FormFast Coding Query Workflow Automation

Simplifying the collaboration between coding professionals and physicians is increasingly important as hospitals focus on improving the processes involved in recognizing revenue. Many applications exist which enable coding professionals to process hundreds of medical records per day. Often, the process breaks down when the medical documentation is unclear and the coder needs additional information to complete the coding accurately. Many organizations have developed a form-based procedure for physician queries. Often the form is a paper form that is manually completed, routed, and at some point scanned or otherwise archived into the medical record.

FormFast specializes in eliminating paper forms and the manual processes associated with them. The Physician Query automation solution provides an automated electronic process that provides the coding professional and the physician a simple and quick method of communication, allowing the coder to complete their work in a timely manner. FormFast gives both the coder and the physician one-click access to the coding queries, enabling each to work efficiently without having to search for the right forms. The system also integrates into other applications to further simplify the entire process from the coder’s initiation to completion and response by the physician as well as the automatic update of the medical record. FormFast integrates directly with imaging and archiving systems allowing for automatic submission of completed query forms, QIO forms, associated progress notes and supporting documentation to the EMR.

Aside from the simplicity and productivity increases associated with the use of the Physician Query automation solution, the system also provides the necessary intelligence to support auditing, monitoring, and corrective action. Queries to the physician should be the exception rather than common practice. Whether done through a paper process or an electronic process, the query slows down the billing cycle and could indicate policy and training issues with policies, procedures, or training. The Physician Query automation solution provides the data necessary to identify issues so organizations can take steps to correct the problems. The system easily identifies the types and frequency of queries being processed, the physicians and coders involved, the physician response times, and other key performance indicators.

FormFast’s Physician Query automation solution supports the physicians involvement in the coding process. It simplifies the process of communications between coding professionals and physicians, enabling queries and responses to occur immediately in real-time. The system provides the added benefit of producing an auditable record of all events to support continuous process improvement.

The optimization of the physician query process is just one example of how FormFast helps organizations eliminate paper-based form processes. FormFast provides a variety of targeted turn-key solutions such as this Physician Query automation solution. Additionally, FormFast provides enterprise solutions that allow organizations to create, manage, and distribute their own electronic form-based applications. Electronic form applications extend the life of data collected, allowing for reuse in statistical applications, business intelligence, reporting, and other electronic form-based applications.