Overcoming ICD-10 Documentation Hassles with Outsourced Medical Transcription
The ICD-10 requires precise and complete documentation. Medical coders can apply correct codes only when the documentation is accurate. With ICD-10 round the corner, outsourced medical transcription services have become the favorite tool for clinical documentation improvement (CDI) specialists.
For many providers, medical transcription is the backbone of their electronic records system because the EMR cannot capture every single nuance of documentation, vital for all levels of care. Not just doctors but clinicians such as nutritionists and physical therapists also dictate notes that need transcription.
Many hospitals and private practices have started outsourcing their medical transcription needs to a third party agency. These agencies deliver transcribed medical records in a short turnaround time after thorough review and quality checks. They send the transcribed documents back to the clinicians where it is reviewed by the CDI specialists for documentation gaps, if any.
Transcription services are playing an important role in ICD-10 transition. Many providers are planning to save time and money by using outsourced transcription services to improve their clinical documentation. Mentioned below are some of the areas that are benefitting from transcription-based documentation such as:
- Improved quality of care
- CDI program
- RAC audits
- Improved revenue
Transcription helps improve documentation whereas computer-assisted coding can help coders apply the correct ICD-10 codes. If these two procedures are carried out with perfection, ICD-10 transition can become easy for providers.
The rules of medical coding and documentation keep changing. Outsourced medical transcription service is one of the most cost-effective solutions providers can consider to make a smooth transition. Here are some of the benefits of outsourcing:
- Private practitioners or hospitals can save money by outsourcing as they don’t have to spend on hiring in-house transcriptionists or getting the latest technology
- Reputed companies have a team of skilled and certified medical transcriptionists which ensures accuracy in the documents. Not just transcribers but editors and proofreaders too hired by such firms are experienced
- A good medical transcription service provider adheres to HIPAA compliant procedures and follows a multi-level quality analysis (QA) process. The QA process involves, editing, proofreading and reviewing of completed records by experts
- Medical records can be obtained in a short turnaround time through outsourcing. These firms have a backup team of transcriptionists which means even if one staff goes on leave or quits the job, the delivery deadline is met without fail
So, if you are a provider looking for ways to save time, money and ensure a smooth transition to ICD-10 code set, transcription outsourcing can prove highly effective. It can play a vital role in improving your documentation using the new coding system.
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