Tech & Innovation in Healthcare

Question: I really appreciate the artificial intelligence (AI) articles in Tech & Innovation in Healthcare, as I’m learning a lot about how it can benefit clinicians and medical coders. However, I still get confused by the different technologies.

Could you explain the differences between AI terms?

Kansas Subscriber

Answer: Certainly! AI, machine learning (ML), robotic process automation (RPA), and computer-assisted coding (CAC) are four of the technologies that health technology developers, healthcare providers, and medical coders and billers are using today.

Here are brief explanations of each technology:

• AI: This technology refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence. The tasks may include reasoning, problem-solving, perception, learning, and comprehending natural language.
• ML: This technology works within AI to develop algorithms and statistical models that computers use to learn and make calculated decisions or predictions based on the data they’ve analyzed – without using explicit programmed instructions.
• RPA: This technology uses AI workers or software robots to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks in business processes. By tackling the repetitive tasks, the RPA helps increase efficiency, reduce errors, and allows human staff to handle more complex and strategic tasks.
• CAC: This technology combines AI and natural language processing (NLP) to evaluate and analyze medical records to recommend codes for assignment. The software helps streamline workflows and boosts efficiency. Human coders are still necessary to review the code options and assign the correct codes that accurately reflect the encounter and patient’s conditions.

Check out the article, “Understand How CAC Software Boosts Coder Productivity,” earlier in this issue to learn more about CAC.