Narrative-first, evidence-driven

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Purpose: identify where time goes and what could be reduced safely.

Categories to map

• documentation
• billing/coding
• prior auth / denials
• referrals
• patient messaging
• medication management
• compliance checklists

Output

A list of:

• high-frequency time sinks
• root causes (insurer, system, regulation, habit)
• safe automation opportunities
• “never automate” zones (risk, dignity, accountability)

Quick mapping prompt (10 minutes)

For each category, answer:

• What is the task? (in one sentence)
• How often? (per day/week)
• How long? (minutes each)
• Who does it today? (MD/RN/MA/admin)
• Why does it exist? (payer rule, EHR friction, habit, legal)
• What is the failure mode? (what goes wrong if rushed)
• What is the safest next move? (delegate / standardize / automate draft)

The “move the work” ladder (cheapest safe role)

Try in this order:

1. Remove the step entirely
2. Standardize with a checklist/template
3. Delegate to the lowest safe role
4. Automate drafting/assembly with human sign-off
5. Only then consider deeper workflow automation

Rule: if it requires clinical judgment, it stays human-owned.

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