Although the Oct.1, 2013, deadline for the migration to ICD-10 draws closer, even the skeptics are beginning to get on board with enterprise-wide preparations. If the experience in Canada is any indication, however, the frightening reality is that no matter how well prepared an organization may be, there will still be considerable productivity losses. The productivity decline is expected to range from 10 percent to 50 percent – a drop that will be a tremendous challenge to absorb for already financially strapped healthcare organizations.
Organizations must plan now for the adoption of computer-assisted coding (CAC) and prioritize it in the strategic IT planning process. The adoption of EHRs has provided HIM executives with the opportunity to successfully champion the movement to CAC adoption.
Based on early Canadian hospital adopters of ICD-10, HIM industry analysts predict a precipitous decline in coders’ productivity during the initial learning curve. Even with the best preparations in place, health systems are going to face the challenge of getting staff up to speed on substantially more complex code sets while concurrently dealing with the significant shortage of experienced coders. From retraining the entire coding workforce to increased A/R days, the 2013 update will have an impact on day-to-day operations.
Faced with this probability, how best can hospitals overcome the major hurdles they will soon face? Fortunately, the latest generation of coding solutions such as CAC technology is poised to have a significant impact in stabilizing the productivity loss from the ICD-10 transition, while at the same time driving compliance with the new regulations.
CAC software automatically drives coder workflow and generates a set of appropriate diagnosis and procedure codes for review and validation. CAC solutions allow inpatient coders to perform their job more efficiently by providing a list of suggested codes to validate, which accelerates code submission to patient billing systems. One of the most important technology advancements available for HIM professionals today is CAC. The automation of coding processes with the benefit of improved accuracy is a breakthrough in coding processes and marks the beginning of a significant transformation for coding professionals. The role of the coding professional is expanding from one that performs code assignment to a role of code validators.
Next-generation CAC coding completely automates what was previously a resource-intensive process requiring manual interpretation of clinical documentation prior to billing. Studies have shown that CAC improves coder productivity by as much as 20 percent, while decreasing coder overtime by 80 percent – and provides a comprehensive audit trail.
For providers to realize benefits from a CAC solution, they must first overcome the early wave of ICD-10 challenges expected to occur, such as coding backlogs and increased workload. A CAC solution can lessen the negative impact of the ICD-10 transition by increasing coding productivity and accuracy as well as reaping additional benefits that go beyond the coding process. CAC can decrease A/R days and increase cash flow. Additionally, CAC enables coders to accurately process more records-per-hour than was previously possible and can assist health systems in better understanding and tracking their patient trends and outcomes.
The introduction of ICD-10 in 2013 provides the opportunity to strategically integrate the right people, processes and technology in our provider settings. The HIM profession has been around for more than 80 years, but the role of the coding professional is in the midst of the greatest transformation of the healthcare system of our times.
When conducting a search for a CAC solution make sure it will ensure data quality and accuracy, enable best practices and enhance HIM performance. Remember, the right CAC solution can be your secret weapon during what is sure to be a challenging time.
Bonnie Cassidy, RHIA, MPA, FAHIMA, FHIMSS, is vice president of HIM product management forQuadraMed.
