Improving the Quality of Medical Coding Data at Naval Hospital Bremerton
Abstract
The effectiveness of a health care organization's coding function is directly associated with the effectiveness of the organization. Health care organizations use information derived from the coding function in medical record completion, claims processing, organizational decision-making, and in many other important activities. Faulty structures and processes in medical coding may result in flawed outcomes, which in turn adversely affect organizational effectiveness. The purpose of this project is to assess Naval Hospital Bremerton's coding function and make recommendations to the organization s leadership about potential redesign of the function. The project employs a case study design that relies upon various sources of data. Data are gathered through structured interviews conducted at several healthcare facilities in the Puget Sound area of Washington State. The project s recommendations result from a synthesis of data analysis and the literature review. Recommendations include consolidation and reorganization of the current coding function, adding additional coding staff, re-focusing training efforts, and improving auditing practices. The study also calls for increased provider and clinical leadership involvement to emphasize the importance of coding and documentation accuracy to support workload accountability and, ultimately, to improvepatient care.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA420996
Entities
People
- Bradley C. Kluegel
Organizations
- Academy of Health Sciences