Payer denials are an undeniable headache for healthcare practices, with rates climbing to an average of 11.8% of claims—and some hitting 20%. For mid-sized specialty practices, these denials don’t just delay payments; they tie up staff, fuel frustration, and eat into revenue. In 2025, the fix isn’t just better appeals—it’s targeted revenue cycle management (RCM) training that equips providers and executives with proactive skills. Here’s how high-impact training can help your team tackle denials head-on, based on industry insights and real-world strategies.

Why Denials Are Hitting Harder This Year

Payers are leaning on automation and predictive models to flag claims faster, with Medicare Advantage denials at 17% and commercial payers like Molina at 26%. Common culprits? Coding errors, missing documentation, and prior auth slip-ups. Surveys show 73% of finance leaders report rising denials across payers, pulling focus from patient care. For providers, this means more rework; for execs, it’s a cash flow crunch. The good news: Training that builds denial-prevention habits can cut these issues significantly.

High-Impact RCM Training Strategies

Focus on practical, role-specific training to make a real difference. Here are four approaches drawn from recent reports and expert recommendations.

1. Front-End Prevention for Providers

Providers spend too much time chasing denials that could be avoided upfront. Training on accurate coding, documentation best practices, and real-time eligibility checks can reduce errors by flagging issues during visits. For specialties like oncology or orthopedics, include sessions on payer-specific rules for complex procedures.

Implementation: Hands-on workshops with case studies—aim for 2-4 hours quarterly. Tools like AI-assisted coding can reinforce learning, helping providers spot high-risk claims before submission.

2. Denial Analytics for Executives

Execs need the big picture: Trends in denials, payer patterns, and ROI from appeals. Training here covers data dashboards, predictive analytics, and cross-functional metrics—like tracking days in AR or appeal success rates (which hit 50-62% when pursued).

Implementation: Executive briefings with AI tools for denial forecasting. Partner with RCM advisors for customized sessions, focusing on outsourcing transitions if in-house teams are stretched.

3. AI and Automation Upskilling

With 85% of execs eyeing AI for RCM gains, training on tools like automated scrubbing and appeal generation are key. Teach teams to use AI for pattern recognition in denials, reducing manual reviews.

Implementation: Blended online/in-person modules with simulations. Start with basics, then dive into integration with your EHR for seamless workflows.

4. Cross-Functional Team Building

Denials cross departments—billing, clinical, and leadership. Training that fosters collaboration, like joint denial root-cause sessions, aligns everyone on goals like lowering AR days.

Implementation: Quarterly cross-functional committees using SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, etc.) to track progress.

Why Invest in RCM Training Now?

Organizations prioritizing RCM training report fewer denials and faster reimbursements, per HIMSS surveys. This matters quite a lot, as the U.S. denial management market grows to $8.93B by 2030. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about freeing up time for growth and better care.

Partner with Athelas for RCM Success

At Athelas, we blend high-impact training with AI-driven RCM tools to tackle denials proactively. Our platform automates scrubbing, coding, and appeals, while tailored sessions empower your team. Let’s make 2025 your turnaround year.

Ready to build denial-proof skills? Sign up for a demo today.