Comparing performance is a common business strategy, including those among healthcare facilities. You are Regional Director for a Healthcare System that includes two hospitals, several clinics, and a long-term care facility. You have been asked to evaluate hospital comparison data and develop a dashboard to benchmark aspects of the coding function for internal and national standards. The information is used by HIM managers and coding supervisors across the network. HIM works closely with reimbursement and revenue, so you may include data on length of stay, accounts receivable, DRGs, or case mix index as part of your dashboard presentation.
Coding Data
- Research national inpatient and outpatient coding standards from AHIMA body of knowledge and other resources.
- Compare the various aspects of the standards.
- Create a coding dashboard based on the standards.
- The dashboard should contain at least three different coding aspects. The data can be qualitative or quantitative, for inpatient or outpatient coding.
- You should include at least two graphs to help create your dashboard. Use MS Excel to create the graphs. Include actual data within tables to create a good graphical display.
Dashboard & Assessment
Create a 15-slide PowerPoint presentation to include:
- Dashboard Visuals: Present visuals and graphs portraying hospital data and coding-related statistics as your dashboard.
- Graph Interpretation: For each graph, provide a comprehensive summary (minimum 2 paragraphs) explaining the significance of the information depicted. Elucidate why this data is valuable for HIM services and managers.
- Benchmark Evaluation: Assess the use of benchmarking and comparative data in healthcare facilities, highlighting their importance and limitations.
- Data Predictions or Assumptions: Based on your interpretation of the data, predict or assume trends or observations that could emerge from the data analysis.
- Statistical Evaluation: Apply statistical methods to evaluate the report and justify your interpretations, drawing from data summaries and references.
- Utilization Recommendations: Recommend how this data could steer decision-making for HIM managers and coding supervisors across the hospital system.
- Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (CO-8 Alignment)
- Briefly discuss any regulatory, audit, or compliance considerations relevant to the coding data presented (e.g., documentation accuracy, audit readiness, data correction practices).