Why Rural Hospitals Should Outsource As Much As Possible

Why Rural Hospitals Should Outsource As Much As Possible

Rural hospitals and clinics confront the same issues as those in more populated cities. However, in terms of resources, they are often miles apart.

Most rural hospitals have fewer resources, especially in comparison to their urban counterparts. frequently have budget restrictions and struggle to attract quality medical and support personnel.

In simple words, outsourcing is a cost-cutting strategy involving a third party to execute services or generate commodities that would otherwise be conducted in-house by the organization’s employees. For forward-thinking decision makers it’s a business expansion strategy that is scalable up and down as needed.

Hiring and retaining even mediocre talent is a challenge everywhere but often worse in rural areas due to lack of human resources. In outsourcing, you don’t concern yourself with this because someone else manages it. You won’t need to stress your HR Department with recruiting, hiring, and firing responsibilities. Additionally, you will also achieve other benefits such as not needing to carry medical and unemployment insurance, workman’s compensation, etc.

Outsourcing staff requirements can include physicians, mid-level providers, registered nurses, medical assistants, interim senior staff, middle management, and support staff.

Outsourcing Opportunities

• Human Resources
  • Remote co-worker assistance, benefits management, creation of employee manuals, free access to software, and more.

• Revenue Cycle Management Support
  • Coding, medical billing, medical claims processing, payroll management, reconciliations, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, data entry, bookkeeping, accounting, financial projections, analytics reports, and more.
  • Outsourced teams will have an experience that exceeds those in-house, and they will be knowledgeable of rules and policies.

• Technology Support
  • Technology Department management, 24/7 tech support, integration, cyber security and more.
  • IT Administration is the most outsourced area in the healthcare sector.

• Digital Media
  • Web design, updates, upgrades, content writing, reputation management, graphics design and more.

• Medical Contact Center
  • Voice – Inbound and outbound appointment setting, annual wellness exams, well-child, reminders, surveys, complaints, general inquiry, clinical trial, telehealth, Remote Patient Monitoring program management, prescription management, Nurse Triage, etc.
  • Non-Voice – Interactive text messaging, portal communications, “live-chat.” Email, etc.

• Back Office Support
  • Co-Worker administrative support, medical scribes, reporting, safety, compliance, training, and quality assurance.

• Infrastructure Management
  • Maintenance, sterilization, cleaning services, security, etc.

• Outsource Specialty Services
  • Consider negotiating with private investors to open businesses that will allow your organization to provide additional services without making the investments on your own. You can also consider replacing those you already run with an outsourced arrangement.
  • Examples include Durable Medical Equipment, Wound Care, Surgical Centers, Specialty Clinics, Telemedicine & Remote Patient Monitoring programs, etc.

Benefits of Outsourcing

• Improved patient experiences.
• Cost savings: Ease financial constraints and obligations.
• Scalable solutions that can expand or contract to meet your needs.
• Improved data security for patients.
• Immediate and scaled access to experts.
• Outsourced teams are well-equipped with qualified resources.
• Access to technology and office space without capital investment.
• Drive error-free processes and ensure continuous process improvement.

If your organization handles outsourcing opportunities correctly, you will save money, achieve higher profitability, and take advantage of the outsourced talent that can help take your organization to the next level.

Outsourcing is typically faster, better, and cheaper than doing it yourself. I have always liked the mantra, “Do what you do best and outsource the best.”

Hiring an experienced third-party outsourcing administrator to help you assess and explore opportunities is often well worth the expense. What may initially be an unpopular decision will eventually be accepted as being wise. You will create long-term success by serving the community and focusing on better patient outcomes and experiences while still keeping the doors open.

Chat with us about what outsourcing can do for your healthcare organization

About the Author: Jeff Russell is the CEO of Cornerstone Business Solutions and Cornerstone Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). He has 30 years of outsourcing management and consulting experience with a healthcare focus.