Making the Transition to ICD-10 Easier with Computer Assisted Coding

As the deadline for implementing ICD-10 rapidly approaches (October 14, 2014), many healthcare facilities are turning to technology in order to make the transition smooth. This article explains how computer-assisted coding can help.

Accurate medical coding is essential to the healthcare industry. As the deadline to implement ICD-10 approaches, many healthcare facilities struggling with the transition turn to computer assisted coding. But is this enough?

What is computer assisted coding

Computer assisted coding (CAC) is any software that attempts to draw information from clinical documentation and assign an ICD-9 or ICD-10 code to that data. The software uses natural language processing (NLP) to analyze text and determine if a particular medical reference requires an ICD code or not. Traditionally, such coding is performed by human coders, but due to the transition to ICD-10, this type of software has become popular among healthcare facilities.  Even so, computer-assisted coding doesn’t eliminate the need for medical-coding professionals. They still need to review and validate the coding in the application, but using the software makes them more accurate and productive.

How does it help with ICD-10

ICD-10 introduces a new coding structure that is less familiar to ICD-9 experts. By using computer assisted coding, you can reduce the amount of time a coder needs to identify the proper code by automatically pointing him or her in the right direction. Concerning routine procedures, computer-assisted coding can significantly reduce the amount of human effort. This is an important advantage for healthcare facilities, which may be worried that the transition to ICD-10 will cause a drop in coders’ productivity. Actually, CAC can produce productivity gains of 25- to 75-percent by providing rapid review aids and directing coders to concentrate on cases that need their attention most.

Better documentation, essential for CAC users

Despite all the advantages of computer-assisted coding, the truth is that this type of software represents an invaluable tool, but  it’s in no way a magic bullet. Without accurate clinical documentation, you won’t be getting the most from your CAC. The program codes what it’s presented with, so feeding it good documentation is an essential step in making the transition to ICD-10 easier.

You should make sure you have a good clinical documentation improvement (CDI) program and that you are constantly educating physicians on how to best capture the specific details of a patient’s disease. That way, you will always benefit from thorough and relevant documentation.

Never rely solely on software

The transition to ICD-10 is proving to be one of the most complex and expensive changes the healthcare system has faced in decades. Preparedness in the industry is still at alarmingly low levels, so finding tools to facilitate a painless ICD-10 transition recently became a priority for many healthcare facilities. Computer-assisted coding will help significantly in this area, but keep in mind that is doesn’t replace the need for improved charts and constant coder education. Using CAC is a great way to facilitate the transition, but keep in mind that human intelligence is still irreplaceable.