Health systems are under intense financial pressure, often operating with single-digit margins. To optimize revenue recognition, revenue cycle leaders must streamline the revenue cycle process. But they face persistent challenges including coder shortages, high chart volumes and evolving payer requirements. Because coding is at the heart of the revenue cycle, improving the coding process provides a clear opportunity to improve revenue recognition.

Fortunately, recent advances in generative AI have enabled a powerful new solution to combat coding inefficiencies: autonomous medical coding. While still relatively new, autonomous coding solutions are already proving their value. Health systems are seeing improved coding accuracy, reduction in A/R days, decreased denials, lower operating costs, and simplified audits. In short, autonomous coding solutions are helping health systems streamline the revenue cycle and improve their revenue recognition. 

But is autonomous medical coding the right solution for your health system at this time? Start by answering these five key questions:

1: Do you have 25 or more providers? 

The value and ROI from autonomous coding is closely tied to chart volume. If you have fewer than 25 providers, you typically won’t have the chart volume to see significant revenue gains in the short run, so it's best to wait until your practice grows. But if you have 25 or more providers, your chart volume is likely high enough to make the investment worthwhile.

2: Do you use a commercial EHR (e.g. Epic, Athena)? 

Autonomous coding solutions need to integrate with your EHR to read the data and publish the codes. If you use a commercial EHR like Epic or Athena, leading vendors like Arintra have pre-built integrations that simplify adoption. But if you have a homegrown EHR, integration can be complex - you need to work with the vendor to assess feasibility, data access, and workflow alignment.

3: How is your EHR hosted and managed?

Your ability to integrate any new solutions depends on how your EHR is owned and managed. If you are on a managed, multi-tenant, shared EHR instance, you may have limited ability to add any new solution. But if you have a managed, single-tenant EHR instance or host your own EHR, you have the control needed to integrate and configure an autonomous coding solution.

4: Is some or all of your coding done inhouse? 

Understanding your coding protocols and workflows is essential to successful deployment. If some or all your coding is done inhouse, you will have the required knowledge to partner with the vendor. But if your coding is 100% outsourced, you should consider an autonomous coding solution only if you plan to bring some of the coding in-house in the near future.

5: What is your patient care setting? 

Autonomous coding vendors are continually expanding their specialty support. If your practice is primarily inpatient providers, outpatient clinics, or emergency departments, leading vendors like Arintra already provide strong, proven capabilities. For more specialized areas like surgery or anesthesia, check the vendor’s roadmap to understand when full support will be available.

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Bottom line: Autonomous coding provides significant, tangible value - but like any technology, timing and fit matter. By answering these five questions, you can assess whether your organization is ready to benefit now or whether it makes sense to revisit the opportunity down the road.

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