For more information, contact:
Theresa Grant
American Health Information Management Association
(312) 233-1100
theresa.grant@ahima.org
Computers, Coding and Change
Computer-assisted coding won’t eliminate the profession, but CAC will change it dramatically
CHICAGO, January 14, 2008 — Health information management’s shift to computer-assisted coding (CAC) will never entirely replace coding professionals, according to an article in the January issue of the Journal of AHIMA. CAC may boost productivity but healthcare facilities still need skilled coders to review the output, which is an essential component of the technology.
Healthcare organizations should not purchase a CAC system and expect it to replace coders. The article explains that healthcare facilities will still require skilled coders to implement, train, monitor, and audit computer-generated codes.
The implementation of CAC is beneficial to the industry because it can help eliminate the strain of backlogged cases and aids coders in detecting inconsistencies and inaccuracies. The technology also codes procedures that many professionals currently don’t want to do. CAC automates the manual work and enables coders to be more attentive to complex cases. The article reveals that a computerized workflow may eliminate some coding positions, but coding professionals will always be in demand—no matter how advanced the technology becomes.
Read the complete article in the January issue of the Journal of AHIMA or online at www.ahima.org.
About AHIMA
AHIMA is the leading professional Association representing more than 51,000 specially educated and certified health information management professionals working throughout the healthcare industry. HIM professionals serve healthcare and the public by managing, analyzing, and utilizing data vital for health system management.
