Computer Assisted Coding System (CACS)
Introduction
Software known as a computer-assisted coding system (CACS) examines medical records and generates the proper medical codes for certain words and phrases.
The software, which is conceptually similar to "spell check," highlights important terminology and phrases for ICD-9 CM, ICD-10 CM, and the American Medical Association's Current Procedural Terminology coding using natural language processing. Furthermore, CACSs examine the situation to ascertain if a specific incident has to be coded. When the term "cancer" refers to a diagnosis, for instance, the software knows that it needs to be coded; nevertheless, when it refers to a "family history of cancer," it does not.
Medical coding systems are becoming increasingly required as healthcare grows more technologically advanced. This is especially evident with the implementation of ICD-10-CM & the increased usage of electronic health data. Traditionally, such coding has been done by people known as coders. This has resulted in a hybrid system in which coders handle more complex cases while examining CACS output, while CACS does the majority of medical coding, particularly for common procedures.
According to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), a CACS provides two benefits over manual coding: the universal application of coding rules and increased coding productivity and efficiency. However, the high cost of computer-assisted coding tools, as well as the increased risk of errors, could be detrimental. According to AHIMA research, coders who used a CACS saved 22% of the time it takes to code a record. The study also found that a CACS without coder review was less accurate than one that used both a manual coder and medical coding software.
Top 5 Vendors of Computer Assisted Coding Software
Software known as a computer-assisted coding system (CACS) examines medical records and generates appropriate medical codes for specific words and phrases found in them. Here is a list of the best companies that offer CACS tools.
1. OnBase: Hyland Software Inc. developed Onbase, an enterprise content management (ECM) and process management software. The government, insurance, banking, and healthcare sectors can all benefit from using the Onbase application package. The company's main office is located in Westlake, Ohio. The adaptable Onbase platform is connected with business process management, records management, and document management.
2. ezDI: ezDI is a medical coding and healthcare informatics company that provides ICD 10 computer-assisted coding solutions and healthcare revenue cycle management software. Founded in 2009, the company's goal is to enable individuals to produce creative solutions that improve human existence. It focuses on creating goods that customers adore, goods that inspire, and goods that have tangible, genuine value. They were ranked #1 in the Semantic Evaluation of Clinical Data (SemEval) competition and included in TiECon's list of the top 100 most innovative firms.
3. Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Inc: Artificial Medical Intelligence ("AMI") is a privately held firm that was founded in 2002 and specializes in creating medical software and services to streamline the process of producing medical transportation and documentation. The target market for their software and solutions is hospitals, clinics, and physician practices seeking to automate process management and restore the precision and efficacy of processing medical data.
4. Phoenix Health: Founded in 1990 to provide information technology consulting and outsourcing services exclusively for hospitals and other healthcare provider organizations, Phoenix Health Systems, Inc. is the healthcare IT services division of Medsphere Systems Corporation. Phoenix, an organization based in Richardson, Texas, has always been committed to using information technology's potential to address healthcare issues and provide programs that would improve patient care in an environmentally friendly manner.
5. Dolbey: Dolbey is a medical coding startup that is developing a comprehensive system that combines computer-assisted coding, speech recognition, transcription, and dictation. Their text and voice solutions, which are offered in numerous vertical industries like healthcare, legal, financial services, manufacturing, public safety, and contact centres, are centred on providing solutions that aid in managing the mutual workflow process.
Advantages of CAC Systems
1.Improved coding efficiency and accuracy
Medical coders can make fewer mistakes by using CAC systems. This is so that the systems can match the right codes to patterns seen in patient records. Additionally, CAC systems can expedite the coding process, allowing programmers to concentrate on more difficult assignments.
As an illustration, research conducted by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) discovered that coders who consulted a CAC system took 22% less time to code a record than coders who did not. Additionally, the study demonstrated that a CAC system without human verification was less accurate than a combination of medical coding software and human verification.
2. Improved compliance with coding regulations
CAC systems help healthcare firms adhere to coding rules. They guarantee accurate code assignment so potential coding problems can be found and fixed before submission to payers.
For instance, while billing for services, healthcare companies must adhere to a set of codes mandated by the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). By ensuring that firms are using the correct codes, CAC systems can help them avoid penalties from CMS.
3. Reduced costs associated with coding
CAC systems have the potential to lower coding-related expenses. This is due to the technologies' potential to lower the quantity of mistakes produced by medical coders. By expediting the coding process, coders can concentrate on more difficult jobs.
For instance, research conducted by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) revealed that healthcare institutions saved an average of $1.2 million annually on average when they adopted a CAC system. The study also discovered that after implementing a CAC system, the firms saw a 20% decrease in coding errors.
4. Improved patient care
CAC systems can contribute to better patient care by guaranteeing that patients receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatments. This is so that any coding errors which can result in inaccurate diagnoses and treatments can be identified with the aid of CAC systems. Additionally, CAC systems can help guarantee that patients receive the appropriate calibre of care.
For instance, a University of Pennsylvania study discovered that CAC systems can help raise the standard of care by spotting possible coding problems. According to the study, CAC systems can lessen the number of patients who receive the wrong diagnosis and are released from the hospital.