Samsung Medical Center Slashes Medical Record Issuance Time to 5 Minutes with AI
Seoul, Wednesday, 23 April 2025.
By harnessing AI and automation, Samsung Medical Center drastically cuts medical record issuance time to 5 minutes, enhancing patient service and achieving zero errors, while saving substantial costs.
Pioneering Digital Transformation in Healthcare
Samsung Medical Center (SMC) has achieved a remarkable breakthrough in healthcare efficiency by implementing a fully automated system for medical records issuance. The journey began in 2019 when SMC introduced South Korea’s first online medical records system, addressing the growing demand for swift and secure access to medical documentation [1][2]. Prior to this innovation, patients faced significant hurdles, including mandatory in-person hospital visits and extended wait times of up to two hours for record processing [1].
Systematic Evolution and Implementation
The transformation followed a carefully planned trajectory, with SMC becoming the first South Korean hospital to integrate robotic process automation (RPA) in online medical records issuance by 2023 [1]. The system achieved full automation in October 2024, incorporating AI-powered patient matching and identity confirmation protocols [2]. This technological advancement has yielded impressive results, with online issuance rates surging from less than 10% to over 30% following the complete automation implementation [1][2].
Measurable Impact and Cost Efficiency
The impact of this digital transformation extends beyond improved patient experience. The center has reported significant cost savings, including 90.000 million won in combined annual savings from reduced paper and toner usage (40 million won) and labor redistribution (50 million won) [1][2]. Moreover, the initiative has demonstrated environmental benefits, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 4,056 tons, equivalent to planting 610,000 trees [2].
Future Implications for Healthcare Technology
This development aligns with broader healthcare industry trends, where 95% of healthcare organizations view AI as transformative, with 54% reporting return on investment within 12 months [3]. The success at SMC exemplifies the potential of AI integration in healthcare, particularly as 85% of providers anticipate AI reshaping care delivery within the next 3-5 years [3]. As demonstrated by SMC’s achievement of zero error rates in record processing [1][2], the convergence of AI and healthcare administration presents a promising pathway for future healthcare innovation.