Digital Blue empowers healthcare clients with cutting-edge digital transformation, optimizing operations for payers, providers, and a patient-first focus. Inbox and Document Cleanup Your Team's Focus Should Be on Patients, Not Inbox Clutter Learn More Lab Processing Eliminate the Errors and Delays in Lab Result Processing Learn More Patient Deactivation Clean, Compliant Patient Records - Effortlessly Learn More Prior Authorization Automation Prior Authorization is Costing You More Than Just Money Learn More Referral Automation Your New Patient's First Impression Shouldn't Be a Six Week Wait Learn More Intelligent automation for healthcare The DCA is a seamless and secure solution to reduce the healthcare providers’ administrative burden. We use intelligent automation to streamline the healthcare providers’ administrative workflow, including prior authorizations, insurance verification, benefit checks, patient communication, fax queue management, data retrieval and entry, appointment setting, and more. Download The Digital Clinical Assistant resource guide to learn more information. Learn more about the DCA ’s suite of solutions the digital clinical assistant

Your New Patient's First Impression Shouldn't Be a Six Week Wait Every day a referral sits in a fax queue is a day that patient might go elsewhere. Automate 75% of your referral intake process, eliminate leakage, and make a great first impression, every time. Referral Automation Your New Patient's First Impression Shouldn't Be a Six Week Wait Your New Patient's First Impression Shouldn't Be a 6-Week Wait The traditional referral process is broken, creating the worst possible first impression for new patients while hemorrhaging revenue from your practice. It takes up to 30 minutes of manual work per referral, leading to backlogs where initial patient contact happens 5-6 weeks after the original request. In that time, patients get frustrated, seek care elsewhere, or abandon treatment altogether. Digital Blue's Referral Automation transforms your intake process from a manual, error-prone backlog into a streamlined, automated engine for practice growth. Automate 75% of referral processing effort, achieve same-day patient contact, and eliminate the "referral leakage" that's silently killing your practice growth. The High Cost of a Slow "Hello" Every Delayed Referral Is Lost Revenue Every week of referral delay increases the likelihood of patient abandonment by 15-20%. For a specialty practice receiving 50 referrals per month, even a 20% leakage rate means 10 lost new patients monthly—potentially $50,000-$100,000 in lost annual revenue. These aren't just statistics; they're missed opportunities for patient care and practice growth. But the true cost goes beyond direct revenue loss. Late patient contact creates poor first impressions that damage your practice's reputation. Patients who finally receive their initial call after weeks of waiting are often frustrated and less likely to follow through with appointments, creating a cycle of patient dissatisfaction and revenue loss. The Administrative Burden on Your Team Manual referral processing consumes enormous staff resources: sorting faxes and electronic referrals, extracting patient information, verifying insurance coverage, attempting patient contact, scheduling appointments, and maintaining detailed tracking logs. For a typical practice, this represents 30+ hours weekly of staff time dedicated to referral administration. The repetitive, manual nature of this work contributes to staff burnout while creating bottlenecks that prevent your practice from scaling. When referral volume increases, you face the choice between hiring additional administrative staff or accepting longer delays and higher patient abandonment rates. The First Impression Crisis A referring physician's trust in your practice begins to erode when their patients report poor experiences with your intake process. When patients tell referring doctors about weeks-long delays for initial contact, those physicians start questioning whether to continue sending referrals to your practice. Referral source relationships are built on patient experience, and poor intake processes damage these critical relationships. Intelligent Referral Automation That Captures Every Opportunity Automated Referral Processing and Intelligence DCA automatically processes incoming referrals from all sources—fax, electronic, and portal-based—extracting critical patient information, clinical data, and referral details. The system intelligently categorizes referrals by urgency, specialty requirements, and complexity, routing them appropriately for immediate processing. Unlike generic automation tools, DCA understands healthcare workflows and clinical priorities. It can identify urgent referrals requiring immediate attention, recognize incomplete referrals that need additional information, and automatically flag cases that require specific provider expertise or clinical review. Instant Insurance Verification and Eligibility DCA automatically verifies patient insurance coverage, eligibility, and benefits information in real-time, eliminating one of the biggest bottlenecks in referral processing. The system checks coverage for the requested services, identifies any authorization requirements, and verifies provider network participation—all before initial patient contact. This automated verification prevents the common problem of scheduling patients for services not covered by their insurance, reducing canceled appointments and improving patient satisfaction while protecting your practice from unpaid claims. Automated Patient Outreach and Scheduling The system automatically initiates patient contact within hours of referral receipt using personalized communication that reflects your practice's voice and protocols. DCA handles appointment scheduling, sends confirmation and reminder communications, and provides patients with all necessary pre-visit information. Complex cases requiring personal attention are flagged for staff follow-up while routine scheduling happens automatically. Measurable Results That Transform Patient Experience Same-Day Patient Contact Practices using DCA's referral automation achieve same-day patient contact on 90% of referrals, transforming the patient experience from frustrating delays to immediate, professional response. This rapid response time creates positive first impressions that strengthen referral source relationships and improve patient satisfaction scores. Elimination of Referral Leakage Automated processing and immediate patient contact virtually eliminate referral abandonment. When patients are contacted quickly with clear next steps and convenient scheduling options, they follow through with appointments at much higher rates than with delayed, manual processes. Practice Growth Without Additional Staff By automating 75% of referral processing effort, practices can handle significantly higher referral volumes without hiring additional administrative staff. The time savings equivalent to over one FTE annually can be redirected to patient care, clinical support, or other growth initiatives. Referral Automation Impact: Automate 75% of manual referral processing effort with intelligent workflows Achieve same-day patient contact on 90% of referrals for exceptional first impressions Save over one FTE annually while dramatically increasing referral capacity Eliminate referral leakage and capture $50,000-$100,000 in previously lost revenue Enhance referral source relationships through improved patient experience Reduce time from referral receipt to scheduled appointment by 80% Improve patient satisfaction scores with professional, rapid response Scale referral volume without proportional increase in administrative staff How Referral Automation Transforms Your Intake Process Intelligent Referral Ingestion DCA automatically monitors and ingests referrals from all sources—fax systems, electronic referral networks, and direct provider communications. The system extracts key information including patient demographics, clinical details, referring provider information, and urgency indicators, organizing everything for immediate processing. Automated Workflow Routing Referrals are automatically categorized and routed based on clinical urgency, specialty requirements, provider availability, and insurance considerations. Urgent cases are immediately flagged for priority handling while routine referrals flow through automated processing workflows. Seamless EMR Integration and Documentation All referral information is automatically entered into your EMR system with proper formatting, complete documentation, and appropriate scheduling codes. Patient records are created or updated automatically, and providers receive notification of new referrals with all relevant clinical information organized for easy review. Comprehensive Tracking and Reporting DCA provides detailed analytics on referral volume, processing times, patient response rates, and referral source performance. This intelligence helps you optimize your referral process, identify opportunities for growth, and demonstrate value to referring providers through improved patient experience metrics. Stop losing patients and revenue to referral delays that damage your practice's reputation. Digital Blue's intelligent referral automation ensures every new patient receives the immediate, professional response that creates positive first impressions and drives sustainable practice growth.

State Medicaid Transformation Case Study See how Digital Blue helped a state government health program transform operations with proven methodology, delivering a comprehensive roadmap for digital modernization. Modernizing State Medicaid Operations From ambiguity to actionable strategy through The Digital Blueprint See how Digital Blue helped a state government health program transform operations with proven methodology, delivering a comprehensive roadmap for digital modernization. The Challenge: Navigating Government Healthcare Complexity Government health programs face all the operational challenges of private healthcare, plus additional layers of complexity: federal and state oversight, legislative budget constraints, public transparency requirements, and politically sensitive stakeholder environments. Generic consultants fail because they don’t account for these realities. Our Solution: The Digital Blueprint for Government Programs We adapted our proven three-phase methodology to fit the public sector. Our approach accounted for extended timelines, multi-agency collaboration, stakeholder consensus building, and rigorous compliance documentation—ensuring every recommendation was both achievable and defensible. Phase 1: Discover A 90-day assessment of people, process, data, and technology uncovered bottlenecks in eligibility processing, provider management, and claims operations. We highlighted quick wins that could be implemented while the broader roadmap was developed. Phase 2: Design We created a multi-year transformation roadmap with prioritized initiatives, detailed cost-benefit analysis, funding strategies, and risk mitigation plans aligned to procurement cycles and regulatory requirements. Phase 3: Deliver We provided program governance models, vendor selection criteria, change management frameworks, and success metrics so the agency could confidently execute modernization without disrupting critical services. Key Impact: 2x Short-Term ROI 6x Long-Term ROI 90 Day Engagement Want to chat? Schedule time to speak with us Schedule Consultation Download Case Study

Digital Blueprint Doc Digital Blueprint Doc The Digital Blueprint 3-phase methodology for guaranteed transformation Download our framework overview to see how we deliver 2x short-term and 6x long-term ROI through systematic transformation. The Problem: Why 70% of Healthcare Transformations Fail Most transformation efforts collapse under the weight of complexity. Generic consulting approaches don’t work in healthcare because they ignore clinical workflows, regulatory constraints, and the need to maintain patient safety throughout change initiatives. Our Methodology: Predictable, Measurable Results The Digital Blueprint is a healthcare-native framework that analyzes every facet of your operation across People, Process, Data, and Technology—ensuring transformation initiatives are both strategic and executable. Phase 1: Discover – Comprehensive Operational Assessment A 90-day deep dive that maps current-state operations, uncovers bottlenecks, and assesses change readiness. We identify quick wins to build momentum while laying the groundwork for broader transformation. Phase 2: Design – Strategic Transformation Planning We build a prioritized roadmap with clear timelines, resource requirements, ROI projections, success metrics, and risk mitigation plans—so stakeholders know exactly what it takes to succeed. Phase 3: Deliver – Implementation and Optimization We provide governance frameworks, change management playbooks, staff training strategies, and continuous optimization loops that ensure the transformation delivers measurable outcomes without disrupting patient care. Key Impact: 2x Short-Term ROI 6x Long-Term ROI 90 Days to Roadmap Downloadable Resource Download Healthcare Solutions Digital Clinical Assistant Referral Automation Prior Authorization Automation Patient Deactivation Service Lab Processing Automation Inbox and Document Cleanup The Digital Blueprint Our Approach Downloads Menu Close Want to chat? Schedule time to speak with us Schedule Consultation download to pdf Download our one-sheet detailing our proven 3-phase transformation methodology with guaranteed ROI. download Digital Blueprint Doc Your New Patient's First Impression Shouldn't Be a 6-Week Wait Turn a 6-week referral backlog into same-day patient contact. Our intelligent referral automation solution saves over one FTE of effort and eliminates referral leakage. Learn More Free Your Team from Administrative Burden The Digital Clinical Assistant (DCA) is a healthcare-native intelligent automation platform that eliminates up to 60% of administrative burden across referrals, prior authorizations, inbox management, lab processing, and patient records—without changing your EMR or disrupting workflows. Learn More Clean, Compliant Patient Records - Effortlessly Deactivate over 10,000 patient records in a few hours. Maintain a clean and reliable patient database while freeing up your team's time for critical tasks. Learn More

Cherry Bermudez Healthcare Specialist

Scott is Senior Solution Architect at Digital Blue. He is a driven technology professional with a proven 20+ year track record of success in participating and leading projects for clients across various industries, including healthcare, financial services, specialty pharma, insurance, and entertainment. His perseverance, total commitment, and years of experience in database architecture, data analytics, reporting, software design, and development have been the keys to his clients' success. Scott continually demonstrates his ability to quickly understand and optimize operations by optimizing legacy technologies and incorporating new (BPM, RPA, ECM, no code) technologies, as evidenced by many loyal customers. This experience also allows him to view and understand a client's challenge from many different perspectives. Past successes include leadership in the design and development of a low code benefits administration and funding application for a large international labor union, Architecture and development of MS-SQL based operational and reporting databases for a Specialty Bio-Pharma start-up while simultaneously playing a lead role in the definition, design, and development of the reporting and analytics required to support the business. The resulting solutions were the foundation of the company's exponential growth and day-to-day operations. He has the design, development, and implementation of a Cognitive Medical Solution for a major health plan resulting in more than doubling the number of claims they could process with their existing workforce resulting in over a 50% reduction in their cost per claim. Additionally, Scott has led the effort to refine, update and automate several key data processes at a regional insurance carrier, allowing them to provide reporting and data feeds more efficiently and accurately to their partner businesses with nearly a 90% reduction in effort. Scott has an MS in Computer Information Systems and is Appian Academy Certified. He is an Appian Application Analyst and has undergone Unqork Advanced training. In his free time, Scott enjoys cooking, camping, and spending time with his wife and three kids. Scott Van Buren Senior Solution Architect

Shawn Firehock is a Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Blue. Shawn leads the team in creating and executing strategic growth plans. As a hands-on leader, Shawn works closely with clients and strategic partnerships to identify opportunities to improve an organization's business performance significantly. As a result, Digital Blue regularly delivers solutions that will enhance operational productivity by over 40%. Over the past 20 years, Shawn has led enterprise-wide programs to transform health plans and provider operations, resulting in significant improvement in government health programs and improving provider satisfaction and patient outcomes. Shawn and his wife are raising four children and two dogs. They spend as much time in the Adirondack Mountains as possible all year round. Shawn is active in the community, with a focus on causes that impact children and healthcare. He is a Board Trustee for the Saratoga Hospital Foundation. Shawn Firehock Co-Founder | CEO

CMO: Clifden VP Digital: Mulligan PR Director: Lulu Demand Generation: Frank Web Analytics: Teddy Social Media Specialists: Penny, Poppy, Penelope & Paisley Marketing Team Marketing Leaders

Jared is a Senior Consultant at Digital Blue. In this role, he works directly with senior stakeholders from clients and partners within the Healthcare industry facilitating action with multiple groups across finance, sales, operations, technology, and data science. Jared is responsible for project management, program management, and analysis of strategic and transformational initiatives with clients in requirements gathering, technology selection, business process optimization, business case creation, solution design, and implementation of digital solutions. Prior to this role, Jared was Senior Project Manager for NewsBank where he Completed many projects that helped increase sales or increased efficiency by replacing old and inefficient architecture with newer more sustainable, and scalable systems. In addition to this experience, he brings over two decades of business and technology leadership experience to the team. Jared is a Certified ScrumMaster and has a Bachelor of Science, in Management Information Systems from Clarkson University. Jared is skilled in project management, business process improvement, enterprise architecture, agile methodologies, software documentation, database design, and IT management. In his free time, Jared keeps busy with his 3 kids and mini-farm in northeastern New York with horses, chickens, geese, dogs, cats, and sometimes pigs. He also enjoys bee-keeping, growing garlic, mountain biking, and camping. Jared Surething Senior Consultant

Paige Batcha, CPA, MBA, is a financial leader who has built a career around strategic partnership and flexible employment. With over 15 years of professional and leadership experience, she has a robust background in accounting, auditing, and business development across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. She notably pioneered a new consulting business line at Versique Search & Consulting, scaling it from zero to $2.5 million in revenue in less than two years. She holds an MBA from St. Cloud State University and a BA in Accounting from the College of Saint Benedict. Beyond her professional life, she is a soccer mom, an avid sports fan, and a world traveler. Batcha has also demonstrated a strong commitment to her community through extensive volunteer work and board service for several organizations. Paige Batcha CFO

Matt is a Co-Founder and Vice President of Architecture at Digital Blue Solutions. In this role, he leads his team of developers to drive client success across multiple facets, including innovation, automation, industry best practices, software development, and software/solution architecture. Matt has hands-on experience from developer to architect to project management, using leadership to foster and inspire teams to build quality solutions consistently. A Healthcare focused leader, Matt has experience with driving programs for both providers and payers, delivering high-efficiency gains and in-year ROI. Matt's project successes include full hands-on leadership of the Blue Prism program for large companies. These include licensing, installation, Proof of Concept, Center of Excellence setup, Solution Design, Agile Implementations, and mentoring teams to drive Blue Prism capabilities and capacity. His full Blue Prism program setup efforts have delivered millions in cost savings to his clients, including a large New-York based life insurance company. Leadership experience includes leading and mentoring a team of 30 global RPA professionals as the Center of Excellence for a large consulting firm with team members in the US, India, UK, and the Philippines. Matt is skilled in software architecture, Agile Project Management, Digital Transformation, and Complex Integration. He is a Certified Blueprism Developer with Merit, Appian Analyst, Appian Designer, and Appian Lead Developer. Matt lives in Northern New York with his family, where he spends a lot of his time fishing on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. Matt Pontius Co-Founder | VP Architecture

Ranjan is a Senior Digital Transformation Consultant at Digital Blue Solutions. In this role, he works directly with senior stakeholders from clients and partners within the Healthcare industry facilitating action with multiple groups across finance, sales, operations, technology, and data science. Ranjan is responsible for project management, program management, and analysis of strategic and transformational initiatives with clients in requirements gathering, technology selection, business process optimization, business case creation, solution design, and implementation of digital solutions. A trusted adviser, strategist, and digital transformation specialist, Ranjan has been delivering value for over 12 years to the healthcare, insurance, and financial services industries. He is passionate about making a difference through his proficiency in business, technology, and data. Ranjan has combined his proficiencies with versatile hands-on experience in the entire SDLC spectrum, including; strategic alignment, process re-engineering, project management, business analysis, technical solution design and development, quality assurance, business readiness, and production support. Project successes include leadership in solution design and implementation for a financial services company to expediently migrate over 250 BI reports to PowerBI and SSRS in under three months resulting in improved information availability, reduced reliance on unsupported technologies, and identification of digital transformation opportunities for implementation. He has Lead Provided program leadership and business analysis for a program that incorporated a national value-based program to a large Healthcare Plan. The program aligned over ten operational departments, five technology teams, CMO, vendors, partners, and affiliates in making six consecutive successful technology implementations over three years. The fully implemented program saved the plan $10 PMPM. His Efforts have also Delivered digital transformation advisory, business case, and project-based roadmap to the consumer claims department of a financial services firm providing 50% improvement in straight-through processing and a 30% reduction in turn-around time. Ranjan is skilled in Process Optimization, Business, system, and data analysis, and solution design and implementation. He is a Blue Prism trained developer, Professional Scrum Master I, has undergone Unqork Advanced Training and has a UiPath Business Analyst Diploma. Ranjan enjoys movies, games, food, scotch, long drives, nature, photography, and spending time with family in his free time. Ranjan Parida Senior Digital Transformation Consultant