Article Highlights

  • As AI-supported coding takes over straightforward, repetitive work, the real value shifts from volume to focus on complex cases, in-depth analysis, and critical validation for compliance and quality.
  • While outsourcing has a role, AI creates a new challenge: whom to trust for validating the AI output.
  • This is a pivotal moment for HIM leaders: invest in targeted training and support to empower your internal staff as AI-analysts, strengthen adaptability, and build a more resilient organization ready for what comes next.

In an environment of AI-supported coding, does outsourcing still make sense?

The siren song of ‘better, cheaper, faster’ has lured some healthcare organizations to look outside their own internal team to coding resources offering these advantages. Often staffed with highly skilled coders or medical professionals, outsource providers can flex as needed to support an organization’s coding requirements. Their value as production coders has effectively addressed coder shortages and skills gaps for many organizations.

While outsourcing has long been valued for its flexibility and expertise, the rise of AI-supported coding is reshaping what organizations need from external partners. This at-arms-length relationship between the organization and the outside coding team works best when the coding is straightforward and repetitive. This is also exactly the domain of AI-supported coding.

As AI systems take over routine coding tasks, the role of human coders is evolving. Rather than focusing on volume, their expertise is now needed for:

  • Complicated cases requiring more in-depth understanding and analysis
  • Critical validation of the AI-generated codes for compliance and quality

With AI handling much of the coding, organizations face a new challenge: ensuring the accuracy and compliance of codes generated by systems that often operate as ‘black boxes.’ The question then becomes: Whom would you rather entrust with the challenge of ensuring your organization’s coding meets your standards?

Let us make the case that your current staff of coders may offer the best solution to your needs for AI-analysts. Given the complexity and limited transparency of AI systems, it’s crucial to have trusted experts overseeing the process. This is where your internal staff’s familiarity with organizational standards becomes invaluable. Your internal staff are well known to you; you understand where they are strong and where their skill and knowledge gaps would benefit from effective training.

Sometimes all that is required is a nudge and a sign of support from leadership. To fully realize the potential of your internal team as AI-analysts, targeted training and support are essential. Resources like Libman Education’s online library can help bridge any skill gaps and empower your coders for new challenges.

At this pivotal moment, investing in your team’s growth and adaptability may be the key to getting it right. Give them the tools and training they need to succeed with AI. Empower your coders, and you’ll build a stronger, more adaptable organization—ready for whatever comes next.


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