Tech, tools and the art of medical coding: Finding balance in the age of AI
March 3, 2026 | Will Morriss
Technology has threaded itself through almost every part of our lives, and AI in medical coding is no exception. I’ve been reflecting on how much things have changed from handwritten essays graded for penmanship to today’s digital-first workflows. Like many of you, I grew up eager to use any tool that made life easier. But lately I’ve asked myself a new question:
Has technology made me more efficient … or overly dependent?
A familiar wake-up call: Are our skills fading?
I felt the tension between convenience and capability the day someone handed me a form — with a pen. After months of e-forms, my handwriting felt foreign. Soon after, I realized how much I relied on spellcheck and dictation. These little moments reminded me: skills fade when we stop using them.
And I know I’m not alone. Each generation becomes more immersed in technology, and while that brings speed, it can also bring a kind of atrophy.
Where these reflections meet the coding world
This is exactly where our profession sits today. Computer-assisted coding (CAC) has been around for years, and now artificial intelligence is rapidly amplifying what those tools can do.
But — and this is critical — technology only works well when paired with coders who maintain deep foundational expertise.
Our value is not diminished by AI. It’s elevated.
Why medical coders still hold the final say
AI can scan documentation, surface potential diagnoses and recommend codes. But, it cannot always understand nuance, context or intent.
For example:
If documentation reads “this medication may cause kidney injury if not taken as prescribed,” an AI tool might incorrectly suggest a kidney injury code. You, with your understanding of clinical language and coding guidelines, immediately recognize this as educational text, not a reportable condition.
This is where your expertise shines. This is the collaborative workspace being built: AI accelerates the review; coders apply judgment, guidelines and nuance.
Staying sharp: The skills that keep you indispensable
To stay effective in a technology supported environment, coders need to balance innovation with foundational knowledge. Here’s how:
- Keep the guidelines close
Knowing the official coding guidelines “like the back of your hand” remains essential. AI may suggest, but you verify.
- Invest in education
Attend webinars, earn CEUs and confirm that the information you receive comes from reputable sources. Your expertise grows when your learning is intentional.
- Subscribe, read and stay curious
Industry publications — whether print, digital or podcast — keep you connected to the latest trends. (Not getting the latest from Inside Angle? Subscribe here.)
Stumble across a new guideline or code? Share it. Teaching is one of the most effective forms of learning.
- Build community through networking
Online forums, chat groups and in-person conferences help you connect with others facing the same challenges. Together, you form solutions.
- Learn the technology — don’t fear it
Your goal isn’t to pick between books or tools. It’s to master both. Employers increasingly seek coders who can move fluidly between codebooks and AI assisted workflows.
A personal reminder: Growth isn’t always comfortable
I remember my early days as a coder and the anxiety that came with learning something new. I took things slowly. I studied after hours. I leaned on resources and invested effort.
And it worked — because both my employer and I did our part.
If you’re feeling that same tension today as technology evolves, know that it’s normal (and temporary). You’ve already proven you can adapt.
A word of caution: Protect what matters most
As you explore new tools, especially AI-driven ones, remember:
- Never enter real patient data into unapproved platforms.
- Only use HIPAA-compliant, organization-approved tools.
- When in doubt, check with your administrator before experimenting.
Your judgment is an asset. Protect it and your patients by safeguarding their information.
The real question isn’t “Does technology make it easier?”
Looking back, I realized I’d been asking the wrong thing. The right question is:
Does technology make us better at what we do?
When it comes to AI in medical coding, the answer is yes — but only when paired with human expertise. Every medical record represents a real patient’s story. AI helps us tell that story more efficiently. You ensure it’s told accurately. Keep your skills sharp. Keep your curiosity alive. Keep your codebooks close.
The coders of tomorrow will be those who can balance innovation with foundation. And I’m certain that includes you.
Will Morriss, CCS, CCDS-O, is a senior coding analyst at Solventum.
