If you’re not already using AI to improve patient experience in hospitals, clinics, and practices – you’re already falling behind. While the potential of AI in healthcare is nothing new – focus areas are starting to shift. Rather than just relying on AI to help them analyse data and speed up drug trials, pioneers are beginning to explore the human benefits of intelligent tech.
After all, artificial intelligence in healthcare isn’t just about automation – it’s also a key tool for enhancing service delivery, transforming patient support, and addressing endless administrative challenges – when it’s used correctly.
With the market for medical AI set to reach around $504.17 billion by 2032 – the potential for growth is limitless. Companies like Proto are beginning to shape a new era, offering organizations the AI-assistants and tools they need to finally deliver great care at scale, without compromising on compliance, security, or the human touch.
How healthcare AI is transforming patient experiences
Artificial intelligence is stepping out of the lab, and into everyday medical workflows. Generic rules-based chatbots and error-prone automation tools are a thing of the past. Now we have tools like Proto’s selection of healthcare assistants, capable of handling everything from appointment booking, to tracking patient health details, and so much more.
Here are just some of the ways care leaders are upgrading communications and service delivery with AI-powered tools.
Giving patients access to lab test results, anywhere
With AI in healthcare, patients don’t have to book an appointment or visit a hospital in-person to access lab test results. AI-powered systems can analyse test data and deliver results securely through digital platforms. For patients, this significantly reduces the need for hospital visits, and means they spend less time sitting around, worrying about outcomes.
It also accelerates the diagnostic process, and minimizes the administrative work for medical professionals – so they can focus on other valuable tasks. Proto’s AI solutions from healthcare securely integrate with electronic health records, ensuring teams can quickly, and conveniently send test results to patients in their preferred language (while reducing error risks).
Plus, providers don’t have to worry about issues with compliance, because Proto’s technology adheres to data privacy standards (like ISO 27001 certification frameworks), and enables end-to-end encryption. On top of that, if lab results indicate the need for an in-person appointment, Proto’s bots can automate the scheduling process straight away.
Doctor & specialist booking via chatbot
Scheduling appointments with doctors or specialists isn’t easy. Around a third of US patients say they haven’t seen a doctor in the last year because of availability issues. Staff shortages are just one part of the problem – coordinating calendars is another.
Healthcare AI bots, like Proto’s AI assistant, overcome this hurdle by providing patients with a seamless, simple interface where they can check availability (based on connected calendars), and schedule appointments in minutes.
The bot can confirm appointments, and even share directions to the hospital or clinic. These bots can even offer personalized recommendations throughout the conversation.
Plus, AI assistants can reduce no-shows, by sending regular appointment reminders to patients. If an appointment needs to be rescheduled, patients can message the same AI-powered bot to rearrange – and the assistant will automatically get to work searching for opportunities to fill cancelled slots.
Streamlining appointments and reducing waiting times
Artificial intelligence in healthcare doesn’t just make it easier for patients to book appointments. It can also help patients see doctors faster. When a patient arrives at a hospital or clinic, and scans their booking QR code, the system can automatically notify the right medical professional.
It can collect information from CRM systems, electronic health records, and other systems, ensuring that the expert is ready to dive straight into the appointment with context. These tools can also streamline patient flows. For instance, AI-driven queue management systems can examine historical data, alongside real-time patient information to help teams manage appointments more effectively.
For instance, Proto's AI assistant automates check-ins and tracks patient arrivals, allowing for dynamic adjustments to scheduling and reducing idle times for both patients and doctors.
AI tools can send patients alerts when doctors are running behind schedule, or automate tasks that would cause appointments to last longer (like generating follow-up appointments).
AI-guided navigation in hospitals
Hospitals and large clinics sometimes feel like mazes to patients. Even with signage dotted around, many visitors end up waiting at reception desks for advice on where to go. More often than not, this leads to delays and late appointments. AI-powered chatbots, like Proto’s healthcare assistants, make it much easier for patients to find their way around.
These chatbots guide patients directly to their appointment, with step-by-step guidance and visual maps. They can even offer both voice and text-based assistance, based on the patient’s needs. Proto’s multilingual AI assistant supports 40+ languages.
Groups like the Medical City South Luzon hospital have used this tool to overcome language barriers, and instantly upgrade patient experiences.
By integrating with hospital maps and scheduling systems, at the same time these chatbots can also inform patients of any changes in appointment locations or times, instantly. It’s a simple way to streamline hospital operations, and support patients.
QR code verification for patient arrival
Long queues at a hospital reception desk might be common – but they’re not efficient. With AI, healthcare teams can give patients an easier way to “check-in”. A bot can send a patient a QR code they can scan as soon as they arrive for their appointment – which instantly updates the system, lets doctors know their patients have arrived, and allows the patient to access directions.
This tech goes beyond reducing the strain on reception teams. It can also reduce the errors common in manual data entry. Plus, it boosts security. Proto’s AI solutions use QR code verification to ensure secure, efficient patient processing, without the extra headaches.
QR codes can even be linked to patient education materials, helping visitors access immediate information about their treatments, medications, and even insurance options. All the while, Proto’s solutions abide by strict data security rules (SOC 2 types 1 and 2, and ISO 27001). All messages are encrypted, and data can be hosted on-premises, or in a hybrid setup.
Letter of Authorisation automation
Another way AI for healthcare simplifies administrative tasks (and supports patient convenience) is by automating the submission of documents like the letter of authorisation — not the approval process, which is still handled manually by the insurance provider.
While a patient is booking an appointment with a care provider through the Proto assistant, they can upload their letter of authorization as an attachment. The LOA is sent to the insurance company by the assistant through an API. Eligibility can be checked instantly, and the patient can see if they’re eligible straight away, with no waiting around.
That means healthcare staff instantly get access to accurate coverage information, and patients spend less time worrying about paperwork. Thanks to its secure HMO integration, Proto’s AI solution for healthcare teams has no problem simplifying LOA tasks.
That means medical care providers spend less time making lengthy phone calls, or looking up data manually. The system can even update the patient’s records after a booking or appointment, so everything stays up-to-date, and unnecessary errors don’t get in the way of great care.
Symptom checking and non-critical consultation
Even with medical AI tools automating and simplifying processes for healthcare teams, staff shortages are still a global concern. AI tools might not be able to replace medical professionals – but they can act as digital assistants, handling some less critical consultations and checks.
If a patient selects symptoms they’re experiencing, the chatbot can help guide them to the most appropriate type of medical specialist for their needs — simplifying the booking process without offering diagnoses or treatment advice. That could mean sharing self-care tips, encouraging them to schedule a GP appointment, or even recommending immediate medical attention.
Always-on assistance like this reduces the need for patients to make unnecessary ER visits – lowers the strain on medical teams worldwide, and makes it easier for patients to manage conditions themselves. The data these tools gather could even help doctors identify potential risks early, so they can reach out to patients before disasters happen.
The clear benefits of AI in healthcare
The benefits of artificial intelligence in healthcare extend to both medical professionals and patients alike. Solutions like Proto’s AI assistants for healthcare deliver:
- Improved Patient Experiences: With AI-powered chatbots offering 24/7 support, general health guidance, streamlined booking experiences, and even help with navigating hospitals, patients get a better, less confusing experience.
- Cost and Time Savings: With AI bots to automate all the repetitive admin tasks like scheduling appointments, filling cancelled slots, verifying insurance, and even triaging patients, medical teams save time and money, without compromising on care.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Patients can select their symptoms and the bot can help guide them to the ideal booking opportunity, reducing the risk of unnecessary appointments.
- Addressing Staff Shortages: With AI, every hospital gets an always-on assistant that can support even the most over-worked team. AI might not replace medical experts – but it can help to reduce the impact of serious staff shortages.
Even better, Proto’s AI assistants are fully compliant, secure, and scalable – ready to support groups of any size. For instance, PhilCare uses Proto bots to handle more than 2.6 million interactions each year – all without ignoring the power of personalisation.
Challenges & future of AI in healthcare
There are always risks involved in embracing any new technology – and AI in the medical field is no different. For most organizations, the biggest risks will revolve around data privacy and security.
After all, healthcare companies need to adhere to strict standards about how they manage and share data. Handling sensitive information with AI systems can raise concerns about data protection. Fortunately, Proto’s AI tools are compliant with SOC2, ISO 27001, and other privacy standards. They offer end-to-end encryption, IP allow lists, and even on-premises and hybrid hosting options.
Another concern is the potential for errors caused by medical AI tools with limited access to crucial data. Integrations with existing healthcare systems are crucial to ensuring accuracy when managing patient records, and they’re the key to automating time-consuming processes. That’s why Proto integrates directly with CRM systems, HMOs, and more, through secure webhooks.
Despite the potential concerns, the future for AI in healthcare is bright. With custom-made solutions that streamline everything from diagnostics to scheduling, without compromising on privacy, security, and accuracy, every healthcare organisation can cut costs, save time, and improve patient outcomes.
AI for healthcare: A smarter future
AI in healthcare isn’t just the future; it’s an innovation that’s driving real results today. Organisations are using intelligent tools to streamline scheduling and appointment management, deliver constant support to patients, and even augment medical teams.
Proto’s patient and security-centric solutions are an excellent example of how intelligent applications can help every healthcare group accomplish more with less.
As the healthcare industry continues to transform, Proto is paving the way to a better, smarter future, for both medical professionals and patients. Ready to discover the opportunities? Request a free demo from Proto’s team today.
