Question

You are the coding manager for a large city hospital. You outsource some overflow coding to a vendor. As the contact person for those coders, you sometimes get e-mails asking for discharge dates or dispositions to be entered so the account can be finalized. You would like those coders to be able to enter that information themselves to save you time. Your HIM director has a differing opinion. What explanations would lead you to support her position?

Objective: Students will apply policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy and integrity of health data both internal and external to the health system

Assessment: The student will create a memo supporting the decision of limiting data entry of key data (discharge dates and dispositions) to the manager of the coding department.

Answer 1

Coding Manager is responsible for supervising and guiding of coding staff and to resolve the issues related to work and employees. Coding supervisor should have analytical skills and multitasking ability for efficient coding and minimize the errors in billing and to safeguard patient details. Coding manager has the authority to implement a change for effective outcomes within the department. Coding Manager has to discuss with the HIM director to make a change. Coders are members of the healthcare team and responsible to teach the healthcare personnel for proper coding. Coding manager also responsible for providing a good work environment for the staff members. Establish the good rapport with the healthcare professional eliminates the doubts and problems related with the coding. It is difficult for the managers and also for vendors to interrupt every time for correction and changes. It arises the conflict between the manager and the staff members. It is everyone responsible to do their work as right. As healthcare is a team approach, and inter-collaboration of multiple departments will necessary for patient well-being. Putting all work under one's head will increase the pressure and raises the compliance risks. So the HIM director has to analyze these issues and to get a positive solution for all.