Reader Question: Coders Affected by APCs

Q Hospitals probably will lose quite a bit of money because of ambulatory payment classifications (APCs). How will this affect the average coder? Should they worry about it?

Florida Subscriber

A Unfortunately, staff cuts already have started and have been extended to many medical records departments. It seems unbelievable, but its true. At the same time, the industry has never had more opportunities for coders as (1) coding becomes more complex, and (2) compliance issues demand accuracy across the entire system.

The best thing any coder could do today would be to take advantage of every possible educational opportunity while pursuing some level of certification or additional certification. They should contact both local and national healthcare associations, check with area colleges and research government and Medicare carrier Web sites to educate themselves about APCs. We have to learn to get beyond the traditional mind-set, improving provider documentation and all of the various issues that impact on that process while developing a level of expertise in the billing process.

Knowing billing will help coders develop a broader awareness of the overall system. In essence, have skills, can travel on to other opportunities if the need ever arises.

All indications are that coders will continue to be in great demand because few others in the hospital environment understand the complex issues involved in coding. In addition, compliance is a major area of concern, so the more coders understand about the various elements of compliance, the more value they will bring to the institution.


- Published on 2000-06-01