Medical coding applications are a “big productivity boost,” says Pamela Biffle, president of PB Healthcare Consulting. While you can only do coding tasks so many ways, Biffle said what’s more important about the application is how good the data is and how well the data is updated. With regulatory updates constantly being released, online applications, which automatically update regulations, make coders more efficient and accurate, she said. Still, the application’s artificial intelligence is “not to a point where you can send things off,” she said. Therefore, coders have evolved to being more technical in nature when reviewing claims. The importance of certified coders cannot be underestimated, said Biffle. “The increase in billables is dramatic quite often when you have certified coders,” she said.
THREE TRENDS TO WATCH
Pamela Biffle, president of PB Healthcare Consulting, identified three trends impacting coding software:
1. CREDENTIALING: Physician practices are recognizing more and more the need for credentialed coders. While the law states that you have to have trained coders, it does not outline how you measure it.
2. INTEGRATION: The linking of practice management systems to medical coding software is still not always integrated.
3. EMRS: Electronic medical record vendors are trying to link their systems with assigned codes, but certified coders will still be needed to scan.
VENDOR SHOWCASE
Accuro, a MedAssets Company
CodeCorrect Knowledge
CodeCorrect Knowledge provides critical regulatory coding and billing intelligence to ensure optimal revenue realization.
Contact: Sales Support, 877.321.0500, solutions@accurohealth.com
CodeRyte
CodeAssist
CodeRyte’s sophisticated technology streamlines the coding process and identifies clinically relevant information from medical records, allowing our clients to secure their rightful reimbursement, enhance compliance and efficiency, and reduce denials, total cost to collect and days in AR.
Contact: Laura Serrano-Haggard, 301.951.5300, lsh@coderyte.com
Ingenix
EncoderPro.com Expert
EncoderPro.com Expert is a powerful online coding solution that contains the content of more than 20 code books and allows simultaneous search across CPT, HCPCS and ICD-9-CM code sets.
Contact: Customer Service, 1.800.INGENIX (464.3649), Option 1
MDe Solutions
ePrecisionCode
ePrecisionCode is a Web-based electronic coding program. It can be used for coding of outpatient or inpatient medical services. One of its main features is that it automatically performs many complex edits during the coding process.
Contact: Alfredo Nunez, national sales manager, 404.367.5858, anunez@mdesolutions.com
Meditec.com
Alpha II coding software
The Alpha II technology solutions support coding, compliance, claims editing and revenue analysis for more than 30,000 healthcare professionals at medical practices, hospitals and health systems, clinics, billing services, outpatient facilities and other healthcare organizations, both commercial and governmental. Alpha II solutions enhance practice management, electronic medical record and other healthcare information systems.
Contact: Robin Williams, robin@meditec.com, 801.771.1900, toll free 877.335.4072
Nteon Software
EyeCOR
Medical exams can be the rewarding part of your practice, but a problem for most practices. Properly code medical exams with EyeCOR. Look up a Diagnosis or Procedure, and EyeCOR shows all coding information and fees with constant updates. All information is specific to your region.
Contact: 888.866.5367, EyeCOR@nteon.com
Provistas, Inc.
SpeedECoder
SpeedECoder integrates online medical coding searches with Medicare fees, CCI bundling rules, and medical necessity (LCDs) providing compliance for a single user or multiuser groups.
Contact: Laura Foxall, 888.288.2043, ext. 102, sales@speedecoder.com
USER REVIEWS
“When I think of ... CodeCorrect Knowledge ..., the first thing that comes to my mind is compliance. In the past, in order to research a Medicare topic, it would take hours. Now, researching a subject is so simple you have your answer right away.”
Lesson learned: “The hardest part about implementing CodeCorrect Knowledge was changing the patterns of behavior of the people who are accustomed to using paper manuals and books for research and coding. However, we have been able to just about eliminate the cost of ordering paper manuals. Once staff members were comfortable with the ease of the product and the vast information at their fingertips, the transition went very well.”
Debbie Lewis, director, privacy officer, Patient Financial Services, Van Wert County Hospital
“I have been using Encoder Pro for seven years now. I have come to rely totally on this product − it is my right arm. I’ve seen demos of several products, but none of them were as inclusive or as user friendly. And I do not have to have all the books on my shelf because they are in my computer software.”
Melanie Lehmann, Lead Coding, Bryan LGH Heart Institute
“I have been using EyeCOR for two years. I can’t imagine practicing without it. The service is impeccable and expertise is unmatched in the industry. I have become more efficient and much more profitable. If an eye care professional ever complains about managed care and decreased reimbursements, I simply tell them to incorporate EyeCOR into their practice.”
John Ippolito, MD, Ippolito Eyecare
“I have been using Encoder Pro for seven years now. I have come to rely totally on this product − it is my right arm. I’ve seen demos of several products, but none of them were as inclusive or as user friendly. And I do not have to have all the books on my shelf because they are in my computer software.”
Melanie Lehmann, Lead Coding, Bryan LGH Heart Institute