The medical coder productivity loss during Canada’s transition to ICD-10-CA is almost legendary.
A 40 percent drop in productivity is enough to scare any medical practice from enthusiastic ICD-10 planning.
Computer assisted coding (CAC) is pitched as a way to boost medical coder productivity before the ICD-10 transition can slow things down. The hope is that a 40 percent drop won’t result in such a net loss. Given the cost of such systems, you’re also hoping for a major ROI on the system.
If such an investment worries, you there are less expensive ways to boost medical coder productivity. They aren’t as sexy as a new computer system but worth instituting:
Create a quiet, distraction-free work area
Offer large and multiple computer monitors
Limit data to electronic health records (EHRs) or minimize the number of systems with information
Limit keystrokes needed to complete tasks
Update training and education available quarterly
Make resources available online
Transcribe necessary documentation in a timely manner
Make remote coding possible
Raise the temperature on the office thermostat
Your mileage may vary. These measures may not add up to the promises of CAC, but they’re worth trying.
Leave a Reply