3 Tips for Coders With the ICD-10 Transition Looming

Many providers are worried that the transition to ICD-10 is going to result in a significant decrease in productivity. The number of codes and greater specificity that ICD-10 requires will be more time consuming for physicians. The American Health Information Management Association offers three tips for maintaining productivity with the new coding:

1.     Training- Healthcare providers should take advantage of opportunities to practice ICD-10 coding. One suggestion would be to dual code when you have extra time.

2.      Hire more coders- In order to maintain the same productivity in coding as you had before ICD-10, perhaps consider hiring more manpower. The best places to look for new coders are contract coding companies and community college programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education.

3.      Use available technologies- Some existing tools include computer-assisted coding, clinical documentation improvement, and some apps that help coders transition to ICD-10. 

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Caroline Smith is currently a senior at the University of Notre Dame and is a contributor to Medical Groups. She is majoring in Science-Business and Spanish. After graduation, Caroline plans on entering the field of healthcare consulting. She is most interested in the evolving policy changes in the healthcare industry and enjoys learning about new technologies that are being developed.