3M Health Information Systems today introduced 3M Chargemaster Online, a new Web-based software solution designed to help hospital finance and billing departments maintain an accurate, up-to-date chargemaster throughout the health care facility. 3M Chargemaster Online easily integrates with a hospital's charge capture workflow to provide online access to chargemaster data. Missing charges and incorrect codes can be quickly identified and corrected before the patient bill is finalized. The result is improved payer reimbursement through reduced claim denials and fewer account receivable days for bill payment.

According to Kelly Mann, national director of marketing, 3M Health Information Systems, hospital billing practices and chargemaster inaccuracies continue to be scrutinized by the Office of Inspector General. Recent regulations require that coding changes to the chargemaster must be incorporated on the effective date of services or claims using out-of-date codes will be rejected and payment delayed. "An efficient and effective charge process is critical to remaining financially secure in today's regulatory environment," Mann said. "Keeping the chargemaster current, accurate and fully compliant is a vital concern for every health care organization, since mistakes and incomplete information can result in increased write-offs and lost revenue."

3M Chargemaster Online is combined with expert chargemaster consulting from 3M Consulting Services to provide a complete chargemaster management solution. 3M consultants address specific problems that are identified by the software and work with facilities to align the chargemaster update and maintenance process between the hospital's ancillary departments, finance, patient accounts and health information management (HIM). Health care organizations avoid a long and involved manual review of chargemaster items, and instead can focus immediately on correction and education.

3M Chargemaster Online validates all Charge Description Master (CDM) line items automatically and flags for potential problems. The software's advanced logic-based building and editing functions allow the hospital to pinpoint problems, make necessary changes and continually update the chargemaster. The software, available in an ASP model accessed through Windows Internet Explorer, includes these features:

- Identifies incorrect, expired or deleted current procedural terminology (CPT) codes.

- Matches CPT codes to revenue codes.

- Checks for appropriate use of modifiers.

- Provides access to online, up-to-date reference guides for all CPT and HCPCS codes.

- Generates detailed reports by department.

3M Chargemaster Online is continually updated with the latest coding and regulatory changes. In addition to performing as an ASP, the software also can be locally hosted. More information about 3M Chargemaster Online, 3M Consulting Services and 3M Health Information Systems is available at www.3Mhis.com or by calling 800-367-2447.

About 3M Health Information Systems

3M Health Information Systems, part of the 3M Health Care family, is a leading provider of advanced software tools and services that help health care organizations capture, classify, and manage accurate health care data. Built on a foundation of more than 20 years of clinical, financial and administrative expertise, 3M HIS products help ensure the quality of data, which drives an organization's ability to manage revenue, comply with regulations, improve quality of patient care and manage resources effectively. 3M Health Care, the largest of 3M's seven major businesses, serves medical, dental, pharmaceutical and personal care markets. More information about 3M Health Information Systems is available at www.3Mhis.com, and by calling 800-367-2447.

About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

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Price Houns AssociatesMollie Houns, 952-920-6951or3MGlenn Carter, 651-737-0687