EHR and Coding Resources Comparison:
Situation:
You are the coding supervisor at a major acute care hospital. The hospital administration has been studying payment and outcome metrics for the institution, and realizes that the current electronic health records system may be outdated. You have been asked to create a report that answers the following question: “What EHR and coding resources would you recommend to the hospital administration to ensure that the most current ICD-10-CM/PCS codes are in use in your healthcare facility?” Your report should compare at least 3 EHR systems that you have been exposed to in this course (for example Nuance Clintegrity, 3M Encoder, VistA) or worked with in the past. Your comparison should include features such as coding resources, advantages/disadvantages, and computer system requirements for each system. Your report should include your final recommendation out of the three systems you review and the rationale for your decision. Your comparison report should be well-ordered, logical, and unified, as well as original and insightful. Your report should include a comparison table that summarizes your findings. It is not necessary to follow paragraph style in the comparison table.
Submission requirements:
Your report should be 1 to 2 pages in length, not including the title or reference page. It should be written in paragraph style using Standard English (proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling). Your report should follow 6th edition APA formatting and citation style: 1 inch margins, double-spaced, and include a title page and reference page. Remember to list any references in APA format. At a minimum, there should be one reference for each system discussed.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In the healthcare system, electronic health records (EHR) play an important role in managing patient information, facilitating communication among healthcare professionals, and supporting decision-making processes. As a coding supervisor at a major acute care hospital, I am responsible for ensuring the most recent ICD-10-CM/PCS codes are being used in our healthcare facility. In response to the administration’s concerns about our current EHR system being outdated, I have researched and compared three EHR systems to recommend the best one for our facility.
Answer:
Based on my research and experience, I recommend the Nuance Clintegrity system for our facility. The system has extensive coding resources, including access to databases such as SNOMED CT, LOINC, and CPT codes. Furthermore, the system has several advantages, including an automated coding suggestion feature, which enhances the coding accuracy, and a streamlined reimbursement process. Additionally, Nuance Clintegrity is compatible with most major computer systems, including Mac and Windows.
The other two systems I compared, 3M Encoder and VistA, also have their own strengths. 3M Encoder offers advanced coding analytics and customizable reporting tools, while VistA, used by the Department of Veterans Affairs, is open-source and free, making it a more affordable option. However, both systems have some disadvantages, including a potential learning curve with 3M Encoder and compatibility issues with VistA.
In summary, Nuance Clintegrity is the best choice for our healthcare facility. It has superior coding resources and features that will improve the accuracy and efficiency of our coding processes. Additionally, its compatibility with most computer systems ensures seamless integration with our current infrastructure. By adopting Nuance Clintegrity, we can keep up with the latest coding standards and provide the best possible care for our patients.
