3M computer-assisted coding solutions will help Cleveland Clinic significantly reduce costs and prepare for ICD-10

Cleveland Clinic health system, a nonprofit multi-specialty academic medical center, will implement computer-assisted coding technology from 3M Health Information Systems to substantially automate the inpatient and outpatient coding process. Cleveland Clinic will use 3M computer-assisted coding solutions to help reduce nearly $2 million in costs resulting from coding outsourcing, staff overtime, and anticipated productivity losses with the transition to the ICD-10 coding standard.

“Advances in medical science and the move to ICD-10 are making the coding process much more complex. At the same time, we’re dealing with a shortage of trained and certified coders,” said Lyman Sornberger, Executive Director, Patient Financial Services for the Cleveland Clinic health system. “We’re using 3M computer-assisted coding to eliminate outsourcing costs, eliminate staff overtime, and provide our coders with a much less stressful work environment. We’ll be well-prepared for coding under ICD-10.”

Cleveland Clinic will implement 3M Codefinder Computer-Assisted Edition Software, which analyzes and interprets text from multiple documentation sources, and then maps it to the logic-based coding paths of the 3M Coding and Reimbursement System. The software improves coder productivity by reducing time-consuming chart review and helps coders identify missing information in the clinical documentation.

The contract also includes 3M Codefinder Auto Edition, a joint product offering with CodeRyte, Inc. that accelerates outpatient coding. The software imports text from physician reports and uses advanced natural language processing technology to assign accurate codes. Codes are then presented to human coders for review and, upon approval, are automatically exported to client billing systems.

“Our computer-assisted coding technology will help Cleveland Clinic coders focus their expertise on coding accuracy and compliance by streamlining the documentation review process,” said Sandeep Wadhwa, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Coding and Reimbursement for 3M Health Information Systems. “The result will be improved coder productivity, enhanced quality improvement efforts, more accurate documentation and coding, and more timely reimbursement.”

3M coding solutions are used by more than 5,000 hospitals worldwide to code and group patient data for decision support, quality measurement, and reimbursement.

Cleveland Clinic, located in Cleveland, Ohio, is a not-for-profit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey. About 2,100 full-time salaried physicians and researchers and 11,000 nurses represent 120 medical specialties and subspecialties. In addition to its main campus, Cleveland Clinic operates nine regional hospitals and 15 Family Health Centers in Northeast Ohio, Cleveland Clinic Florida, the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas, Cleveland Clinic Canada, and opening in 2012, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. www.clevelandclinic.org

For more information about 3M computer-assisted coding solutions, visit www.3Mhis.com or call 800-347-2447.

About 3M Health Information Systems

3M Health Information Systems delivers comprehensive software and consulting services to help organizations worldwide improve documentation, quality, and financial performance across the healthcare continuum. 3M offers integrated solutions for transcription, speech recognition, clinical documentation improvement, documentation management, computer-assisted coding, quality, and revenue cycle management, effectively meeting the industry’s changing needs. With more than 25 years of healthcare experience and expertise, 3M works as a trusted and stable business partner to provide reliable implementation, training, and support services. http://www.3Mhis.com

Codefinder and 3M are trademarks of 3M Company.

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