The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is shifting from theoretical applications to practical implementations that yield measurable results. Under the leadership of Pritesh Patel, Chief Operating Officer of Andor Health, the focus has moved towards operationalizing AI to enhance efficiency and improve outcomes in healthcare settings. As health systems grapple with labor shortages, reimbursement changes, and rising patient expectations, they increasingly demand tangible returns on their technology investments.
In his role since 2018, Patel has been instrumental in translating Andor’s AI capabilities, particularly through the ThinkAndor® platform, into solutions that hospitals can deploy effectively. The approach emphasizes not merely the features of the technology but the outcomes it delivers. Health systems are now prioritizing innovations that can reclaim staff hours, improve patient throughput, and reduce errors—all in real-world clinical environments.
Focusing on Operational Value
The current landscape for digital health investment has stabilized after a series of volatile funding cycles. Investors are directing capital towards technologies that demonstrate measurable performance and financial returns. Increasingly, AI solutions are being sought for their ability to alleviate administrative burdens, enhance care coordination, and bolster clinician well-being. Areas such as ambient documentation and virtual nursing are gaining traction, not because they are new, but because they translate into significant time savings and improved provider satisfaction.
Patel’s strategy is to view AI not just as a tool, but as an integrated system within healthcare operations. He believes that real returns on investment (ROI) materialize when AI applications like ambient orchestration and documentation are seamlessly embedded into clinical workflows. This integration requires careful mapping of capabilities to specific roles and resources, including electronic health records (EHRs), staffing systems, and telehealth infrastructures.
Successful Implementation Across Health Systems
The implementation of ThinkAndor® has shown promising results in various health systems, including Orlando Health and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Patel and his team have successfully established AI-driven workflows that have led to reductions in patients leaving without being seen and improvements in door-to-disposition times. This success can be attributed to a robust implementation model that emphasizes detailed change management and configuration by service line.
“The question is no longer whether AI can work in healthcare, but whether it can scale to deliver measurable results,” Patel stated. He highlighted the importance of reclaiming nursing hours, minimizing patient delays, and optimizing clinical workflows for efficiency. According to Patel, the focus needs to shift from viewing AI as merely a tool to recognizing it as an operational system that can create significant value.
Andor Health tracks critical metrics beyond simple usage statistics; it monitors how documentation translates into practical benefits, such as nursing hours saved per shift and the efficiency of task resolution. This detailed approach to tracking performance ensures that the technology’s impact is both tangible and significant.
Before his tenure at Andor, Patel held a position as a general partner at Stratecore Bioventures and led clinical-business optimization through his consulting firm, Aventive Healthcare. His background in both clinical systems and business performance informs his current work, allowing him to architect strategies that prioritize scalability and financial viability.
In an industry where many AI solutions struggle to move beyond pilot phases, Patel’s leadership has positioned Andor Health at the forefront of scaled adoption. The company employs careful segmentation and agile rollout strategies to ensure successful implementation, ultimately appealing to both clinical and financial stakeholders.
As healthcare continues to evolve, the imperative for effective AI deployment becomes clearer. Patel’s emphasis on operationalizing AI to deliver measurable returns may well define the future of healthcare technology. By 2025, this focus on performance and efficiency is expected to be more crucial than ever.
