CAC and CDI

Linda_RhodesLinda_Rhodes
in CDI Talk Archive
Is anyone using or thinking of using a Computer Assisted Coding program for CDI? Our facility is looking to purchase one for Coding to use in preparation for ICD-10. We are going LIVE with EPIC (EMR) in June. I am wondering if this might also be a helpful tool for the CDS staff? I would be interested in any feedback/pros/cons.
Thanks,
Linda


Linda Rhodes RN, BSN, CCDS
Manager Clinical Documentation Improvement
New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Wilmington, North Carolina
Office # 910-815-5544
Cell " 910-777-8344
e-mail : linda.rhodes@nhrmc.org

Comments

  • mdomineseymdominesey
    edited May 2016
    I was the hospital technical lead, application administrator and point of contact for the coding HIM applications at my previous employment. The vendor installed CAC, but I fixed many of the problems that they didn't (mostly because I didn't want to wait for them to locate the "expert", I just tinkered until I was successful then documented the fix). CAC is best used for the coding process, there are some limitations that will make it harder for you to use it for concurrent review. CAC can work by either auto-coding documentation, or suggesting codes. The biggest problem I see with concurrent review use is that many CAC programs will not display documents for coding suggestions until they have been "signed" (not display the preliminary document).
    CAC could be very useful for CDI if it is setup to deliver documents (and documentation) to you, even if preliminary, and only "suggests" codes by way of different color for diagnoses and negative terms. Prior to a FULL emr implementation like Epic, it is probably more trouble than it is worth as you still would have to open your documents in your various applications. Post Epic, when ALL of your documentation should be able to flow through the CAC interface (as long as the IT folks let unsigned stuff come through) has the potential to make you even more productive and even more accurate!!
    My $0.02
    Mark

    Mark N. Dominesey, RN, BSN, MBA, CCDS, CDIP
    Sr. Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
    Sibley Memorial Hospital

    Information Technology
    5255 Loughboro Rd NW
    Washington DC, 20016-2695

    W: 202.660.6782
    F: 202.537.4477

    [cid:image001.gif@01CD02BF.2478AD70]
    http://www.sibley.org

  • Linda_RhodesLinda_Rhodes
    edited May 2016
    Thanks Mark for the valuable information. It gives us a lot to consider!
    Thanks,
    Linda



    Linda Rhodes RN, BSN, CCDS
    Manager Clinical Documentation Improvement
    New Hanover Regional Medical Center
    Wilmington, North Carolina
    Office # 910-815-5544
    Cell " 910-777-8344
    e-mail : linda.rhodes@nhrmc.org

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