Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “answer patient questions about bills”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

45 min
typically, every day
45%
of the time can be automated
Some setup
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Software featureBest fix

Give patients clear online bills, text-to-pay and payment plans

Clear digital statements with a pay link and self-service payment plans answer most billing questions before patients call.

Typically saves about 40% of the time2 h to set up
  1. 1Check whether your PM system or billing partner offers text-to-pay and online statements (Cedar, Phreesia, InstaMed, Waystar, Rectangle Health).
  2. 2Turn on self-service payment plans.
  3. 3Add a short FAQ about common bill questions to the statement.
  4. 4Track call volume before and after.

Tools: Cedar · Phreesia · InstaMed · Waystar · Rectangle Health

Fix 2 of 2

Software feature

Let a healthcare AI phone agent handle routine calls

Healthcare voice agents (with a BAA) answer, book and reschedule appointments, take refill requests and answer simple questions, and pass clinical or upset callers to staff.

Typically saves about 40% of the time4 h to set up
  1. 1Pull a week of call reasons from your phone system.
  2. 2Pick the routine ones (scheduling, directions, refill requests, billing balance).
  3. 3Trial an AI phone agent built for healthcare with a BAA (for example Hyro, Assort Health, Notable or Hello Patient).
  4. 4Connect it to your scheduling system and set clear handoff rules.
  5. 5Listen to a sample of calls weekly.

Tools: Hyro · Assort Health · Notable · Hello Patient

Quick wins

Have you tried…

Has your clinic tried an AI phone agent for booking and routine calls?
Healthcare AI phone agents book and move appointments and take refill requests, and pass anything clinical to staff. They must be covered by a HIPAA agreement.

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

How many hours does this cost you?

The free 8-minute check works out where your week goes and gives you your top fixes. The team scan does the same for everyone and adds it up, so you know which leaks to fix first.

Answers are anonymous. Leaders only see team totals.

Other common tasks for Medical assistants / front desk staff