It’s becoming increasingly common to see discussions online about coders losing their jobs due to AI tools. These conversations often reflect widespread concerns about AI replacing human roles, leading to uncertainty and unease. There’s no denying that our industry is evolving, and AI will undoubtedly be part of this transformation.What we are witnessing is another workforce revolution—much like the Industrial Revolution that reshaped industries with assembly lines. At the time, these changes caused significant disruption, yet looking back, few would choose to return to the old ways. Future generations may view AI’s integration in a similar light. It’s worth noting that AI as a concept predates the development of computers, showing that its roots run deep in innovation.The truth is that AI will continue to directly impact our workforce. Some AI tools will be well-crafted and thoughtfully applied, while others may rush to market without proper vetting, driven by companies seeking to cut costs. As a community, it’s crucial to ensure the responsible integration of AI, where human expertise plays a critical role—what HANK/ACE refers to as “Human in the Loop.”
For those concerned about job displacement, the key is continued education and developing skills that complement what AI cannot yet achieve. This ensures adaptability and highlights the irreplaceable value humans bring to the coding process—judgment, creativity, and nuanced decision-making.As we navigate this new era, let’s focus on leveraging AI to enhance, not replace, the human role in anesthesia coding, making our industry stronger, smarter, and more efficient.We are here to help and demonstrate how to embrace AI.
