SYNERGEN Health drives global healthcare innovation through empowered employees

SYNERGEN Health team outlines how empowered teams can drive innovation 

Founded in 2011 in Dallas, Texas, with its Global Operations Centre in Sri Lanka, SYNERGEN Health has today grown into a global leader in innovative healthcare solutions. 
Established by Sri Lankans Mel and Surinda Gunawardena, the company combines local talent with international expertise to bridge the gap between the healthcare providers and complexities of the U.S. system. With a strong focus on innovation and excellence, SYNERGEN Health’s cutting-edge solutions have been instrumental in fuelling its rapid growth. They shared their vision for the future, offering insights into the upcoming market innovations.
SYNERGEN Health Managing Partner and Co-Founder Mel Gunawardena explained, “We assist the healthcare providers like hospitals, physician groups and labs in navigating the insurance-based U.S. healthcare system through precise, cost-effective revenue cycle management. Our advanced technology streamlines this process, ensuring efficiency and transparency and delivers superior value at a competitive price.” 
Gunawardena further noted that operating in the regulated U.S. healthcare industry requires strict compliance and trust. Their focus on security ensures client data protection and reinforces their commitment to delivering reliable, compliant solutions. 
He credited their success to talented teams empowered by the management to apply their skills creatively, fostering an environment that encourages innovative thinking and unique ideas. This culture has driven the company’s growth and enabled the team members to reach their full potential.
He provided examples of how one team member played a key role in developing a cloud-based analytics platform that has become a flagship product. Another developed Excel macros to automate processes, which proved invaluable during COVID-19, helping a client scale from managing 30,000 claims per month to 1.7 million.  This Excel-based solution became the catalyst for SYNERGEN to create its RCM automation and RPA platform, which is now a key differentiator for the company.
Senior VP Client Services Shehan Wijayanayake highlighted, “Our culture fosters experimentation and creative thinking, which drives innovation and keeps us competitive in the healthcare industry. By empowering our team to explore new ideas, we continuously push boundaries and deliver cutting-edge solutions.”
Co-Founder and Managing Director Surinda Gunawardena stressed the importance of a culture that values both listening and innovation. 
“To achieve true innovation, it is crucial to cultivate a culture that values listening and teamwork. By encouraging our team members to share diverse ideas and collaborate closely, we help refine these concepts into practical solutions that drive revenue and create value. Recognising and rewarding the efforts of our team members is a key part of this process, as it motivates them to continue contributing their best and further fuels our collective success.” 
He credits their low employee attrition rate to hiring for values as well as skills, creating a supportive and engaging workplace.
SYNERGEN Health actively promotes work-life balance, especially for its 57 percent female workforce, through flexible work arrangements, mental health programmes and well-being initiatives that contribute to a supportive environment which prioritises both career development and personal responsibilities. Additionally, rewards and incentives are offered to address brain drain and encourage employees to build their careers in Sri Lanka.
SYNERGEN Health uses the Great Place to Work Trust Index to create a positive work environment. By participating in six to seven cycles, they have aligned practices with global standards, driving employee satisfaction and innovation. This has helped retain top talent in Sri Lanka, enabling SYNERGEN Health to not only thrive in the competitive U.S. healthcare landscape but also contribute immensely to the local economy.