Tip: Don't let your encoder do all of the work for you
HIM Connection, April 8, 2008
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Relying on an encoder can potentially result in an increased prevalence and incidence of clinically incorrect principal and secondary diagnoses. This can create an inaccurate reflection of the acuity, risk of morbidity and mortality, and hospital resource consumption and result in inaccurate reimbursement for the hospital.
Take steps to improve upon deficiencies in clinical acumen, include researching new disease processes on the Internet and requesting adequate clinical resource materials in the coding department. Coders who possess the drive, self-discipline, and initiative to take these steps will make a successful transition from an average coder to a clinically astute professional coder.
Editor's note: This tip was adapted from the April 2008 issue of Briefings on Coding Compliance Strategies. For more information or to purchase a copy of the article for $10, visit www.hcpro.com/content/207979.cfm.
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