HCPro, JustCoding Inpatient - 2022 Issue 15 (April)
Embrace the growing pains of implementing an integrated audit process
April 12th, 2022
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Article Overview
This article describes a health system’s experience moving from a manual, spreadsheet-based audit approach to a more integrated workflow for coding review and audit activities. It is aimed at coding, auditing, CDI, and health information management professionals who are considering process improvement, workflow automation, and team coordination. The piece focuses on implementation experience, stakeholder communication, and general lessons learned from adopting a streamlined audit process.
Why This Topic Matters
Organizations looking to improve audit consistency, speed, and collaboration can use this article to understand the operational and change-management considerations involved in adopting a more unified review process.
Article Sections
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Coming of age: Growing isn’t easy but it’s worth it
Describes the organization’s audit environment, the move away from a manual process, and the broader goals for improving workflow consistency and efficiency.
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Reaching your full potential: Keys to success
Outlines general implementation themes and team-centered practices associated with making a larger process change successful.
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Key 1: Find a champion
Discusses the importance of leadership support and shared ownership during a workflow change initiative.
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Key 2: Communicate early and often
Covers the value of early communication, transparency, and stakeholder feedback before and during implementation.
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Key 3: Build smart, not fast
Addresses pacing, readiness, and allowing time for a methodical rollout of new processes and tools.
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Maturing with purpose
Reflects on the broader purpose of the workflow changes and the role of audit and coding teams in the patient experience.
What You Will Learn
- How a health system approached audit workflow streamlining
- Why integrated audit processes can support consistency and efficiency
- What change-management themes supported the implementation
- How communication and pacing affect process adoption
- How audit operations can connect to broader patient-experience goals
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding managers
- Clinical documentation integrity professionals
- Auditors
- Health information management professionals
- Quality improvement teams
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