Question

Research literature to collect information to distinguish similarities and differences among various technologies used for coding diagnoses and procedures by coders. Technologies used inctude an encoder system of logic-based automated code book, the automated code assignment technology in natural[ [language processingtNLP), and computer-assisted coding tCACl.Reference resources would [ikel.y inctude the American Heatth lnformation Management Association [AtttUn;www.ahima.org), fhe Journalof AHIMA, or AHIMA Body of Knowtedge.1. Compare and contrast how each might be used differentty.2. Summarize your anatysis to state which technotogy you feeI is most advantageous and why. lnctude thereference sources you utitized in your analysis.

Answer 1

There are two different types of encoders :-

logic-based encoder and the second type of encoder is similar to an automated codebook

1. logic-based encoder

This type of software prompts the coder by asking a variety of questions. First the coder enters the diagnosis or procedure, and then the encoder walks through a series of questions or prompts that the coder will answer, selecting the appropriate choice based on the documentation present. Finally the most appropriate code is narrowed down and selected.

2. The second type of encoder is similar to an automated codebook.

The computer screens mimic the actual format of the code sets. The reason to use this type of encoder over the actual hard copy book is that notes, look-up tables, edits, guidelines, notations, hints and references are all built into this computerized process. This helps coordinate the process to select codes quickly and accurately.

3. Another coding system - Computer-assisted coding (CAC)

software is used to analyze computerized healthcare documents and produce the relevant medical codes for specific phrases and terms within that document. It is yet another powerful tool in the ever-growing arsenal of resources available to today's coders.

The computer actually assigns the codes since they are automatically generated based on the information in the electronic health record. For CAC to function properly there must be an EHR. The computer would consistently assign codes, but because the computer can't always interpret the data accurately, any codes assigned by the computer should be reviewed and validated by the coding professional.

#. There are two types of CAC

The first is natural language processing (NLP) and the second is structured data input (or structured text input). Each of these will be described, and then an activity will be presented to provide more detailed information about CAC.

#. According to me , the encoder programs are widely used and offer great benefits to coders:

- Speed and Efficiency -Code location is automated and can be achieved faster than manually searching through codebooks.

- Timeliness and Quality Control -Coding software packages have updates that are available throughout the year with the newest information. These programs provide notes and edits that reveal the rules and guidelines associated with each code so they can be easily reviewed prior to final code selection. Again, this increases coding efficiency and accuracy.

- Integration -These programs run through computer systems and can be used to integrate medical records and insurance billing programs.

- Accuracy and consistency -These programs promote accuracy and consistency in coding the clinical diagnoses and procedures