Coding productivity, accuracy decrease with start of ICD-10: 8 observations

Since the start of ICD-10 in October 2015, healthcare coding productivity and accuracy has fallen, based on an American Health Information Management Association Foundation survey, according to RevCycle Intelligence.

Advertisement

Here are eight observations:

1. Since ICD-10 implementation, overall coding productivity has decreased 14.15 percent.

2. The report noted a 0.65 percent fall in overall coding accuracy following ICD-10 implementation.

3. Sixty-eight percent of survey respondents noted a productivity decrease, 5.8 percent reported a productivity increase and 26.3 percent reported stable productivity.  

4. Of survey respondents, 61.5 percent noted no change in accuracy, 30 percent reported a decrease in accuracy and 26.9 percent noted an increase in accuracy.

5. Those organizations with computer coding programs saw a 5.18 percent greater decrease in coding productivity compared to those without the computer programs.

6. In contrast, organizations with computer coding programs reported a 0.1 percent accuracy increase compared to those without computer programs, noting a 1.58 percent accuracy decrease.

7. The report noted a fall in coding productivity and accuracy was anticipated because of unfamiliarity with the new coding system. Researchers don’t believe the decrease will be long term.

8. In October 2016, CMS will add 5,500 new codes and make various updates to the ICD-10 system.

More articles on coding, billing & collections:
Sifting through the hype surrounding MACRA to understand the possible fallout; experts weigh in
Payers & telehealth companies improving their working relationship — 5 insights
Pharmaceutical industry attacks payers over drug prices — 5 things to know

At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

Is ambulatory care healthcare’s big margin engine? 4 leaders weigh in

Wednesday, July 29
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Joe Ganley, athenahealthJeffrey Flynn, CASC, Gramercy Surgery CenterBryan Tsao, Access Center, Loma Linda University HealthJason Zepeda, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, CommonSpirit HealthGreg DeConciliis, PA-C, CASC, Boston Out­Patient Surgical Suites

Advertisement

Next Up in ASC Coding, Billing & Collections

Advertisement

Comments are closed.