Forms Automation Can Aid MU Compliance

Some electronic health records meaningful use requirements won’t be too challenging to comply, with while others, such as presenting patient problem lists, could be tough, because most problem lists remain on paper.


Some electronic health records meaningful use requirements won’t be too challenging to comply, with while others, such as presenting patient problem lists, could be tough, because most problem lists remain on paper.

The health information management division at Howard University’s hospital in Washington, D.C., now is using Web-based document and forms automation technology to create and move forms throughout the hospital.

Problem lists at Howard University are on paper, but will soon be online via technology from FormFast Inc., St. Louis. The hospital has a hybrid EHR, and many paper problem lists either aren’t being filled out or aren’t being scanned into the system, says Kim Bussie, director of revenue cycle health information services. “But with automation, we fill it out online and it’s accessible in the EHR,” she adds. Items in the online version will be coded with ICD-9 codes and later with ICD-10, enabling the querying of the database for diagnosis data.

Coders also will be able to add to the problem list with clinician approval, making the list more complete. That will improve patient care, revenue cycle management and response to RAC audits, Bussie says.

She spoke with Health Data Management during the AHIMA Annual Convention & Exhibit in Orlando.

--Joseph Goedert

 

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