CAC Implementation Results In 35% Increase In Productivity Gains For Inpatient Coders
By Wendy Grafius, contributing writer
Summit Health chooses computer-assisted coding and clinical documentation improvement solution as part of ICD-10 transition strategy
Summit Health, one of the nation’s top 20 percent of best-performing health systems, has selected Clintegrity 360 modules Computer-Assisted Coding (CAC) and Clinical Document Improvement (CDI) from Nuance Communications, a leading provider of voice and language solutions. The implementation is expected to help the healthcare system with ICD-10 readiness by focusing on accuracy of clinical documentation, identifying gaps, and training coders and physicians in preparation of the October 2014 deadline. Indeed, since implementing the CDI program, Summit’s hospitals, Waynesboro and Chambersburg, have realized 12 percent and 8 percent case mix corrections, respectively. Deployment of the CAC program has resulted in up to 35 percent productivity gains for inpatient coders.
The Clintegrity 360 suite of solutions, as deployed by Summit Health, includes clinical document improvement, computer-assisted coding, quality management solutions, record management, and ICD-10 education and services. “We are using Nuance for computer-assisted coding and clinical documentation improvement, two very important foundations that an organization needs to embrace as part of their ICD-10 strategy,” said John Lucabaugh, VP of health information management (HIM) at Summit Health. “CAC is a key component of ICD-10 readiness, but what I’m most excited about is the vision of blending CDI and CAC into one workflow and solution for the greatest impact on ICD-10.”
Nuance’s educational component within the CDI platform provides specialized training for all clinical and non-clinical staff at Summit Health’s hospitals and physician practices. The web-based system offers assessments of coder competency along with tailored lessons to address specific needs. Physician education is designed to prepare all providers for ICD-10’s new charting requirements. “Nuance has been a great partner in helping our staff and organization transition to a world of increased complexity, declining reimbursement payments, and changes stemming from healthcare reform,” said Lucabaugh. “Our objective is to raise awareness and to have managers and clinicians create complete and specific documentation where codes are derived, which translates to efficiencies, improved quality of care, and regulatory compliance.”
Also utilized by Summit Health practitioners is Nuance Dragon Medical 360 Network Edition for real-time dictating of patient charts into the MEDITECH EHR, with future plans to use eScription and PowerScribe 360. “We are very excited that Summit Health shares our vision of reinventing the clinical documentation process starting with complete, clinically accurate, and compliant physician documentation at point-of-care,” said Peter Durlach senior VP of marketing and product strategy at Nuance Communications.
Summit Health, based in Chambersburg, PA, includes 240-bed Chambersburg Hospital, 1 of only 197 winners nationwide of the American College of Cardiology Foundation’s “Platinum Performance Achievement Award” for the past two years, and 56-bed Waynesboro Hospital, a Joint Commission “Top Performer Award” winner. Family practitioners, surgeons, and specialists provide care at 28 practice locations throughout Franklin County and the surrounding area. Additionally, the healthcare network comprises two walk-in care centers, a women’s health center, fitness center, and imaging and lab services.
SOURCE: Business Wire