Accurate Clinical Documentation Ensures Appropriate Reimbursement, Drives Better Outcomes

The American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA) 86th Convention and Exhibit was held September 27 – October 3 in the San Diego Convention Center, and Health IT Outcomes editor John Oncea had the opportunity to speak with a wide range of attendees.

Oncea was able to speak with AHIMA members and presenters about everything from the effective management of health data, to the need for medical records to deliver quality healthcare to the public, to electronic documentation and health record management. In addition, several of healthcare’s leading vendors shared how technology is enabling HIM professionals better manage the ICD-10 transition, save health systems millions of dollars, achieve HIMSS Level 7, and achieve favorable electronic health record (EHR) implementations.

Debbie Schrubb, RHIA, HIM director for Kettering Health Network, was at AHIMA on behalf of 3M Health Information Systems to discuss the importance of accurate and complete clinical documentation to ensure appropriate reimbursement and accurate quality outcomes data - both significant concerns for healthcare organizations given the move towards value-based purchasing. Schrubb relayed how Kettering has launched an initiative to help physicians capture the full patient story in their documentation using automated tools and technology from 3M.