Question

Describe computer-assisted coding and lead a discussion of the pros and cons of this technology.

Answer 1

Ans. - The basic design for Computer Assisted Coding incorporates the use of computer software applications to generate a set of medical codes base on clinical information provided by the physicians or providers according to Independent (Independent). The software is design to used structured manuscript or natural language process to code clinical information. The structured applications produce clinical documents with embedded codes. The natural language processing use a flow chart that can be translate into code according to AHIMA "the natural language processing employ a complex algorithms to recognize dictation, speech, and language patterns to generate codes. Also, querying wording for matching code" (AHIMA).

The pro for computer assisted coding, is that, it was designed to provide solution for coding in documented information. It has a comprehensive adherence to review information in logical sequence, that is, inform of flow chart then assign code according to medical terminology and procedures. Also, it is designed to provide a feedback for correct code thereby making coding easier for the physicians or providers according to this statement by Ingenix "a provider dictate clinical information, the computer assisted coding make sense of the meaning and situation of words within medical records, and correctly identifies diagnoses and procedures. The software then recommends appropriate code in compliance with ICD-9 and CPT codes to confirm and if the sug gested codes are, correct.. Also, the computer assisted coding can indicate if additional research is needed or adjustment is necessary" (Ingenix). After input of thecorrect in formation, the computer assisted coding will generate the electronic documentation and highlight all pertinent medical terminology to capture diagnosis and procedure allowing the physician to validate for billing.

In addition, the computer assisted coding is designed for interchan geable electronic data thereby helping the physician or providers to conform to HIPAA reguirement for electronic health care transactions. As well, capable to identify providers with health plan coverage, or third party thereby increases the chances for reimbursement. Besides, computer assisted coding is better than the HIPAA 1500 claim form that have to be submitted through CMS and it require the provider to read CMS articles.

Moreover, computer assisted coding is desig ned to increase accuracy, enhance efficiency.

and advance compliance. Computer assisted coding is able to match procedure code (CPT) with the diagnosis (ICD-9) from the clinical information. Furthermore, it is designed to identify inadequate clinical information and query information for clarification. Additionally, computer assisted coding is able to categorize a procedure as non-coding with feedback and the alternative that match clinical information thereby reducing denial of payment.

Moreover. computer assisted coding is faster. better. support encoder software. and it supports remote coding thereby improving mix clinical case. In addition, computer assisted coding is designed with constant monitoring and reports results at any time along with feedback.

Though "encoders software are color-coded systems" 'typing in diagnosis or term, which triggers a selection of codes, requires a verification to assign appropriate codes" (Independent) For encoder software, you need to have a clear understanding for which medical procedures and treatments in reference to the clinical in formation are appropriate for which code and thealternative if deem necessary require contacting billing office and insurance provider. For example, which code applies when a family practitioner sees a patient after having coronary bypass, what are the procedures for reading coronary bypass surgeries for billing? In reference to what the third party considered deem necessary, such as, HMO or Medicare, what would Medicare considered deem necessary for family practitioner to code for reviewing patience report or correspondence.

Computer assisted coding improves electronic medical record documentation and is affordable. In addition, it empowers physicians with correct coding that support clinical information and it prevents third party from changing reimbursement due to third party interpretation. What's more, it enables the review of document and allows changes to be made quickly. Furthermore, it ensures appropriate coding and documentation that support the code for the service provided thereby guaranteeing payment.

The con to computer assisted coding is the technology is new and still open to interpretation according to AHIMA. Also, the technology lacks the standard for work processing although, it makes coding process easier and faster, the design varies by provider and the organizational factor. For example, the amount of non-coding activities performed by coding professionals were not defined and it requires each organization to define what type of computer assisted coding will fits into the individual practice (AHIMA).