RE: Program Focus & Maturity (started off as ARF)
Renamed this thread.......
Concur with all of the comments about focus on complete and accurate
chart vs only chasing the $.
We too have moved away from our original consultant to a large degree,
but have formed a relationship with another that is more to our
philosophical focus.
Not all consultants have such a strong focus on the $$.
Still, I believe we ignore the financial benefits at our peril -- ie,
metrics need to reflect multiple areas of impact.
As far as the software point that Susan Tiffany was making, take a look
around at what software is currently in use at your organization. There
are a couple that might be in use by other areas that has the capability
to also provide the documentation review support and you might even have
the appropriate license scope. Thinking specifically of coding, case
management, UR and other areas. Some possibilities of software that
I've heard used by CDI include Softmed, Morrisey, Midas, 3M that are
used by other departments. I presume that you've looked at other
possible sources for CDI software and costs?
One of my motivations to move away from our consultant software is the
concerns of influence embedded in the software regarding focus,
aggressiveness, etc. Seems to me there is at least a small degree of
risk through association there in addition to the influence concerns.
Finally, let me add that we still have a long way to go in moving from
a largely financial impact focus to a broader capture of complete,
accurate documentation. A mix of tools, staffing, support, physician
collaboration.
ONE STEP AT A TIME & we each can shift focus.
Don
Donald A. Butler, RN, BSN
Manager, Clinical Documentation
PCMH, Greenville NC
dbutler@pcmh.com
Never give in. Never, never, never, never--in nothing, great or
small, large or petty--never give in, except to convictions of honor and
good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the
apparently overwhelming might of the enemy
Sir Winston Churchhill
Concur with all of the comments about focus on complete and accurate
chart vs only chasing the $.
We too have moved away from our original consultant to a large degree,
but have formed a relationship with another that is more to our
philosophical focus.
Not all consultants have such a strong focus on the $$.
Still, I believe we ignore the financial benefits at our peril -- ie,
metrics need to reflect multiple areas of impact.
As far as the software point that Susan Tiffany was making, take a look
around at what software is currently in use at your organization. There
are a couple that might be in use by other areas that has the capability
to also provide the documentation review support and you might even have
the appropriate license scope. Thinking specifically of coding, case
management, UR and other areas. Some possibilities of software that
I've heard used by CDI include Softmed, Morrisey, Midas, 3M that are
used by other departments. I presume that you've looked at other
possible sources for CDI software and costs?
One of my motivations to move away from our consultant software is the
concerns of influence embedded in the software regarding focus,
aggressiveness, etc. Seems to me there is at least a small degree of
risk through association there in addition to the influence concerns.
Finally, let me add that we still have a long way to go in moving from
a largely financial impact focus to a broader capture of complete,
accurate documentation. A mix of tools, staffing, support, physician
collaboration.
ONE STEP AT A TIME & we each can shift focus.
Don
Donald A. Butler, RN, BSN
Manager, Clinical Documentation
PCMH, Greenville NC
dbutler@pcmh.com
Never give in. Never, never, never, never--in nothing, great or
small, large or petty--never give in, except to convictions of honor and
good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the
apparently overwhelming might of the enemy
Sir Winston Churchhill