcing, hospitals may face several challenges as 2024 progresses:
- Complex regulatory and legal framework: Adhering to evolving regulatory and legal frameworks can be challenging for healthcare outsourcing services and their outsourcing partners. Staying up to date with patient confidentiality rules, compliance with laws, and effectively managing contracts with external providers is crucial.
- Risk management: Outsourcing involves entrusting quality and standards to an external provider, necessitating trust in their adherence to strict confidentiality and data security requirements. Hospitals should partner with reputable providers and implement robust risk management processes and contingency plans to mitigate potential negative outcomes.
- Meeting patient needs: Healthcare organisations embracing outsourcing must ensure that their chosen partner shares their commitment to delivering for patients and stakeholders. Establishing clear key performance indicators (KPIs) and goals, maintaining open communication channels, and conducting regular reviews can help align standards between hospitals and their outsourcing partners.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the value of outsourcing for hospitals and healthcare services is important, but finding the right outsourcing partner is equally crucial. It's essential to recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work, which is why thorough research, seeking testimonials, and asking relevant questions are necessary steps. Reliable outsourcing providers not only have the ability to answer inquiries but also welcome the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and credentials. Taking the time to carefully evaluate and select a quality outsourcing partner is key.
