The transitionto ICD-10 brings with it the necessity to train staff on the new coding procedures and new terminologies. This is the only way to make sure that records are accurate and the risk for denied claims is minimized. Most practices understand the need to train coding staff in the new terminologies or to hire third parties to do their coding and billing for them. Coders differ in the level of training, skill and expertise, which means that one coder may be best for entry-level coding involving general medical information, while a more experienced coder with higher training may be suited for more complicated medical procedures. However, there's a difference of opinion regarding the need for regular coders and specialized coders, or those who are experts at coding for specific procedures or conditions. Read on:
What Coders Do
Coders are required to have an intensive background on medical terminology in order to provide an accurate description of health services delivered to the patient through ICD-10 documentation training. Due to the precise nature of medical language, coders are trained to recognize medical terminologies that cover anatomical terminology, procedural terminology, abbreviations, and descriptions, and to be knowledgeable about the codes and descriptions that match them. With the right training, coders and billers can make the difference between approved and denied claims.
Introduction to Supercoders: What are they?
Supercoders are coding professionals who have mastered specialized codes for specific diseases and conditions. These are coders with the best technical skills on the subject of ICD-9 and ICD-10 documentation. Many hospitals see the need for a dedicated specialized coder, particularly in departments that handle complicated procedures and conditions. For example, dedicated coders in the surgery department receive training that enables them to identify procedures and detect documentation anomalies. Dedicated coders may also work with surgeons to improve documentation on the part of the doctors, and that translates to more accurate and efficient results.
Best Environments for Supercoders
Supercoders and their unique set of skills will prove to be useful during transition periods, when increased accuracy is critical. They will also prove most useful in situations where complicated procedures and terminologies are commonplace. For example, surgical procedures for the treatment of rare medical anomalies will require the coding proficiency of those who have specialized training in these fields. Their skills will also prove useful when appealing a denied, down-coded, or incorrectly paid claims.
While physician documentation training ensures that doctors also know how to document procedures according to the new system, coder training ensures that doctor records are translated appropriately. Experts recommend providing coding staff with the right amount of training that will allow them to develop into supercoders who can deal efficiently with both general and specific medical documentation. This flexibility ensures accurate coding no matter what procedure or condition is involved.
Contact Provident Edge to learn more about supercoders, specialized coding, and the looming transition to ICD-10.
