Increased Compliance
Using computer-assisted coding software enhances medical coder productivity and accuracy while reducing the number of medical coding errors. These systems also help ensure compliance with payer and quality reporting standards. These advantages have made computer-assisted coding (CAC) software an indispensable tool for healthcare professionals. One major benefit of CAC is that it helps level the playing field for coders of varying skill levels. It also allows them to focus on other aspects of the medical coding process, which can increase a facility’s revenue cycle management performance and patient care metrics.
Another advantage of a computer assisted coding system is that it increases compliance with clinical documentation guidelines. This is important for ensuring that codes accurately represent the information recorded by physicians and other providers in medical records, which are used to support billing and claims processing. CAC systems utilize natural language processing technology to cull through physician documentation and identify important terms that can be used to assign codes. Healthcare facilities are producing and collecting massive amounts of data daily. They need to be able to sort and analyze this information to provide the best patient care possible. However, the complexity of ICD-10 has created a need for technology to help simplify and streamline coding processes. As such, many healthcare organizations are implementing advanced CAC software solutions that automate the analysis of physician notes for code assignment.
Increased Precision
Computer-assisted coding (CAC) uses Natural Language Processing and Artificial Intelligence to interpret clinical documentation and generate appropriate medical codes. It improves coding accuracy and drives efficiency by eliminating manual processes that are time-consuming, costly and susceptible to errors. The system works to cull through physician notes and determine the proper codes to submit to payers for reimbursement. It also helps to reduce denials and minimize Discharged, Not Final Billed rates by ensuring that the correct codes are offered. This is accomplished through workflow queues, workforce management capability and a centralized coder review tool to ensure consistency. This improves compliance and saves time that can be redirected toward other tasks within the practice. Unlike traditional manual coding methods, CAC automates the assignment of ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis and procedure codes using SNOMED CT, a standardized, systematic collection of terms, definitions, synonyms, and regulations covering all healthcare aspects. The system then assigns these codes based on the specific terminology in an electronic health record (EHR) or other sources of documentation. Over 76 percent of 3M and Optum deep adopters reported that their financial outcomes, coding productivity and workflow, and coder accuracy improved with a computer assisted coding system.
Reduced Errors
Computer-assisted coding systems can detect and correct errors more quickly than human coders. This can significantly reduce the number of mistakes in a claim and save healthcare organizations time, money, and resources. This software typically scans medical documentation, identifies important keywords, and converts them into the appropriate medical codes. In addition, the system can help to identify missed reimbursement opportunities. Many organizations utilize a hybrid approach in which the CACS performs most of the coding for routine procedures and complex diagnoses while a trained medical coder reviews and audits the results of the computer-based coding process. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly necessary for hospitals and other healthcare facilities to streamline their coding processes and maximize revenue. This is especially true as the industry shifts toward value-based care and other performance-based payments. Fortunately, technological advancements like AI and Natural Language Processing make it easier for healthcare facilities to meet these demands. Hospitals can eliminate tedious, repetitive tasks using CAC technology and free their coders to focus on more complex assignments. This helps to ensure accurate coding and streamlines the revenue cycle, thus minimizing the risk of denied or delayed claims and increasing overall compliance.
Increased Efficiency
Using a computer-assisted coding system reduces reliance on manual coding processes that are time-consuming, expensive and prone to errors. Specifically, CAC software automatically reads medical documentation and produces the appropriate ICD code or codes supporting the document’s information. This enables healthcare facilities to code faster, increase coder productivity and eliminate manual tasks like sorting records, data entry, or code lookup. In addition, medical coding accuracy increases by using a computer-assisted coding solution trained on the unique nuances of specific patient populations such as pediatrics. This ensures that the automated output matches coding guidelines and reporting requirements. Consistency is key for accurate coding, limiting the need for rebilling or revisions and improving compliance.
However, while implementing CAC can improve the speed of coding and increase productivity, it is important to remember that AI technology can only replace human coders partially. Many practices implement a CAC solution but must see the desired revenue results. This is often because the software needs to recognize situations that require a coder’s expertise.
To get the most out of CAC, look for a platform that uses advanced technologies like ML, NLP and a rules engine to interpret complex medical documentation and provide accurate, compliant code suggestions.