The healthcare industry is continuously evolving, and health information technology (HIT) is changing with it. Organizations should take advantage of the technology available to improve healthcare operations but must be aware of the risks that HIT can present.
Do your coders ever feel as if they work more hours than most coders? Or perhaps they think their compensation is lower than other coders across the country? Have you ever wondered how your coders compare to the average coder?
Even before ICD-10-CM was delayed until October 1, 2015, the quality of physician documentation to accommodate the new code set was a top concern for the healthcare industry.
HIM professionals are at the center of a shift from a paper-based to an electronic healthcare environment. As healthcare organizations work toward Meaningful Use attestation, there are standards that can help HIM professionals ensure that their electronic records are interoperable.
Organizations often struggle to finalize charts after discharge so they can be coded in a timely manner, but this process can be completed efficiently with direction from HIM professionals and coordination between departments.
A lot can go wrong when an elderly patient is discharged home, from medication errors to transportation problems or self-care comprehension issues. However, an organization can create a solid discharge and transition process by focusing on some simple elements.
