Healthcare systems are increasingly focused on the practical application of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency. The evolving landscape demands measurable returns on investment (ROI) from healthcare technology, prompting leaders to seek solutions that yield tangible results. Under the guidance of Pritesh Patel, Chief Operating Officer of Andor Health, the company has been at the forefront of this operational shift, particularly with its innovative platform, ThinkAndor®.
Since joining Andor in 2018, Patel has spearheaded efforts to transform AI capabilities into substantial value for hospitals facing significant pressures from labor shortages, reimbursement changes, and increasing patient expectations. The current climate necessitates that healthcare organizations not only pilot technological solutions but also demonstrate clear outcomes, such as improved patient throughput and reduced errors.
The emphasis has transitioned from merely showcasing product features to prioritizing execution and implementation strategies. For Patel, the core of AI deployment lies in integration with existing clinical workflows rather than serving as an add-on solution. This approach ensures that AI tools are seamlessly embedded into everyday operations, which is crucial for scaling these technologies effectively.
Operationalizing AI in Healthcare
Patel’s focus on operationalizing AI is evident in the way Andor Health collaborates with various health systems, including Orlando Health and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). The company has successfully implemented AI-driven workflows that have demonstrated significant improvements in metrics such as the percentage of patients who leave without being seen (LWBS) and the efficiency of patient flow from arrival to disposition.
Patel articulates that true ROI emerges when AI capabilities are tailored to specific clinical roles and integrated with electronic health records (EHRs) and other systems. This strategic alignment is not only about technology; it also encompasses change management and the detailed mapping of workflows to ensure that every function supports the overarching goals of the healthcare facility.
The current investment climate in digital health shows a shift towards solutions that promise measurable performance. According to recent trends, funding is increasingly directed toward technologies that alleviate administrative burdens and enhance care coordination, rather than those that offer merely novel features.
Patel has articulated a clear vision for the operationalization of AI, stating, “The question is no longer whether AI can work in healthcare, but whether it can scale to deliver measurable results.” He emphasizes that ROI is realized through reclaimed hours for nursing staff, reduced patient delays, and a more efficient alignment of clinical workflows.
Strategic Insights and Future Directions
Andor Health’s internal metrics reflect this operational focus. The company monitors not just the volume of notes generated or encounters recorded, but also how these outputs translate into operational efficiencies. This includes tracking the number of nursing hours saved during shifts and the frequency of tasks resolved without escalation.
Patel previously described ThinkAndor® as a “scalable ROI engine,” underscoring the necessity of customizing deployment to fit each health system’s unique workflows. His extensive background, including a tenure as a general partner at Stratecore Bioventures and leadership in clinical-business optimization at his consulting firm, Aventive Healthcare, equips him with a dual perspective on clinical and business performance.
This expertise is pivotal in architecting go-to-market strategies that prioritize scale and margin-positive delivery. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Patel’s approach invites organizations to move beyond trust in potential and to engage in measuring actual performance.
In a sector where many AI applications struggle to progress beyond the pilot phase, Andor Health has successfully advanced into broader adoption. Through careful segmentation and agile rollout strategies, Patel’s team is redefining the conversation around healthcare technology. In the coming years, as the industry adapts to new demands, the language of operations—focusing on patient throughput, task latency, and overall impact on the revenue cycle—will become increasingly paramount.
By prioritizing operational efficiency and measurable results, Andor Health is positioning itself as a leader in transforming how AI can effectively serve healthcare providers and improve patient care. As Patel emphasizes, the future of healthcare AI lies in its ability to integrate deeply within existing systems, fostering a new era of operational excellence.