Health Information Management

Tip: Consider non-coding tasks when setting coder productivity goals

APCs Weekly Monitor, July 17, 2009

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When setting productivity goals, don’t forget to include non-coding responsibilities when establishing coder productivity standards.
 
For example, outpatient coders often perform data entry and loose filing, answer phones, order supplies, and retrieve records. All of this can greatly affect coding productivity. Coders whose responsibilities include laboratories, radiology, or other ancillary departments may need to go to the department to retrieve records. Often, they need to alphabetize records as well, and each of these tasks takes time.
 
This tip was adapted from the article “Set the bar with outpatient coding productivity standards” from the July issue of Briefings on APCs. Learn which factors most affect coding productivity by joining HCPro at 1 p.m. August 11 for the live audio conference Benchmark Coder Productivity to Improve Efficiency and Justify FTEs.



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