Few Practices Using Computer-Assisted Coding

Over 39% of medical offices and institutions are finding a very difficult or extremely difficult time finding coders—so says a survey conducted in May by the American Health Information Management Association and the American Hospital Association with support from the American Medical Association.Despite this shortage, only 12% of health organizations are taking advantage of computer-assisted coding. Why the do practices disregard computer-assisted coding? There are several obstacles to implementation of computer-aided coding–all of which have more than adequate solutions in Practice Velocity Templates, PiVoTs:

• Lack of awareness: Many physicians are unaware that Practice Velocity offers a solution that computerizes the coding of all E/M, ICD, and CLIA-waved test codes.
• Expensive systems: Most systems require massive up front outlays to implement the system. Not so for PiVoTs. With no up-front costs, simply try the PiVoTs for 30 days in one of your urgent care centers. If Practice Velocity does not speed up your patient flow and increase your practice revenues, simply stop using the system and pay us nothing. Every urgent care center that has installed PiVoTs in their clinics has immediately realized more revenue than the monthly subscription payment to Practice Velocity. Thus, Practice Velocity systems actually pay for themselves..
• Cumbersome systems: Practice Velocity has become the largest provider of urgent care software solutions for one main reason—the PiVoT is the easiest computerized charting and coding solution. Physician users need no computer skills and never have to deal with navigating computer screens. If you can write with a pen on paper, you can probably use the system with only an hour and a half of training.
• Protective coders: Many coders fear computer-assisted coding, because they have the mistaken impression that the computer will replace the coder. While this is true for the mundane work of coding each and every chart, coders will always be needed to code complex cases and to provide quality assurance. There already is a shortage of coders and high-quality coders will always be needed.

Is one of the reasons above holding back your urgent care from taking advantage of computer-assisted coding?

Computer-Assisted Coding Forcasts

The number of procedures that use computer assisted coding is set to increase rapidly as the technology becomes more accurate. The trials have been completed successfully. The systems automate a tedious process and create efficient operation in the hospital and physician office environment. In this manner the automation that has been used by banks and manufacturing operations for years is moving to healthcare.

Whereas the healthcare systems have struggled with a payment and collections system that takes 30% of revenue, the banking and financial services industry has been able to run with automated billing systems that take 3% of revenue. As these economies of scale and technology are adapted to the healthcare delivery organizations through computer assisted coding, the most efficient organizations will acquire the less efficient ones.

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