Education Before Automation: You Still Have to Know How to Drive
January 9, 2026
Even the Best Software Can’t Fix a Flat Tire: Why RCM Training Comes First
You can buy the fastest, most high-tech car in the world with all the features and amenities, but if you don’t know how to drive, it’s not going to get you very far.
That same principle applies to medical billing software. You can have all the features, automation, AI, and analytics in the world, but if your team struggles with the fundamentals of medical billing and coding, you’re still going to hit traffic jams, stall out, and miss your destination (a clean, paid claim). In fact, health professionals estimate that up to 80% of medical bills contain an error of some sort, Showing just how common mistakes are.
One potential solution is to swap between billing software again and again, searching for the one that will finally “fix” your workflow. But more often than not, it’s not the software that’s broken. It’s the process and the training behind it.
The Driver Makes a Difference
Your RCM software is the vehicle that helps you navigate the revenue cycle. Some are luxury rides with every bell and whistle; others are sturdy, reliable daily drivers. However, no matter how advanced the system, it won’t magically steer around errors or skip the bumps in the road if the driver behind the wheel isn’t properly trained to drive.
AI and automation are powerful tools, but they can only automate what’s already working. If your process is full of errors or inefficiencies, automating them just helps you make mistakes faster. Since 90% of claim denials are preventable, having skilled billers can prevent costly setbacks.
The Real Issue: Knowledge Gaps, Not Tech Gaps
When billing mistakes happen, it’s easy to assume the software didn’t catch them, but here’s the truth: software follows the rules you set. If your staff isn’t confident in coding, payer rules, or your claim workflows, then no program, no matter how sophisticated, can completely prevent denials or delays.
That’s why investing in education is just as important as investing in technology; training turns tools into usable solutions.
Education Before Automation: Learn to Drive First
Before you hit the gas with a new software platform, make sure your team knows how to handle the turns. Ongoing education in billing and coding is what separates high-performing RCM teams from those constantly troubleshooting.
Some ongoing education to consider:
Certifications & refreshers through AAPC, AMBA, AHIMA, CMS training, or Inlera University
Process audits to find inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement
Workflow education to help staff understand the full process and the importance of each step
Regularly reference your software’s knowledge base, training materials, and support to ensure full utilization of all available tools and to learn any new features
The better your team understands the road ahead, the smoother the ride and the more your software can actually help.
“Software can streamline a workflow, but only education can strengthen it. Teams perform at their best when they learn in supported, test-driven environments, not while troubleshooting real claims. When people are well-trained on the revenue cycle, the software finally works the way it was designed to. Train the driver, then trust the tool.”
Jasmine Vializ, Founder & CEO of Inlera, Inc.
Stop Trading Cars and Take a Driving Lesson
If your billing process feels a little bumpy, resist the temptation to immediately switch systems. Sometimes what you really need isn’t a new engine, it’s to refine driving skills.
So before you trade in your current RCM platform for something new, ask yourself:
Is our staff trained to use the current system to its full potential?
Does everyone understand our billing process and workflows well enough to automate them?
Are we fixing the real issue, or just buying a shinier car?
The Bottom Line
Technology and education aren’t competitors; they’re co-drivers. The right software can take your billing efficiency from 0 to 60, but only if the people behind the wheel know how to drive.
Teams that combine strong billing education with great software and automation see measurable results: faster claim turnaround, fewer denials, and more predictable cash flow. So before you chase the next shiny system, consider an investment in your team’s skills, too.
At Open Practice, we’ve built our software (OpenPM) to be the most intuitive co-driver in your revenue cycle journey. Even the best vehicle can’t reach full speed without a confident driver behind the wheel. We encourage thorough and ongoing education while we keep our focus on helping your team master the software. We all succeed together!
