American Business Systems Shares Tips on How to Improve Medical Coding Quality
American Business Systems offers an innovative way to launch a personal business in medical coding. The ABS business package provides comprehensive training on medical billing with live webinars, virtual workshops, and a practice management system consisting of patient portals, electronic record organization, telemedicine, and more. ABS's medical coding business package provides consistent support for those curious about how to improve the quality of medical coding.
1. Utilize the Right Technology
Bringing the proper technology into medical coding processing can drastically improve coding quality and revenue. Use electronic health records that integrate computer-assisted coding in the process. This software can increase coding efficiency and accuracy by analyzing clinical documentation and identifying the right codes for the case.
2. Perform Coding Quality Audits
Regardless of streamlining technology, there are more than $260 billion in denied claims annually because of a lack of sufficient information.
Performing coding compliance audits can determine specific types of cases that impact revenues and attribute them to a proper cause. Workflow issues or lack of training could negatively impact standard coding quality. Regular internal audits can identify variants that could pinpoint either compliance issues or fraudulent billing practices.
3. Updating Coding Guidelines
The electronic health records system should feature the latest updates for coding guidelines. If the system does not update, take extra steps to incorporate the correct guidelines. Inaccurate information can lead to claims denials and fall behind industry standards.
4. Coding Education Programs
Specialty-specific education programs provide proven results for how to improve medical coding quality. Coders who undergo cross-training in areas such as neurosurgery, orthopedics, and cardiovascular medicine can greatly expand their knowledge.
Experts suggest implementing education programs that review anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as feature lectures and comprehension tests on elements such as hierarchical condition category coding.
5. Open Communication
Providers should communicate compliance changes with coders as well as noticeable audit results.
Coders staying up to date on new compliance standards can more efficiently run through their revenue cycle. Additionally, sharing audit results pinpoints direct areas of improvement. Clinicians especially benefit from communication since billing claims reimburse them for patient care.
6. Stick to Recommended Workflows
The revenue cycle of medical coding involves analysis and review of workflows at every stage. Identify common causes for claim denials, share them with team members, and brainstorm ways to avoid denials. Create a workflow with realistic expectations for coders to improve productivity and medical coding quality.
American Business Systems has the tools and professional expertise to help people start and grow their medical billing businesses. For more information on how to improve medical coding quality, contact the ABS team at (866) 565-8413.
