This Guideline marks a significant milestone in recognising the evolving technological landscape that supports AI-assisted clinical coding. It was developed by the Clinical Coding and AI Industry Taskforce, established in July 2024, with the objective of creating a national, industry-endorsed framework for the development and implementation of AI in the clinical coding process. As the leading body for clinical coding competencies, standards, and workforce development, HIMAA has coordinated this industry-wide response to guide the safe and effective adoption of AI in clinical coding.
AI technologies present considerable opportunities to improve the accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation, enable autonomous coding, support audit processes, and enhance overall health information management. However, the application of AI to generate clinically coded data is complex. It must be approached within the context of detailed clinical documentation, coding classification systems, funding and reporting requirements, human expertise, regulatory and standards compliance, privacy and security obligations, risk management, ethical considerations, and the ongoing commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency.
The Australian Clinical Coding AI Adoption Guideline is designed for healthcare organisations, clinical coders, software developers, government agencies, data users, and educators involved in or reliant on clinical coding in Australia. It outlines the key considerations necessary to ensure that AI is adopted in a responsible, ethical, and effective way, supporting the integrity and value of clinically coded health data.