Jeff Francis explains how Methodist's AI strategy is delivering faster cash and measurable ROI

At Methodist Health System, what began as a successful AI-powered claims status tool in 2019 quickly evolved into a broader generative AI strategy designed to amplify results across the organization.

With increased capabilities through its vendor, the system adopted additional AI applications such as coding optimization. Since the program expansion that utilizes AI-powered payer status and CDI/coding optimization, the system has seen an uptick of nearly $150k per month — funding that is being used for capital projects, and claims fulfilled 90-120 days earlier.

Methodist vice president and CFO Jeff Francis said the Coding Optimizer by AKASA has enabled the organization to automate repetitive tasks and support staff rather than replace them, providing more consistent coding while allowing staff to simply verify the work.

“It’s a great augmentation for the team; they get away from doing data entry and become more like auditors, so they're able to do more and work at the top of their license,” he said.

The investments have helped Methodist scale without increasing headcount. Francis also noted that AI investments now require less internal implementation effort and have a clearer, more immediate return on investment, making adoption an easier business case.

HealthLeaders: How Nebraska Methodist's AI Strategy Is Delivering Faster Cash and Measurable ROI