4 Easy Tips to Reduce Operational Costs in Healthcare

Healthcare is a complex and costly industry. Reducing operational costs is a top priority for hospitals and healthcare providers nationwide. Reducing the cost of healthcare without compromising patients’ health and safety is a top priority for many health systems. Patient satisfaction and experience play a significant role in healthcare cost reduction. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey measures patient satisfaction. Mandated by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, this survey provides a score for each hospital that may be used to measure patient satisfaction.

Read more: Improving Patient Satisfaction: 5 Low-Cost Strategies.

In addition to measuring patient satisfaction, implementing strategies to reduce operational costs and increase efficiency is also essential for reducing healthcare expenses. Here are four tips that hospitals and health systems should consider when looking to reduce operational costs:

1. Implement a Patient Satisfaction Strategy

Patient satisfaction is essential in reducing operational costs and improving patient outcomes. Utilizing customer service strategies such as providing personalized care, engaging with patients through regular surveys and feedback forms, and focusing on patient follow-ups can help improve overall satisfaction. Additionally, telehealth platforms for remote visits can reduce waiting times and improve access to care.

For example, oncology practices can utilize patient portals to collect and monitor cancer care data, allowing for better patient outcomes management. Additionally, hospitalists can use digital tools such as video conferencing to provide remote consultations and follow-ups with patients.

2. Evaluate and Renegotiate Contracts With Vendors

Contracts with vendors can be a high cost for any healthcare organization. It is essential to review and evaluate contracts and renegotiate them when necessary. This could mean looking into different vendors or services that offer better rates and terms. Consider bundling services together to reduce costs further. Can cancel contracts if they are not meeting the organization’s needs.

3. Automate Processes and Implement Technologies

The use of technology can significantly reduce operational costs in healthcare organizations. Automating billing, scheduling, and appointment reminders can streamline operations and save time. Implementing technologies such as Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Electronic Health Records (EHR) can also reduce operational costs. These technologies allow the staff to focus more on providing quality care while decreasing paperwork and administrative costs.

4. Implement Cost-Saving Measures Without Compromising Patient Care Or Safety

For instance, value-based oncology care is an emerging delivery model that emphasizes the quality of care instead of quantity. By considering treatment effectiveness and cost, oncologists can utilize resources more efficiently and deliver better outcomes at lower costs. Additionally, providers can focus on providing the most effective treatments to their patients while giving access to other support services as needed. These include:

• Utilizing evidence-based medicine to identify the most effective treatments and procedures

• Streamlining business processes to ensure minimal paperwork and costs

• Implementing telemedicine services, such as remote patient monitoring, for specific conditions or treatments that do not require in-person visits

• Using data analytics to uncover cost savings opportunities.

If you are searching for ways how to reduce healthcare costs, contact Guideway Care. Our comprehensive solutions aim to help optimize operational costs and deliver better patient outcomes. We provide various services, from healthcare analytics to consulting and technology.