Building a world-class A/P function: how UPMC went paperless.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Administration
• Supply Chain Management
• Process Automation

Background:

• Traditional accounts payable (A/P) processes in healthcare are often manual and paper-based, leading to inefficiencies.
• UPMC faced challenges with its existing manual A/P system, necessitating a transformation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail UPMC's strategic initiative to automate its accounts payable (A/P) function.
• To outline the key elements and steps involved in transitioning from a manual to a fully automated A/P system.

Main Methods:

• Implementing a strategic plan led by a chief supply chain officer.
• Establishing a value analysis team to secure clinician buy-in.
• Automating A/P by enabling the receipt of electronic invoices.
• Streamlining existing invoice processing workflows.

Main Results:

• Successful transition of the A/P function from a manual, paper-based operation to a fully automated process.
• Enhanced efficiency in invoice handling and processing through technology integration.
• Improved collaboration and buy-in from clinical staff via the value analysis team.

Conclusions:

• A multi-faceted approach involving people, processes, and technology is effective for automating healthcare A/P functions.
• Strategic leadership and clinician engagement are crucial for successful implementation of financial process automation.