Even all-star employees make mistakes. Unfortunately, in the medical coding industry, mistakes can be costing you money. Here are four common mistakes that you are making, and how to prevent them from re-occurring:
Mistake #1: There are Details Missing
Another common coding denial stems from coders picking the wrong codes based on established or newer patient guidelines. If they don’t take the time to check all of the details of the report and simply rely on the header, they might be missing crucial details that impact the coding. If you are looking to prevent this mistake, the simple solution is to start double checking work. Evaluate your coders work frequently and emphasize quality over quickness in all aspects of performance evaluation and reward.
Mistake #2: Your Coders are Getting Too Comfortable
We all know that feeling when you’ve become so entrenched in a task that it starts to feel like second nature. While this is a good feeling, it has drawbacks. Chances are that your veteran coders are getting too comfortable and might be operating on autopilot and have codes memorized. If that’s the case, they might not be picking up on codes that have changed, been updated or replaced. Find a way to incentivize your coders or ensure that they are staying up to date on changing codes to avoid mistakes.
Mistake #3: Shortcuts are Being Taken
This is another mistake that coders often struggle with when they are trying to work too quickly. Shortcuts can be great when they work.Unfortunately, other times shortcuts take you to a dead end and leads to even more significant delays. Fixing mistakes after the fact can be costly in regards to both time and money and is not something you want to deal with. Stress the importance of reading all files and details and code only the procedures that are specified in the supplied documentation.
Mistake #4: You Have a Poor Management Strategy in Place
You should always be striving for improvements in process. Managers are missing out on opportunities when they fail to stress that to their coders. It is important to manage your coders effectively, by promoting autonomy but also checking their work thoroughly.
Do you need the help of HCC Coders to take your medical coding to the next level?
These coding mistakes are unfortunately all too common. Every day, coders are making these mistakes and it is costing your medical facility in the long run. If you need to bring in help, call HCC Coders today! We offer the staff, software and expertise necessary to maximize your reimbursements. If you are looking to bring in the help of professionals, we have over 2024 years of experience in the industry. Whether you need help with ICD 10 coding or want a review of your current work, we have a team of certified coders ready and waiting. Visit us on the web at HCC Coders to learn more.