Brightree is the core operating system for many DME providers.
It manages referrals, documentation, billing, and fulfillment.
But out of the box, Brightree still depends heavily on manual updates, especially in areas like WIP states, document status, and payer readiness.
That’s where automation makes all the difference.
Brightree can support the workflow, but it likely won’t drive it without integrating smarter tools.
Where Manual Processes Clog Up Brightree
Most DME teams use Brightree’s WIP (Work-In-Progress) states to track order status from intake to billing.
In theory, these states show what’s complete, what’s waiting, and what’s ready to move.
In practice, however, most of it runs on memory and dropdown clicks.
That leads to:
- Missed steps when WIP states aren’t updated
- Orders marked “ready to bill” when they’re not
- Staff wasting time checking for missing docs or coverage
- No true exception management—just endless queues
One missed click or forgotten document can stall an order for days. Multiply that by hundreds of orders per week, and the impact adds up fast.
The Core Problem: Brightree Doesn’t “Know” When an Order Is Ready
Brightree tracks what someone last clicked.
It doesn’t validate whether documentation is complete, if insurance is verified, or if billing rules are met. That means your team has to manually manage every state change, even when most of the data is already in the system.
Staff must rely on memory or informal notes, which makes the process prone to error, especially as order volume increases.
How Brightree Automation Solves The Issue
Brightree automation layers on top of your existing system. (No need for a full overhaul of your favorite software.)
When set up correctly, automation can:
- Auto-validate documents and payer rules
- Move orders to the next WIP state based on real data
- Trigger alerts only when human input is needed
- Apply billing logic before claim submission
- Cut down on manual checks and rework
This turns Brightree into a true workflow engine, not just a tracker.
For example, automation can ensure that an order doesn’t move to “Ready to Bill” until required documentation is confirmed and coverage is verified, automatically.
Benefits That Add Up Fast
When automated, Brightree shows your team immediate value:
- Fewer touches per order
- Faster movement from referral to billing
- Reduced denials due to missing or incorrect info
- More time for staff to focus on patient care and complex cases
- Less stress and lower burnout
It’s not just efficiency; it’s a better way to run your business.
What to Automate First in Brightree
Start with the bottlenecks. Most DME providers see fast ROI by automating:
- WIP state transitions
- Documentation validation
- Insurance verification
- Payer-specific billing rules
- Exception management workflows
Even a few smart automations can reduce staff workload by hours per week, freeing up time for high-touch patient service and other high-value work.
Final Word: In Our Experience, Brightree Works Better With Automation
Brightree is a strong foundation. It wasn’t built to scale on its own though.
Manual steps will always create risk, delays, and extra work. With the right automation layered in, your Brightree setup becomes a scalable, intelligent workflow engine.
It helps your team focus on what matters, reduce operational stress, and grow.
Your business is positioned to scale and thrive, without extra headcount.
