Ambulatory Procedure Unit Coder Integration

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to accurately depict the relationship between a decentralized coding design within the National Naval Medical Center's Ambulatory Procedure Unit, coding completion ratings, and productivity. This retrospective analysis of data from the Military Health System's automated data systems compares a centralized coding design (CY 2003) and a decentralized coding design (CY 2004) in which a coder was integrated within the clinic. Decentralized coding resulted in increased coding completion rates, productivity, and a higher average of relative value units (RVU) per ambulatory procedure visit. Recommendations include altering the current contract to support a decentralized coding design in the APU, conducting further studies in similar outpatient clinics, and ensuring timely and customized education for coders and clinic staff.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA444011

Entities

People

  • Christy C. Weimer

Organizations

  • Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Business Administration
  • Contracts
  • Data Analysis
  • Department Of Defense
  • Education
  • Governments
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Information Systems
  • Management Personnel
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Medicine
  • Organizational Structure
  • Outpatient Clinics
  • Patient Care
  • Personnel Management
  • Therapy

Readers

  • Computer Science.
  • Medical or Health Care Field.