The landscape of healthcare technology is evolving as organizations seek to maximize the return on investment (ROI) from artificial intelligence (AI). Pritesh Patel, Chief Operating Officer of Andor Health, is at the forefront of this transformation. Since joining the company in 2018, Patel has spearheaded initiatives to operationalize AI solutions, particularly through the ThinkAndor® platform, which aims to deliver measurable value to healthcare systems facing significant challenges.
Healthcare providers are currently grappling with labor shortages, reimbursement changes, and heightened patient expectations. As a result, the focus has shifted from theoretical applications of AI to practical implementations that yield tangible results. Facilities are no longer satisfied with pilot programs; they demand evidence of improved efficiency, reduced errors, and enhanced patient experiences.
In a market that has seen fluctuating investments, there is now a clear interest in AI technologies that can demonstrate their effectiveness. Solutions that minimize administrative burdens, streamline care coordination, and enhance clinician well-being are gaining traction. Tools like ambient documentation and virtual nursing are not just novel; they are proving their worth by translating automation into real time savings and increased provider satisfaction.
Operationalizing AI for Measurable Results
Patel emphasizes that the real ROI from AI initiatives is realized when these technologies are integrated into clinical workflows rather than simply added as an afterthought. This approach requires a comprehensive understanding of how AI can function within existing systems, mapping capabilities to specific roles and resources. Integration with electronic health records (EHRs), staffing systems, and telehealth infrastructure is critical to this effort.
The implementation of AI technologies at health systems such as Orlando Health and the Medical University of South Carolina has resulted in notable improvements. These include decreased percentages of patients leaving without being seen (LWBS) and faster door-to-disposition times. Patel’s strategy involves configuring AI tools by service line, managing change effectively, and focusing on operational functions rather than just features.
“The question is no longer whether AI can work in healthcare, but whether it can scale to deliver measurable results,” Patel stated. “ROI is achieved not through proofs of concept, but in reclaiming hours for nurses and aligning clinical workflows for greater efficiency.”
Metrics and Accountability in AI Deployment
Andor Health tracks its success through metrics that go beyond basic operational data. The company monitors how many nursing hours are reclaimed during shifts and how many tasks are resolved without escalating issues. This focus on outcomes illustrates the potential of AI to enhance productivity and improve patient care.
Previously, Patel described ThinkAndor®’s ambient and orchestration agents as a “scalable ROI engine,” emphasizing that such effectiveness is contingent upon fully mapping each site’s workflows. Human oversight and EHR-native interfaces are essential for ensuring that deployment strategies can adapt as healthcare needs evolve.
Before his tenure at Andor, Patel worked as a general partner at Stratecore Bioventures and led optimization efforts through his consulting firm, Aventive Healthcare. His dual expertise in clinical systems and business performance informs his current strategy at Andor, which prioritizes scalable, margin-positive solutions for healthcare providers.
As healthcare systems increasingly seek reliable outcomes from their technology investments, Patel’s leadership positions Andor Health as a provider committed to measurable performance rather than mere potential. This approach is critical in a sector where many AI initiatives remain in the pilot phase. Patel’s team has successfully navigated the complexities of scaled adoption through strategic segmentation and ROI reporting tailored for both clinical and financial stakeholders.
In a rapidly changing healthcare environment, the ability to communicate in terms of patient throughput, task latency, and revenue cycle impact is becoming essential. As the industry continues to focus on operational efficiency, Patel’s vision for AI as a foundational component of healthcare systems may represent the future of effective health technology.
