The Role of AI Voice Assistants in Advancing Value-Based Healthcare

What is causing doctors to turn to voice automation? Can AI really help in value-based care?

These questions highlight the major shifts happening in today's healthcare systems. Value-based care is now replacing traditional fee-for-service setups, pushing healthcare providers to produce stronger outcomes at lower costs while still maintaining patient satisfaction.

The AI voice agent, a voice-enabled digital helper that interacts with patients and helps with communication, is one rising option. As staff shortages grow, healthcare workers face more stress, and chronic cases increase, AI voice agents are becoming important tools in clinics, hospitals, and virtual care services.

Here’s how voice tools are playing a role in value-based healthcare—and why companies like SOAPsuds are becoming examples in AI-driven health services.

According to a recent McKinsey report, over 60% of healthcare payments in the U.S. will come from value-based models by 2025. These systems reward providers for improving patient health instead of just delivering procedures.

Success is now judged by:

·       Avoiding hospital returns

·       Taking care of long-term illnesses

·       Satisfying patient needs

·       Cutting total healthcare expenses

To reach these goals, providers need to rethink their support methods—especially outside of clinics. This is where AI-driven voice agents begin to show their use.

What are AI Voice Agents

AI voice agents are healthcare-focused virtual assistants that use natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning. They talk with patients via calls, apps, or smart devices, handling simple daily tasks in a human-like way.

They are used in healthcare for:

·       Reminding patients about appointments

·       Following up after discharges

·       Checking in on chronic issues

·       Handling prescription refill requests

·       Giving pre-visit guidelines

Compared to chatbots, voice agents sound more natural and show empathy, which is crucial when dealing with personal health matters.

Benefits of Voice Agents in Outcome-Focused Care

1. Cuts Down Missed Visits and Improves Booking

According to Forbes, skipped medical visits cost U.S. doctors over $150 billion each year. For providers working under value-based models, these no-shows can weaken care results and raise costs.

AI voice agents send automatic calls or texts to:

·       Confirm visits

·       Allow easy rescheduling

·       Share directions or parking tips

This leads to a big drop in no-shows—some setups see a 40% reduction—which helps keep care on track.

2. Better Control of Chronic Illnesses

The CDC says about 60% of Americans have at least one chronic condition. Keeping these under control needs regular checks, which are hard to manage with limited staff.

AI voice agents can:

·       Ask about symptoms on a regular basis

·       Check if medicines are taken as prescribed

·       Inform care teams of possible issues

Take this example: A diabetic patient may get a daily message saying:

"Good morning, Mr. Patel. Have you checked your blood sugar today? Would you like to log it now?"

This helps patients stay involved in their own care and lowers the chance of hospital visits, which supports performance under value-based systems.

3. Eases Pressure on Healthcare Workers

Nurses and admin staff are facing major burnout. The WHO projects a global shortfall of over 10 million healthcare workers by 2030.

AI voice tools take over routine and simple tasks like:

·       Confirming insurance info

·       Sending reminders for appointments

·       Running surveys after care

This allows medical staff to spend more time with patients and less on paperwork.

4. Post-Discharge Help at a Larger Scale

In value-based care, avoiding readmissions is key. CMS reports that providers face penalties for patients who return within 30 days of discharge.

AI voice agents reach out to patients within 24–48 hours to:

·       Ask if they’ve picked up their prescriptions

·       Check for any new health problems

·       Remind them of their next visits

These early check-ins help keep patients recovering well and lower the chance they’ll need to be readmitted.

Case in Point: SOAPsuds and Speech Automation

SOAPsuds, a top provider of digital health tools, links AI voice technology with EHR systems for smooth communication during patient care. SOAPsuds makes it easier to manage records and stay in touch with patients—two tasks that often cause errors or stress—by using voice agents along with tools like an AI medical scribe.

Medical centers using SOAPsuds AI Medical Scribe have reported:

·       40% fewer missed visits

·       35% faster follow-ups

·       Notable boosts in HCAHPS (patient feedback) scores

SOAPsuds’ system shows how AI can be used across different parts of care—not just in one area.

Supporting Groups with Less Access to Care

In rural or underfunded areas, voice agents are useful where care options are fewer. Older adults or people not used to apps often find voice calls easier.

These tools can:

·       Speak local languages or accents

·       Be available all day without staff

·       Provide uniform care responses

This reduces access gaps and helps everyone receive the support they need.

Fitting Into Current Systems

Today’s AI voice agents can connect with systems like:

·       Epic

·       Cerner

·       Allscripts

·       Athenahealth

This means providers don’t have to change their whole setup. Voice agents work with EHRs, CRMs, and telehealth tools, making it easier to start using them.

Keeping Data Safe and Following Rules

Data protection is a key concern with AI tools. Most voice agent platforms meet HIPAA standards, offering:

·       Full data encryption

·       Permission tracking

·       Safe storage and sharing

They also include audit logs for rule checks, so providers can use them confidently in care settings.

Final Words 

Looking ahead, AI voice agents are likely to play an even bigger part in healthcare delivery. As value-based care becomes the norm, providers will need simple, cost-effective ways to stay connected with patients outside of the hospital setting. Voice automation can help maintain that connection—offering support, reminders, and timely follow-ups—without putting extra load on already stretched staff. While the technology is not meant to replace human care, it can serve as a useful tool to support it.

Patients, too, are becoming more comfortable with automated communication, especially when it’s personalized and reliable. For many, a voice reminder or check-in call can be the difference between staying on track and missing a crucial step in treatment. For health systems, that means better outcomes, fewer readmissions, and higher satisfaction ratings—all essential under value-based models.

In the end, AI voice agents are not just a passing trend. They are part of a broader shift toward smarter, more responsive healthcare. By helping patients stay engaged and reducing the administrative strain on care teams, these tools can support both better health outcomes and a more sustainable system. As technology continues to improve, the role of AI in healthcare will likely grow stronger, simpler, and more central to everyday practice.