Date of Award

2026

Degree Name

Healthcare Administration

College

College of Business

Type of Degree

M.S.

Document Type

Research Paper

First Advisor

Alberto Coustasse, Dr.PH. MD, MBA, MPH

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to examine how artificial intelligence–enabled revenue cycle management (AI-enabled RCM) systems have been associated with financial performance outcomes in healthcare organizations. A literature review following a systematic process consistent with PRISMA 2020 guidelines was conducted to identify quantitative studies published between 2015 and 2026. Eligible studies were required to report at least one financial outcome related to claim denial rate, days in accounts receivable, or operating margin. Twenty-seven studies met all inclusion criteria. Findings across these studies indicated that AI-enabled RCM systems have been associated with lower denial rates, shorter accounts receivable timelines, and higher operating margins. Denial reductions ranged from 12% to 35%, while days in accounts receivable decreased by an average of 14.3 days. Operating margins increased by an average of 2.4 percentage points. A semi-structured interview with a revenue cycle leader provided additional qualitative context regarding organizational readiness, staff hesitance toward new technologies, data integrity concerns, and operational alignment challenges. The combined evidence suggested that AI-enabled RCM systems have been consistently linked to favorable financial patterns, although variations in study design and implementation maturity limited generalizability. Practical implications included the need for structured implementation planning, workforce training, and evaluation of return-on-investment expectations. Policy implications included the potential for AI-enabled tools to support financial stability amid rising labor costs and value-based reimbursement pressures. Future research should incorporate longitudinal designs, standardized financial metrics, and mixed-methods approaches to better understand the sustainability of financial outcomes.

Subject(s)

Health services administration.

Health facilities -- Business management.

Hospitals -- Business management.

Hospitals -- Finance.

Health facilities -- Finance.

Accounts receivable.

Artificial intelligence.

Revenue -- Management.

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