HFMA 2025: Three Critical Takeaways and the Path Forward for Revenue Cycle Excellence

Having recently returned from presenting at the HFMA Annual Conference in Denver, I'm energized by the conversations I had with healthcare finance leaders who are navigating some of the most complex challenges our industry has ever faced. Over four days of intensive sessions, networking, and thought leadership exchanges, three dominant themes emerged that will define the revenue cycle landscape for years to come.

As someone who has spent decades in healthcare coding and revenue cycle management, I was struck by both the urgency of these challenges and the remarkable innovation happening across our industry. More importantly, I saw clear pathways forward — solutions that don't require organizations to completely reinvent themselves, but rather to strategically leverage partnerships, technology, and expertise to transform their operations.

The AI revolution: Beyond the hype to real results

The most discussed topic at HFMA's Annual Conference was undoubtedly artificial intelligence, but not in the abstract way we've heard about it in years past. This year, the conversation was grounded in practical applications and measurable outcomes. Healthcare executives shared that 85% believe AI will significantly improve RCM efficiencies over the next five years(1), but the real revelation was in the specifics.

The denial management crisis dominated these discussions. With up to 65% of denials never being resubmitted(1)— representing millions in lost revenue annually — AI emerged as both a diagnostic tool and a solution. Organizations are now using predictive analytics to prevent denials before they occur and automated workflows to accelerate rework processes.

However, what struck me most was the acknowledgment that AI implementation isn't just about technology—it's about having the right foundation of coding accuracy, regulatory compliance, and process optimization. Without clean, accurate coding as the foundation, even the most sophisticated AI tools will amplify existing problems rather than solve them.

AAPC in action: Our approach to AI optimization begins with ensuring your coding foundation is solid. Through our consulting services, we help organizations audit their current AI implementations and identify where human expertise remains critical. Our auditing teams work alongside AI systems to validate accuracy and identify patterns that technology might miss. This hybrid approach ensures that AI amplifies excellence rather than inconsistency.

Strategic partnerships: The new competitive advantage

The second major theme centered on the recognition that "traditional RCM strategies can't keep up." Healthcare leaders are no longer asking whether they should partner with external experts — they're asking how to choose the right partners and structure collaborations for maximum impact.

This shift represents a fundamental change in thinking. Instead of viewing outsourced services as cost-cutting measures, forward-thinking organizations are treating them as strategic investments in expertise and scalability. The most successful partnerships I heard about weren't transactional relationships, but true collaborations where external partners brought not just capacity, but specialized knowledge and innovative approaches.

The complexity of today's reimbursement landscape — with constantly evolving regulations, payer-specific requirements, and quality measure reporting — has made it nearly impossible for any single organization to maintain deep expertise across all areas. Strategic partnerships allow organizations to access specialized knowledge while maintaining focus on their core competencies.

AAPC in action: Our revenue cycle services model is built specifically for this new paradigm. Whether it's coding audits, risk adjustment reviews, or ongoing coding support, we bring both capacity and hands-on understanding that most organizations cannot cost-effectively maintain in-house. Our teams stay current with regulatory changes, payer requirements, and industry best practices, allowing your internal teams to focus on strategic initiatives while ensuring compliance and accuracy in day-to-day operations.

Sustainable operations: Doing more with less

The third critical theme addressed the reality that healthcare organizations must do more with less. Shrinking margins, workforce shortages, regulatory complexity, and looming Medicaid cuts have created a perfect storm of operational challenges. Yet the organizations thriving in this environment share common characteristics: they've invested in scalable systems, standardized processes, and continuous education.

The workforce crisis in revenue cycle management is particularly acute. As experienced coders and auditors exit the field and regulatory demands continue to evolve, teams face mounting pressure to do more with less. Organizations that have addressed this challenge are investing in systems that ensure both efficiency and accuracy, regardless of individual experience levels.

AAPC in action: Codify by AAPC represents exactly this type of scalable solution. It's not just a coding resource, it's a comprehensive platform that democratizes expertise across your entire revenue cycle team. From front desk staff who need to understand authorization requirements to experienced auditors tracking the latest regulatory updates, Codify ensures everyone has access to current, accurate information.

The platform scales best practices across teams, reducing the learning curve for new employees while keeping seasoned professionals updated on the latest changes. This creates consistency in coding practices, reduces compliance risk, and improves overall efficiency; addressing both the workforce shortage and the accuracy challenges simultaneously.

Looking forward: The integration imperative

What became clear throughout the conference is that the future belongs to organizations that can seamlessly integrate human expertise, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships. The most successful revenue cycle operations won't be those that choose between AI and human intelligence, or between internal capabilities and external partnerships — they'll be those that thoughtfully combine all of these elements.

This integration demands a different approach to vendor relationships, technology implementation, and workforce development. It requires partners who understand not just their own services, but how those services fit into the broader ecosystem of revenue cycle management.

As I reflect on the conversations and presentations from HFMA 2025, I'm optimistic about the future of healthcare finance. Yes, the challenges are significant, but the solutions are within reach. Organizations that embrace strategic partnerships, leverage technology thoughtfully, and invest in scalable systems and processes will not just survive the current environment — they'll emerge stronger and more efficient.

The question isn't whether change is coming to revenue cycle management—it's already here. The question is whether your organization will lead that change or be disrupted by it. At AAPC, we're committed to ensuring our partners are positioned to lead.

Raemarie Jimenez is President of Membership and Content at AAPC, the largest training and credentialing organization for the business side of healthcare. She presented "Cracking the Code: The Economic Implications of Value-Based Care" at the 2025 HFMA Annual Conference and has over 20 years of experience in healthcare revenue cycle management.

1 https://hitconsultant.net/2025/06/13/insights-what-leaders-expect-to-hear-at-hfma-annual-conference

2 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm
https://www.ama-assn.org/about/leadership/addressing-another-health-care-shortage-medical-coders