Interviews

Charting a blueprint to revolutionise global healthcare delivery

From improving accessibility to adapting emerging technologies, the global healthcare ecosystem has been working towards several goals to optimise delivery, In an era charecterised by rapid technology innovation, the healthcare ecosystem is undergoing rapid transformation. From AI and automation to remote patient monitoring and telemedicine, a wide variety of innovations are poised to revolutionise patient outcomes. In this context, Omega Healthcare has rapidly segmented their market leadership in the global ecosystem, with outcome-driven solutions and servicing excellence enabling them to improve healthcare delivery for marquee clients. As the firm successfully completes 20 years, Ms. Vijayashree Natarajan, Senior VP and Head of Technology, Omega Healthcare, sheds light on the future of technology innovation in the sector and Omega Healthcare’s journey.
 
1) Why is the adoption of emerging technologies essential for healthcare providers to stay competitive?

In today’s competitive healthcare landscape, adopting emerging technologies is key to ensuring that healthcare providers stay ahead of the competition. Enhanced diagnostics using advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Generative AI, Large language model (LLM) / deep learning models can assist healthcare providers in diagnosing diseases and conditions more efficiently and advanced healthcare analytics can help them anticipate patient needs, optimize resource allocation, and reduce unnecessary costs. This data-driven approach ensures better outcomes while keeping expenses in check.

Additionally, intelligent process automation technologies can streamline administrative operations by reducing paperwork and improving the efficiency of healthcare workflows. This isn’t just about saving time and money; it’s about reducing errors in a field where precision is paramount. Furthermore, consumers increasingly expect healthcare providers to offer digital solutions and easy access to medical information. Healthcare providers leveraging the latest technologies can offer patients more engaging experiences through telemedicine and virtual support, enhancing patient satisfaction and loyalty.

In a healthcare world where competition is fierce, those who harness these emerging technologies are poised to deliver more engaging and effective care, ultimately setting themselves apart from the rest.

2) Medical coding is a fast-growing ecosystem in India. How do you see this function growing in the years, and how are medical coders contributing to India’s growing healthcare outsourcing market?

In India, the realm of medical coding is experiencing a remarkable surge in growth, and it’s not without good reason. This boom is propelled by the ever-increasing demand for top-notch healthcare services fueled by a burgeoning population and the advent of digital healthcare initiatives.

India has emerged as a global healthcare outsourcing hub, particularly in the field of medical coding. Healthcare organizations from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia are turning to Indian firms to handle their medical coding needs. The driving force behind this trend is the abundant pool of highly skilled professionals in India. Additionally, automation and cutting-edge AI-driven tools are being seamlessly integrated into the medical coding process, ushering in newfound efficiencies. This modernization is making the medical coding sector in India not just efficient but also highly competitive on the global stage.

The future looks exceedingly promising for the medical coding sector in India. The confluence of surging healthcare demands, relentless technological advancements, and India’s unwavering reputation as a trusted outsourcing destination is poised to set this industry on an upward trajectory, bolstering healthcare cost optimization and revenue generation along the way.

3) In the past 20 years, how has Omega Healthcare adapted to industry trends and changes to maintain its growth trajectory in the rapidly evolving healthcare IT and automation sector? What are some key milestones that you would like to highlight?

Omega Healthcare is known for its adaptability and responsiveness to changing industry trends. We have expanded our service portfolio beyond just the traditional revenue cycle management solutions to include a broader range of technology-enabled healthcare services. Technology is at the core of what we do and embracing emerging technologies and automation tools, such as Generative AI, Large Language models (LLM) and ML / deep learning models have only helped us improve healthcare delivery.

Our proprietary technologies combined with strategic partnerships with other technology platform providers have helped us establish our presence worldwide with offices and delivery centres spanning multiple geographical locations.

Over the past two decades, we have invested in nurturing a global workforce of over 30,000 workers and have launched the Omega Medical Coding Academy which has trained over 7000 skilled professionals. Our diverse workforce has helped us stay abreast of healthcare trends, and value-based care to adapt our services to meet industry needs. Some of the achievements and recognitions we have received for our work over the years include the UiPath Automation Excellence Award, Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award, Cybersecurity Excellence Award and the Lexa Healthpreneur Award in the Academy category.

4) Can you provide an overview of Omega Healthcare’s recent expansion efforts?

Omega Healthcare believes in empowering the healthcare ecosystem using the power of technology to create real-world impact. We have completed strategic acquisitions of leading technology service providers like Vasta Global, Apexon Health and Reventics to improve patient care outcomes for our healthcare clients by streamlining administrative operations for them. Recently, we have also launched the Omega Digital Platform featuring three verticals, RevCONNECT, RevCODE, and RevCOLLECT, as part of our efforts to improve our Revenue cycle management solutions and enable healthcare providers to enhance their financial performance.

5) Can you provide insights into Omega Healthcare’s approach to talent acquisition in India and how it has been generating employment opportunities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities?

Omega Healthcare serves its healthcare IT services from India to service clients in the United States. In India, we have over 26,000 professionals across Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities namely Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Thiruchirapalli. Furthermore, we plan to expand it to 1,000 more in the coming year. Additionally, Omega Medical Coding Academy trains and certifies professionals in medical coding services, the majority of whom find employment with us after completing their training.

6) What does the future of healthcare IT look like in India and how will emerging technologies transform digital healthcare?

The future of healthcare IT in India is expected to grow exponentially, accelerated by emerging technologies that have the potential to revolutionize digital healthcare. Telemedicine and remote care have surged in popularity in India post-pandemic, and this momentum is expected to continue. These digital healthcare solutions hold the promise of enhancing healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

With the impending rollout of widespread 5G connectivity, telemedicine services are primed for a significant quality boost. This next-gen connectivity will facilitate real-time virtual interactions and the efficient remote monitoring of patients, revolutionizing the healthcare landscape. And the internet of medical things (IoMT) will experience exponential growth, connecting medical devices through wireless networks, enabling remote monitoring of vital signs, and empowering patients to take control of their health. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is on the horizon. EHRs will streamline data sharing across healthcare systems, making patient information readily accessible. This leap in interoperability promises efficient healthcare management and coordination.

In India, the future of healthcare IT is on a remarkable trajectory, with emerging technologies taking center stage. These innovations are set to empower healthcare providers, enabling them to elevate the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of patient care delivery.