One of Georgia’s largest healthcare systems outsourced coding to improve output and reduce costs.
Challenge
A large Georgia hospital system was struggling to hire and retain enough qualified coders to keep up with demand and maintain an acceptable level of unbilled accounts. Hospital administration was looking to reduce HIM costs, including training, IT, and headcount. Coding operations were to eventually be moved offsite, but the transition needed to be incremental to ensure service continuity.
Solution
LexiCode, an Exela brand, began the engagement by employing fully credentialed coders onsite at the main hospital. During this time an operational assessment was performed covering work volume, policies and procedures, production standards, and staffing plans. Coding services then began to be migrated offsite to LexiCode’s Remote Coding Center. Coding operations at all three hospitals in the network were transitioned shortly thereafter.
Benefits
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Unbilled accounts reduced from ~$14M per week to $2-3M
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48-hour turnaround time
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Coding support 7 days per week
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Improved coding quality (verified by external audit)
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Reduced cost and staffing demands
