As artificial intelligence further penetrates the marketplace, the concept gets mentioned more in conversation. Unfortunately, most of the discussions are about the potential threat they pose instead of their current and future benefits. On our podcast, The Modern Healthcare Back Office, we covered how healthcare companies are utilizing AI and other various forms of automation now, plus the possible uses for them in the future.
Artificial intelligence is the most advanced out of the three available automation tools. Automation consists of Scripted Automation, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Scripted Automation is where automated commands are programmed directly into the software. Scripted Automation consists of features such as auto-posting and automatic eligibility checks. It's where software does the work for you. For example, you are using scripted automation when you set up a flow on the sales side of your business.
Robotic Process Automation is the form of automation commonly referred to as a bot. A bot essentially pilots a computer to perform a repetitive action. Currently, RPA is the most prevalent form of automation. It's the process of delegating repetitive manual tasks to computer software. Bots must be monitored and managed, because they can only do what they are programmed to do. Any interruptions to its connection or functionality can result in it getting stuck.
Artificial Intelligence consists of two main categories: machine learning and natural language processing (NLP).
- Machine learning is a device that has the ability to automatically improve its functionality on its own based on past information. It interprets data, then uses an advanced algorithm to render decisions and predictions. Once that is complete, the device compares the forecasted data to the actual figures. This process is repeated over and over, improving its understanding more each time it's completed. For real world application, you could use machine learning to maintain price tables or notify people when prices need to be adjusted.
- Natural language processing is the concept of machines understanding and responding to text or speech from humans. It can be used in processes like collection, where an automated agent calls a patient in an attempt to receive the money they are owed. NLP can also document speech into text, eliminating the need to take notes during meetings.
The goal of automation and AI is to speed up simple tasks, improve processes in order to complete tasks quicker, and process more orders while reducing errors to free up humans so they can focus on higher-value work. To learn more on the subject, you can listen to our entire in-depth analysis below.
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