Higher coding productivity linked to a 25.4% decrease in accuracy

Central Learning, a web-based coding assessment and education app in Center Valley, Pa., found average inpatient coder accuracy is 61 percent.

Central Learning's finding stems from its 2nd annual national ICD-10 coding accuracy and productivity contest held in August. More than 550 medical coders registered to code 1,636 cases at the event.

Here are three key findings. 

1. The average outpatient coder accuracy was 41 percent. When broke down into departments, average coder accuracy measured 36 percent in the emergency department and 45 percent in ambulatory surgery centers.

2. Average coding accuracy for diagnostic-related group codes was 72 percent. This represented a net financial decrease of $753.91 per case. 

3. In terms of average coding productivity, coders completed 2.5 inpatient cases per hour and 4.8 outpatient cases per hour. However, higher productivity was linked to a 25.4 percent decrease in coding accuracy. 

Based on its findings, Central Learning recommended health information management directors and coding managers "continue assessing coder knowledge in ICD-10 and CPT coding," as well as "provide targeted ICD-10 education and training to address knowledge gaps," among other recommendations. 

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