Salesforce Document Generation | The Ultimate Guide for Healthcare
Hawk-eye editor with a passion for trailblazing Salesforce experiences.
Document generation underpins almost every major healthcare process you can think of, from collecting electronic health records to managing patient registration, automated medical billing, operative reports, Salesforce document automation, and much more! You also need accurate and up-to-date documents that keep patient details safe, comply with regulatory frameworks, and support delivering the most efficient care.
Given that Salesforce for Health Cloud is the planet’s leading CRM and has the ability to store and analyze large volumes of patient and healthcare data, it only makes sense using it to generate medical docs. You would be drawing on the gold standard of patient data, which would enable you to create up-to-date documents, personalized to the needs of each medical use case.
Sounds great, so what’s the catch? Well, Salesforce’s document generation abilities are relatively limited. To get a robust solution, we recommend that you choose a third-party provider on the AppExchange.
Are you ready to find out how to create Salesforce documents to supercharge your healthcare processes? If so, you have come to the right place. Read on for top tips and more details on Document Generation in Salesforce.
What is Salesforce Document Generation in Healthcare?
We are speaking about the ability to dynamically generate documents based on data from your Salesforce CRM. This process is completely automated, resulting in super-accurate data and reliable documents.
You can save hours of admin time while mitigating human error. Check out our Salesforce Health Cloud Pricing article for information on this product’s features and costs.
Can I Generate Documents from Salesforce Health Cloud?
As mentioned a little earlier, Salesforce does not have highly developed document generation features. For example, using Salesforce, you do have the ability to generate PDFs of your health insurance claim documentation, but for the most part, that’s where the story begins and ends. If you want to generate a wider range of documents in more formats, then we suggest looking at AppExchange. It has tons of apps that can help you generate documents in Salesforce.
It’s important to remember that there is a big difference between document generation, document creation, and document management. Document creation for Salesforce typically involves the process of manually creating and attaching documents to your digital medical records and then saving them in places like Quip. With doc creation, you can share documents with other medical professionals if you have synced sharing enabled. While Salesforce document creation is a useful feature, it is nowhere near as powerful as document generation, and it does not have the power to automate and streamline your documentation systems.
Similarly, Salesforce document management is all about organizing your docs, storing them, and handling version control. There are several Salesforce tools for managing documents and while this is a useful function, it is another concept that needs to be differentiated from document generation: they are not the same thing!
Make sure to read our Health Cloud Data Model article for more information about data management.
How to Create Documents in Salesforce & Its Limitations for Healthcare
Creating documents in Salesforce is easy but remember this is very different to Salesforce doc gen. Document creation enables you to attach docs to records and share them with other medical professionals. You can add a range of content to your docs such as spreadsheets, folders, and mentions.
Note: This is one common method of document creation, if you want an alternative, consult your Salesforce admin.
Prerequisite for following these steps: Ensure that the Quip document component is added to your Lightning Page.
1. First up, you need to add the New Document option to your Global Action menu. This enables you to create a doc from anywhere within the Lightning Experience.
2. So, head to Setup, run a search in your Quick Find Box, and click on Publisher Layouts. On the Global Publisher Layouts page, click Edit next to Global Layout:
3. Next, click Mobile & Lightning Actions, then New Document. Drag the New Document into the Salesforce Mobile and Lightning Experience Actions below. Remember to save the New Document action you just added and override any predefined actions if this is your first time editing Salesforce Mobile and Lightning Experience Actions.
4. Once you have added this action, simply navigate to any Lightning Page on your Salesforce and find it in the Global Actions drop-down:
- From here, add your desired content. The doc is saved to your private Quip folder. From here, you can link your document to a Salesforce record and/ or share it.
Salesforce is regularly updating, so be sure to check out How to create a document in Lightning Experience and how to Add the New Document Global Action guide. We also recommend our guide to SF Health Cloud to get a better understanding of this software solution in more detail.
Salesforce Document Objects Explained for Healthcare Admins
When it comes to understanding Salesforce Document Objects, the main one is Content Document version. This Salesforce Content Document object represents any document that has been uploaded to Salesforce. It’s important to bear in mind that this document object in Salesforce is available for Salesforce CRM Content (version 17.0 and beyond) and Salesforce Files (version 21.0 to the present).
There are limitations to the number of documents you can publish and the limit for regular accounts is 30k. Other options are:
Salesforce Document Version Control in Healthcare
Can you control document versions in Salesforce? The short answer is yes!
Via the Content Version object (this object is a child of the Content Document Object), you can upload a range of different file types to Salesforce, such as JPEG, MP3, and document formats like PDF, DOCX, and XLS. This is a reliable document storage option in Salesforce and the great part is that if you want to upload a new version of the same file attached to your record, then you can do so.
Salesforce Content Document Data Model for Healthcare Admins
The best way to understand the Salesforce Content Document data model is to use a diagram. Check it out below:
Salesforce: A Guide to Uploading Healthcare Documents
While there are many ways to upload documents in Salesforce (especially if you choose to use a third-party app), one of the most common is to choose to upload files. To do this, simply navigate to a record and choose to upload a file. Then, click on Add Files or drag the file you want into the Files Related list.
Many different file types are supported, including PDF, XLX, and DOCX.
Healthcare Document Management for Salesforce
We have discussed document creation and document objects, but where does Salesforce document management for healthcare fit into all this? Well, a document management system is all about storing, organizing, and managing documents in the number 1 CRM. For this, you can either go with a Salesforce native solution or with a Salesforce integration containing a document management system.
In terms of native Salesforce features, you have the documents tab, attachments, Salesforce Knowledge, Salesforce CRM, and the Files home area. Using these tools, you can prioritize Salesforce document storage and other aspects of document management. You also have Salesforce document management integrations. Check them out below.
Salesforce Document Management Systems for Healthcare Professionals
There are several fantastic tools for document management in Salesforce. All these options help to optimize your document storage in Salesforce and organize files better. These include Box, Sharepoint, Google Drive, and Dropbox, to name just a few.
Often, it makes sense to choose a document management system you are already using and integrate it with Salesforce!
Export Healthcare Data from Salesforce to Excel (XLS)
If you are working in Salesforce, you have the ability to export a report to Excel, but this does require a degree of manual setup:
How to Export a Salesforce Report to Excel
1. In Lightning Experience, click Export from the reports tab, then your desired exported view. For Excel, you need to select the Details Only view and choose whether you want .xlsx, .xls, or .csv.
2. Remember to choose the right encoding if you have selected either .xls or .csv.
3. And then it’s all about clicking Export and saving your file.
Overall, a Salesforce integration with Excel is fairly limited. The CRM platform does offer an Excel connector called “Salesforce Connect”, that gives you access to your real-time healthcare data. We recommend custom development or a third-party app on the AppExchange to get the most out of the Salesforce + Excel integration.
Salesforce PDF Generation for Healthcare
Standard functionalities do not enable you to generate a PDF in Salesforce except if you want to do so from a Quote object. If you are after Salesforce PDF generation, which is fast and reliable, then we recommend browsing for online document generation solutions on AppExchange or implementing custom development. Remember if you opt for development, then Apex code will give you the best results but be sure you have the technical know-how and resources to go in this direction.
Salesforce to Generate Word Documents in Healthcare
Salesforce native functionalities enable you to upload and manage DOCX files, but you do not have the ability to generate or edit Word documents. So, if you want your Salesforce to generate a Word document, then you need to look into a third-party doc gen app.
Intelligent Document Automation from Salesforce for Healthcare
But where does Salesforce Intelligent Document Automation for healthcare fit into all this? Well, Intelligent Document Automation uses AI to provide Salesforce Document automation solutions. This technology can read healthcare data from your document and populate fields in Salesforce while converting data into digital files.
Salesforce can also help automate workflows for healthcare organizations. However, the limitations of document automation include a complicated setup that will take some time and require considerable technical expertise. In addition, Intelligent Document Automation is not easily customizable without development and it is a pricey feature.
So, you do have to think twice before making this investment.
Note: If you want to make the most out of Intelligent Document Automation then you probably need a Salesforce Unlimited License whereas the Essentials and Professional Licenses will make using this feature very limited.
Salesforce CPQ: Quote Document Generation in Healthcare
Salesforce CPQ enables you to Configure, Price, and Quote smoothly and quickly so you can efficiently provide patients with reliable pricing. You can generate quote docs for Salesforce CPQ in PDF format and you also have the option to create these docs as Microsoft Word documents. For this you need to adjust the settings.
If you want to generate a quote in another format, you will need to implement custom development or get a third-party app to help you with Salesforce CPQ document generation.
Salesforce OmniStudio Document Generation for Healthcare Developers
Salesforce OmniStudio is a suite of tools that makes life simpler for developers working in healthcare organizations. They enable them to build custom web apps and medical-related processes using drag-and-drop tools. OmniStudio doc gen also has document generation abilities.
With OmniStudio, you can generate documents from templates in DOCX or PPTX formats, and you can also generate docs by creating custom OmniScripts, Integration Procedures, and Apex Classes. Bear in mind that, like most OmniStudio functionalities, the document generation capabilities do not offer robust flexibility without using custom development or coding. Similarly, you need to make sure you have document generation included in your OmniStudio license and that this makes financial sense for your organization.
Keep reading for more info on document generation in OmniStudio.
Salesforce CRM Document Generation Software: What to look for in Healthcare?
So, what are the top features you need to look out for in Document Generation software for your healthcare CRM? Getting a third-party app for Salesforce document generation+CRM is a great idea, given the gaps in your CRM’s native functionalities. We think you need to look for these points when choosing a tool:
Salesforce Document Generation Tools for Health Cloud
Now that we have taken a closer look at Salesforce document generation software and examined the pros of medical document automation, let’s examine some top Salesforce Document generation apps.
Remember, Salesforce does not have robust document generation of its own. The good news is that there are several document generation tools found on the AppExchange marketplace that can be used with Salesforce for healthcare optimization.
DocuSign
DocuSign is a reliable name in the world of document generation and signatures. DocuSign Doc Gen enables you to generate a range of different documents for Salesforce, like automated discharge summaries. So, what are the pros and cons of using DocuSign in Salesforce to generate documents?
Pros
Cons
All in all, DocuSign’s integration for Salesforce is a viable document generation solution but given the price you should take the chance to look for other solutions.
PandaDoc
PandaDoc has been around for over a decade and directly integrates with Salesforce. What began as a startup has ended up being a global brand. But how good is PandaDoc for healthcare? And does a PandaDoc Salesforce Integration live up to the hype?
Let’s check out the pros and cons below:
In summary, PandaDoc for Salesforce is a great option for basic doc generation but is not robust or customizable enough for more complex use cases.
Zoho Docs
Zoho Docs does integrate into Salesforce but you won’t find this tool on the AppExchange. If you want to get a Zoho Salesforce integration then you will probably have to use a third-party integration platform (Zapier is the most well-known) or you can go the hard route and try out custom development.
So, what are Zoho’s pros and cons?
Pros
Cons
This one’s a simple verdict. Zoho has document management capabilities but does not connect directly to Salesforce.
Conga
Conga is a household name in terms of Doc Gen and is well known for helping you create and track documents in Salesforce. However, reviews suggest problems with usability and a lack of responsiveness from the support team.
Below, we check out the top pros and cons of Conga for Salesforce Health Cloud.
Pros
Cons
Conga’s Salesforce integration has impressive features, but this solution is difficult to use and time-consuming to set up.
Docomotion
Docomotion is designed to help healthcare professionals generate and automate documents. The good news is that it has a fast and reliable integration with Salesforce.
Word on the street is that Docomotion is less than ideal if you are after custom implementations. Here are its pros and cons:
Pros
Cons
Docomotion sits on the pricey side and is not easy to use. As always, it is worth examining all your software options in healthcare.
Nintex
Nintex is a popular Document Generation tool. The software markets itself as a solution that requires little to no technical ability to use. Sounds good, but what are its biggest strengths and weaknesses in healthcare? We break it down:
Pros
Cons
Nintex isn’t easy to use for all healthcare workers and is not simple to implement if you are a non-dev professional. However, it integrates directly into Salesforce to keep your work in a single location and gives you the power of robust data analytics.
Formstack
Formstack is more known for its form-building functionalities than its Document Generation. However, its direct integration with Salesforce earns it a spot on this list. So where does Formstack win big, and where can it improve for healthcare?
Pros
Cons
Formstack for Salesforce has the benefit of direct integration, but there have been reports about a lack of documentation, poor support, and a glitchy interface.
S-Docs
A S-Docs Salesforce integration is right up there with the best. Claiming to be the only native document generation tool for Salesforce, it also has a good reputation. So should you choose it at your medical practice?
Pros
Cons
S-Docs is a worthy contender but if you want to customize your healthcare docs, you will probably have to resort to some level of development and coding. So if you are not particularly technical and don’t have time to spare, this solution could be difficult to use.
Titan Docs
Last on this list is Salesforce’s secret weapon: Titan Docs. Titan is an all-in-one codeless solution for Salesforce Health Cloud designed to help organizations generate docs, build forms, sign fast, send surveys, streamline contract management, and build attractive portals. The beauty of Titan is that you can implement any kind of healthcare project you want using no code.
This solution is a breath of fresh air in a market where Salesforce Healthcare CRM for patient management options are:
- Declarative tools with limited abilities.
- Advanced and flexible tools that require coding or development.
With Titan, you don’t have to make difficult choices, and you never have to compromise. Using our powerful point-and-click document generation tool, you can generate patient registration documents, discharge summaries, medical billing, operative reports, and so much more, combined with your Salesforce electronic health records with just a few easy clicks.
So, what are our biggest pros and cons?
Pros
Cons:
If you liked the sound of Titan for Salesforce and are keen for a cost-effective, zero code tool that does it all for docs, why not get in touch?
Healthcare Use Cases and Document Generation for Salesforce
If you have stayed with us and enjoyed this article so far, you might be wondering: how does all this apply to my healthcare practice? And how will I use Salesforce Document Generation in my everyday life? Great question! Here, we break down the top use cases, which are applicable across a range of different Salesforce scenarios.
Healthcare Service Proposals
Pre-populate templates like healthcare service proposals or medical service agreement proposals based on Salesforce data. These documents are essential for breaking down the healthcare services your practice offers as well their respective prices. They often also include details on compliance with regulations and value propositions for hospitals, clinics, and even insurance companies.
With Titan, healthcare professionals can automate every step of the medical service proposal process so that specialists can focus on helping patients while colleagues skip manual admin.
Creating healthcare service proposals in Salesforce can be completely streamlined with Titan and you can even track the level of engagement with your documents.
Healthcare Service Estimates
Salesforce healthcare service estimates or medical treatment cost estimates can save you hours every week, so you have the ability to help more patients. By using document generation, you can create healthcare service estimates for Salesforce based on accurate medical data, pre-populate them, review your docs, and get them signed by colleagues and patients.
If you already have Salesforce CPQ enabled in your healthcare practice you will be happy to hear, it also complements this process!
Medical Service Agreements
Salesforce medical service agreements and healthcare provider contracts need to be accurate. They contain pricing and compliance information used by healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients. With Titan and Salesforce, you can track these documents at every step of the way.
For example, when you use document generation for medical service agreements in Salesforce, you are able to quickly create documents. These files are based on up-to-the-minute medical data and bring together multiple parties to review and sign your agreement efficiently.
Medical Bills
When you use Titan’s document generation for Salesforce medical bills or healthcare invoices, you can ensure all patient information is automatically pulled into your document. Some important details found in medical bills include the services provided to a patient with its itemized costs, along with the responsibilities of the paying parties.
You can also efficiently send your medical bills to patients with Titan’s document generation feature so that there are no delays for payments. Now, your medical bills can have completely accurate patient records and payment details for more efficient healthcare processes.
Medical Reports
Salesforce medical reports can be an essential part of analyzing your practice and getting data-driven insights. Using document generation, you can gather relevant data and create a medical or patient health report your stakeholders will love. Afterward, you can store your reports in Salesforce to re-examine them in the future.
You can even create Salesforce joined reports to combine different information, such as a patient’s diagnosis, test results, and treatments.
Patient Consent Forms
Never settle for sub-standard consent forms again, and ensure that every detail, such as medical treatments and patient rights, are based on data coming from the #1 CRM. With document generation for Salesforce forms, you can automate every step of the patient consent process, from template creation to pre-population and from reviewing to signing the document. With Titan and Salesforce, you can ensure patients and healthcare providers are aligned on the services offered.
Medical Case Presentations
A medical case presentation is another type of document you can generate with Salesforce. They are essential for sharing patient cases and research findings with colleagues and medical teams.
Whether you have an important stakeholder meeting or as part of an annual review of your organization’s performance, getting the power of Salesforce data, analytics, and insights in your medical case presentations is a game-changer.
Medical Correspondences
Virtually stamp the Salesforce letterhead on all your physician referral letters and medical correspondence! Never miss a letter or forget to reach out to a valued patient or partner again.
With Salesforce, you can get personalized insights on each and every one of your correspondents to generate tailored messages using letter generation software. No more generic emails again!
Medical Certification and Health Professional Licenses
Another use case is that you can automatically generate medical certificates and licenses using Salesforce data. This is a great use case if you care in Healthcare and need to generate these documents in bulk while still recognizing practitioner names and achievements.
Healthcare Staff Onboarding Processes
With document generation, you can ensure that every new employee has absolutely every tool they need to succeed. Compliance docs, orientation guides, medical documentation, training materials, benefit details, and much more can be created with Salesforce records and sent to new hires in the format of your choice.
How’s that for smooth Salesforce onboarding?
QR and BarCodes
With the right doc gen tool, you can map barcodes and QR codes from your docs to Salesforce for digital payments, medical bills, order processing, and transactions. The best tools will allow you to do this statically or dynamically, depending on your preferences and the needs of your use case.
This is especially useful in the pharmaceuticals industry where you can scan purchase orders and much more at the touch of a button.
Final Thoughts on Document Generation in Salesforce Health Cloud
We hope you enjoyed this article on document generation for Salesforce in healthcare and learned something new! The benefits of document generation are clear and from our perspective best enjoyed with a third-party app!
See you soon!
Disclaimer: The comparisons listed in this article are based on information provided by the companies online and online reviews from users. If you found a mistake, please contact us
