Top Hacks to Improve ASC Coding

Poor coding practices can have dire consequences in an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). Discrepancies could result in unnecessary expenses, lost revenue, trigger insurance audits, and fraud investigations. By understanding the most common errors in ASC coding, you can quickly identify and address them when they happen. This will also help you implement a compliant and effective revenue cycle. Here are some tips to get you started on improving your coding performance:

 

Ensure open lines and transparency in communication

 

Coders must be well-informed of any changes in the ASC, including developments concerning specialties, physicians, procedures, surgical technology, and payers. Coders must be comfortable speaking with clinical team members, especially when they have questions on matters that can affect ASC coding.

 

Get the physicians involved

 

Physicians should understand that they play a significant role in coding and influence its improvement. They need to stay up to date on documentation changes related to their procedures, complete detailed operative reports, and maintain open communication with coders.

 

Invest in your staff

 

Signing up your staff for coding training and education can improve your success with ASC coding. When your in-house team is up to date with the best practices and latest coding rules, they are more productive and less prone to making mistakes. You can support and encourage them by sending them to conferences, paying for subscriptions to coding publications, signing them up for coding webinars, and financially supporting coders who want to be certified.

 

Set performance goals

 

Measure coders in terms of performance and accuracy. Create transparency in performance assessments and motivate coders to improve their performance. Consider having a reward system, too.

 

Manage workloads in growth and busier periods

 

Coders need flexible work schedules during busier times. This way, ASC coding can be consistently completed while minimizing the need to do overtime.

 

Hire the right experts

 

If you’re outsourcing ASC coding, you need to choose reputable service providers with extensive experience and knowledge in ASCs and relevant code procedures. You can also consider hiring them to conduct third-party assessments on your current coders and coding procedures.