Coder Productivity under MS-DRGs (Audio Conference)

AUDIOCONFERENCE ON CD OR AUDIO ON-DEMAND

Sponsored by HCPro's book Coder Productivity: Tapping Your Team’s Talents to Improve Quality and Reduce Accounts Receivable

presented on July 9, 2008

A recent survey shows 69% of respondents have experienced a productivity decline since the October 1, 2007 introduction of Medicare Severity-DRGs and the present-on-admission (POA) indicator. And although HIM departments are getting back on track, maintaining productivity still poses a challenge due to increased coding efforts related to queries, nonspecific documentation, and new coding requirements. Listen to HCPro as our experts tell you what you need to know about productivity challenges under the MS-DRG system.

This program addresses how to rethink productivity standards in light of additional responsibilities, as well as how to handle general productivity challenges. You’ll hear how one hospital implemented a hybrid clinical documentation/concurrent coding program to keep its productivity bar high in the midst of these added coding burdens.

TAKE A LOOK AT THE AGENDA

• MS-DRGs and POA: Changes to coding processes and coding productivity
  • Effects of MS-DRGs and POA on coding productivity
• Selected highlights from HCPro’s November 2007 coding productivity survey
  • Discussion of survey results, how your hospital may compare, and what you might do to improve coding at your facility
• Enhancing documentation approaches to improve productivity
  • Strategies for clinical documentation improvement
  • Medical staff education
  • Recovery audit contractor challenges
• Case study—How one hospital implemented a clinical documentation improvement/concurrent coding hybrid model to decrease the impact of POA and MS-DRGs on coding productivity
• Tips for updating your coding productivity expectations
  
• Question and answer session

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Explain the factors that may enhance coding performance
• Assess alternative staffing structures including reigning in assistance from others outside of HIM
• Identify items that will hinder coding performance
• Identify key facets of physician documentation education
• Devise a basic framework with which to measure productivity

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Rose T. Dunn, RHIA, CPA, FACHE, is chief operating officer of First Class Solutions in Maryland Heights, MO. Dunn is a past AHIMA President and recipient of AHIMA’s 1997 Distinguished Member Award. Dunn is active in several professional associations, including AICPA, ACHE, HFMA, and AHIMA. Dunn is the author of several books including More With Less: Best Practices for HIM Directors (First and Second Editions) and Coder Productivity: Tapping your Team’s Talents to Improve Quality and Reduce Accounts Receivable, all published by HCPro. Dunn is recognized nationally for her many articles.

Nancy Hamilton, RHIA, is associate vice president of health information management/revenue cycle solutions at QHR in Brentwood, TN. She analyzes functions within HIM departments and departmental interfaces, provides mentoring to non-credentialed and newly credentialed HIM directors and managers, and provides interim management support to hospitals with HIM director vacancies. She plays an integral role in revenue cycle assessments and implementation projects across the country and has also helped hospitals in progressing to a legal electronic medical record.

EARN CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS

This program has prior approval of the American Academy of Professional Coders for 1.5 Continuing Education Units. Granting of this approval in no way constitutes endorsement by the Academy of the program, content or the program sponsor. Credit expires July 9, 2009.

This program has been approved for 2 continuing education units for use in fulfilling the continuing education requirements of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Credit expires December 31, 2008.

BONUS MATERIAL INCLUDED IN YOUR MATERIALS PACKET!

In addition to the expertise and advice presented during this audioconference, you'll also receive a slide presentation of the program materials. These materials are provided with PDF links.

WHO SHOULD LISTEN?

HIM directors and managers, coders, coding supervisors, practice managers, CDI specialists, and case managers

AUDIO ON-DEMAND

In addition to the regular purchase option for HCPro audioconferences, we are pleased to offer another option, an audio on-demand. Audio on-demand allows you to download the program and play it back at your convenience through your computer or MP3 player. Purchase a CD or audio on-demand of the program and listen when you can. It's also a perfect training tool for new staff or as a refresher for veteran staff.

• Audio Conferences