As healthcare continues its shift toward value-based care, organizations are exploring ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the patient experience. In a recent webinar hosted by ImagineSoftware, industry leaders Nicole Jones-Gerbino (President of PBS Radiology), Blake Graves (Sr. VP at Radiology Partners), and Kim Hilton (COO Paragon Anesthesia) shared their strategies for leveraging AI and automation across revenue cycle management (RCM) and beyond.

Focusing on Predictable Work to Drive Value

Nicole Jones-Gerbino emphasized that for many practices, the first step in moving the needle is reducing the cost of predictable claim work. “Everything shifts back to that focus,” she said. “How do we take that off so that we can layer more value-added initiatives on?” By automating routine administrative tasks, organizations can free up resources to focus on practice growth and strategic decision-making. Leveraging smart, actionable data allows practices to implement new technologies more effectively and make informed business decisions without getting bogged down in repetitive work.

Building an AI-Enabled Ecosystem

Blake Graves highlighted the importance of integrating AI tools across the organization. “We’re moving from isolated automation tools to a more integrated approach,” he explained. Using ImagineOne® and other capabilities, Graves envisions a horizontal system where AI is applied across the revenue cycle, rather than relying on one-off tools that only provide incremental improvements.

Similarly, Kim Hilton sees denial prevention as a top focus. “Eligibility, documentation, coding—we’re trying to use AI to flag high-risk claims at a first-pass level,” she said. By proactively addressing potential denials, practices can save time and recover revenue before issues escalate.

Exciting Technologies Driving RCM Innovation

The panel shared several technologies they are particularly excited about:

  • Automated coding: Graves reported that Radiology Partners achieved nearly 80% of their diagnostic radiology charges being no-touch coded via AI.
  • Patient-centric billing: Initiatives in patient engagement and outreach have led to measurable increases in patient collections and satisfaction.
  • Payer contract compliance tools: Jones-Gerbino highlighted platforms that allow organizations to aggregate and benchmark data, ensuring physicians are paid more accurately and timely.
  • AI-driven patient engagement: Both Graves and Hilton noted upticks in revenue and patient experience through Imagine’s engagement tools and ImagineCo-Pilot® AI solutions.

Implementing AI in Practice: Start Small, Pilot Fast

A key takeaway from the discussion is that organizations shouldn’t overcomplicate AI adoption. “Try it, do pilots, and be comfortable failing,” said Graves. Small, targeted implementations—whether in coding, patient engagement, or denial management—allow teams to test ROI before scaling. Jones-Gerbino echoed this sentiment: “Done and learning something is better than perfect and in process.”

For practices just starting out, Graves recommends fully leveraging the tools already available within Imagine, such as appliance coding, omnichannel patient outreach, and ImaginePay™. These foundational tools can deliver immediate revenue and efficiency benefits before exploring more advanced AI options like agentic AI or virtual chatbots.

Measuring ROI: Reports That Matter

When asked about key reporting tools, panelists cited Imagine’s “Show Me the Money” and quick management reports for high-level insights. Customized BI dashboards also play a vital role in tracking performance across claims, denials, and revenue cycle metrics.

The Future of Patient Communication and Transparency

While AI has significantly improved internal operations, transparent communication with patients remains a challenge. Jones-Gerbino noted that some payers are experimenting with clearer explanations for denials and charges, though progress is limited. As AI advances, there is hope for more patient-centric, transparent billing processes in the near future.

Final Thoughts: Practical Advice for AI Adoption

  • Start with existing tools and optimize what’s already available.
  • Use pilot programs to test new AI solutions, scaling only when ROI is clear.
  • Focus on high-value areas like coding, denial prevention, and patient engagement.
  • Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis—make decisions and iterate.

By embracing AI and automation thoughtfully, healthcare organizations can reduce administrative burdens, enhance patient satisfaction, and ultimately drive revenue growth—all while positioning themselves through the evolution of value-based care.

Ready to Transform Your Revenue Cycle with AI?

Don’t let manual processes slow your practice down. Explore how ImagineSoftware’s AI-powered tools can streamline your workflows, reduce denials, and boost patient satisfaction. Request a demo today and see how smarter automation can drive real results for your organization.