A coding-related technology tool that I will be discussing is called the Computer Assisted Coding (CAC) system. The CAC software is used to analyze the clinical documentation. After the documentation is analyzed, the Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms identifies the key medical terms and concepts. At this point, the machine learning algorithms suggest codes for the key terms. After the codes are selected, a human professional coder reviews the suggested codes for accuracy and completeness. In the end, the professional coder assigns the final codes to the patient record.
One of the advantage of CAC is that it is able to increased productivity and efficiency for simple cases. Another advantage of using CAC is that it allow the coder to evolve into an auditor roles, due to their responsibility of reviewing the codes suggested by the software. There is a debate on whether CAC improves accuracy by reducing human errors. Some say that the accuracy is dependent on the documentation. For example, simple and consistent phrases will lead to accuracy, but more complicated cases, will still need human review. One of the disadvantages of the CAC is that it requires training and costly maintenance. Another disadvantage is that it decreases accuracy in coding for complex cases. The CAC system may identify key terms but it cannot flag or improve incomplete documentation on its own. Lastly, the CAC software may not always be up-to-date with the latest guideline changes.
One of the advantage of CAC is that it is able to increased productivity and efficiency for simple cases. Another advantage of using CAC is that it allow the coder to evolve into an auditor roles, due to their responsibility of reviewing the codes suggested by the software. There is a debate on whether CAC improves accuracy by reducing human errors. Some say that the accuracy is dependent on the documentation. For example, simple and consistent phrases will lead to accuracy, but more complicated cases, will still need human review. One of the disadvantages of the CAC is that it requires training and costly maintenance. Another disadvantage is that it decreases accuracy in coding for complex cases. The CAC system may identify key terms but it cannot flag or improve incomplete documentation on its own. Lastly, the CAC software may not always be up-to-date with the latest guideline changes.