We continue to see Computer Assisted Coding (CAC) system implementations occur across our industry in both Facility and Professional coding settings, and now even more frequently as part of trends toward integrative efforts to combine coding functions (known as “congruent” or “single path” coding). The continued challenges of resource containment while maintaining accurate code capture and improved quality reporting points to the importance of well implemented supporting technologies. In this post I will cover five (5) critical tenets for successful CAC implementations.
In a nutshell the key success factor is robust change management, followed closely by strong project management. Do not underestimate the complexity of these systems to install, and the fundamental shift they bring to how all coders (or CDI/QA analysts) must think while coding. If you are also aligning professional and facility coding processes with a CAC implementation, dedicated management and a collaborative focus is even more critical.
Implementing CAC
1) Start with the end
Clearly define your goals and identify your metrics for success. CAC technology offers many possibilities for improvements to workflows and outcomes, with both efficiency and quality in mind, across all coding and clinical documentation improvement (CDI) disciplines.
2) Scope and test documents thoroughly
All clinical documentation (reports/templates) and associated EMR components with clinical data elements to be utilized by the system must be accurately identified, formatted, and integrated to achieve peak CAC performance.
3) Expect a learning curve
Allow time to properly train staff, and for staff to properly train the system! Consistent user adoption is needed for “teaching” the computerized learning platforms and can take several weeks. Customize training as needed early and perform attentive monitoring to aide all phases of the project.
4) Mentor collaboration among disciplines
This is for both end users (often across departments and disciplines) and the project resources that implement & ultimately maintain your technology.
5) Invest in change management & project management
Dedicated resources will make a difference in the success of your implementation!
Please see previous Wilshire Group blogs regarding CAC implementations and coding – as these deeper details and tips are still relevant today as we continue to assist clients with CAC technology:
https://thewilshiregroup.net/computer-assisted-coding-project-change-management-success/
https://thewilshiregroup.net/cac-focusing-improving-metrics-successful-implementation/
As Wilshire continues to assist clients with CAC technology, we see that these previously published/discussed tenets for CAC implementation success continue to ring true.
- Accurate scoping
- Strong project management
- Robust change management
- Customized training
- Attentive monitoring
If you are in the process of a CAC implementation or considering one, please reach out to us. We would love to share our lessons learned from previous implementations and current industry trends. At The Wilshire Group we employ industry experts with deep expertise in HIM and Coding project management. Look at our Health Information page to get a full view of our services.
