DNP Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Over 75% of new healthcare providers report feeling unprepared to manage billing and coding requirements. The challenge is in part a result of limited coverage of these topics in advanced practice curricula and the lack of free, accessible, and up-to-date coding resources. This quality improvement project explored the potential of ChatGPT as an innovative tool to support rural nurse practitioners in Tennessee with billing and coding challenges. Using the IHI Model for Improvement, two Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles were conducted to assess ChatGPT’s effectiveness as a billing and coding resource. The first cycle evaluated ChatGPT's accuracy in generating Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. The second cycle implemented a pilot study in which rural NPs used ChatGPT as a coding tool. Results indicated that ChatGPT achieved an accuracy rate of 89% in generating Evaluation and Management (E/M) codes and a 90% accuracy in generating procedural codes. Additionally, 55% of participants expressed interest in using ChatGPT for coding again and approximately 60% reported that ChatGPT was not difficult to use. Nurse practitioners with less than three years of experience reported lower perceived proficiency in billing and coding, highlighting the potential of ChatGPT to enhance confidence and skill development. These findings suggest that ChatGPT can help streamline billing and coding processes, reduce administrative burdens, and support rural healthcare providers in developing essential skills. This project demonstrates that ChatGPT is a valuable, accessible, on-demand resource that may improve healthcare efficiency, particularly for providers in underserved areas.

Streaming Media

Date

Spring 3-27-2025

First Advisor

Dr. Laura Gray

Scholarly Project Team Member

Dr. Laura Gray

Scholarly Project Team Member

Dr. David Phillippi

Scholarly Project Team Member

Dr. Ferrol Thomas

Scholarly Project Team Member

Sean Cofoid

Department

Nursing, School of

College

Health Sciences & Nursing, Gordon E. Inman College of

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree

Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Degree Level

Doctoral

Degree Grantor

Belmont University

Keywords

healthcare providers; billing and coding; ChatGPT; nurse practitioners; rural healthcare; IHI Model for Improvement; CPT codes; quality improvement

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