Will Advancements in AI Take Over My Job as a Medical Biller or Coder?

By now, you may be sick of hearing about "AI." It's everywhere. According to a recent report, “Artificial Intelligence Market Size and Share Report, 2030,” published by Grand View Research, “The global artificial intelligence market size was valued at USD 196.63 billion in 2023” and shows no signs of slowing down. The technology has made its way into nearly every industry imaginable. That's exactly what AI is: "technology," which is simply defined as tangible or intangible tools that assist humankind. Tools alone, without humans to wield them, don't produce great results. It is up to humans to use tools to get something done, perhaps faster, or, in the case of medical billing and coding, more accurately.

What AI excels at is data analyzation and pattern detection. A large segment of practice management/billing/EHR systems is now integrating these AI features into their software. Another significant use for AI is the ability to "listen" to a doctor talking to a patient and then "write down" the encounter SOAP notes as with the new AI ally, NextGen Ambient Assistant. This feature produces 90% accuracy, saving doctors roughly two hours per day. Is it completely replacing a transcriptionist? Not necessarily. The charts still need to be reviewed and finalized by a human. Same with billing and coding functions.

As with the case of medical billing and coding, this critical function of most medical practices requires impeccable accuracy. What AI can now do is quickly look at chart notes and determine what codes should be used for each patient encounter, with limitations based on the complexity of each case, and the fact that there are still numerous note-taking formats. AI is able to make your job as a biller/coder, in effect, easier.

The human element remains crucial for complex decision-making, understanding nuanced medical cases, and ensuring accuracy in coding. Instead of replacing jobs, AI may transform them, creating opportunities for collaboration between humans and machines.

For now, charting and coding that has been analyzed or adjusted by AI still requires a human to do final review and authorization before processing. 

Learn as much about AI as you can. Staying updated on industry trends and technological advancements can help professionals in the medical billing and coding field stay relevant in the face of evolving technologies.

While AI may bring changes to the tasks involved in medical billing and coding, it is unlikely to completely replace human professionals. The collaboration between AI and human expertise has the potential to enhance the overall efficiency and accuracy of healthcare processes, creating a symbiotic relationship between technology and skilled professionals in the field.

Source: Adam Phillips is the author of 9 Ways Doctors Let Money Slip Through Their Fingers - And How A Few Simple Ideas Can Guarantee a Private Practice Will Thrive in Today's Post-Pandemic World. He is the CEO of American Business Systems, a training and support company for individuals wishing to start their own medical billing business. He hosts bi-weekly educational webinars at www.ABSystems.com.