Benefits of PLATOCODE® CAC
Benefits of the PLATOCODE CAC system include:
Training Opportunities for coders (and for the PLATOCODE system)
Reduced days to coding, leading to reduced AR
Improved Accuracy
The PLATOCODE CAC system delivers ICD-9 and CPT codes for Radiology and Ambulatory Surgery. While many facilities use chargemaster to generate CPT for Radiology, the CPT codes are useful to audit entries to ensure that the selected CDP matches the procedure declared by the physician.
The PLATOCODE company is going to considerable lengths to measure and document its accuracy improvements. New papers will be available shortly but in the meantime,
Please click here for an earlier White Paper that includes PLATOCODE Accuracy data
Training Opportunities
Sometimes coders or coding departments can start coding in a certain fashion and continue doing so even if the process is wrong or rules have changed. Seeing the PLATOCODE CAC output may challenge coders, causing them to review their own expectations and possibly showing them something new. Alternatively if the CAC output is wrong we encourage coders to let us know so that we can continue to enhance our system.
Improved Efficiency
Improved efficiency is claimed for many computer initiatives in healthcare but there is surprisingly little evidence to support it. starting in June 2008 the PLATOCODE company has been working with a large facility to document efficiency changes over a twelve-month period. We have developed a new methodology to correlate coding difficulty and performance with and without the PLATOCODE CAC system. This paper will be referenced here when the trial period is completed later this year.
Reduced AR
Reduced AR flows directly from improved efficiency leading to quicker coding delivery. For many facilities, AR improvement can be a very significant benefit, especially if coder workforce constraints are affecting delivery.
Quantifying Benefit
As mentioned above, the PLATOCODE company has a stated mission to measure and report benefit for customers rather than simply claiming it. We have presented papers on such topics at every AHIMA national meeting since 2005 and are presenting again in 2009. We are always looking for like-minded HIM Directors or CFOs who want to work with us to convert potential benefits into proven ones. If you are interested in a joint project with a goal of publication and/or presentation at a professional meeting, please contact us.
