Get & Transform Data in Excel
For the reports that arrive every week needing exactly the same cleanup.
You download an accounts receivable report, remove a few unnecessary columns, fix the date formatting, and organize the information into something useful.
Then next week arrives, and you do it all over again.
Excel Power Query can help with that.
Power Query is a data preparation feature that lets you import, clean, reshape, and combine information through repeatable steps. Instead of manually performing the same changes every time, you can create a query and refresh it when new data becomes available.
It's particularly handy for recurring AR reports, denial inventories, payment exports, and other spreadsheets that need consistent preparation.
Give It a Try
In a supported version of Excel, open the Data tab and choose Get Data or From Table/Range, depending on where your information is stored.
Once the Power Query Editor opens, try removing an unnecessary column, changing a data type, or filtering records.
You'll notice that Power Query records these transformations as steps.
When you're satisfied, select Close & Load to bring the prepared information into Excel.
The next time you have compatible source data, you can refresh the query to apply those steps again.
A Few Things to Watch
Power Query remembers the transformations you define, but it doesn't guarantee the results are correct.
Changes to source files, column names, or data formats can affect a refresh. It's worth checking record counts, totals, and unexpected errors before relying on the output.
And when working with patient information, use only approved, secure systems and data sources.
Official Resources
Microsoft Learn: What Is Power Query?
Microsoft Learn: Using the Power Query Editor
Educational Disclaimer
Revenue Cycle Uncovered is an independent educational resource. Content is provided for general informational purposes and does not represent the policies, practices, or positions of any employer or organization. Workflows, payer requirements, regulations, and operational practices may vary. Information should be independently verified when applied to specific situations.