[{"innerBlocks":[],"name":"core\/freeform","postId":1751,"blockType":{"name":"core\/freeform","keywords":[],"attributes":{"content":{"type":"string","source":"raw"},"lock":{"type":"object"}},"providesContext":[],"usesContext":[],"selectors":[],"supports":{"className":false,"customClassName":false,"reusable":false},"styles":[],"variations":[],"apiVersion":3,"title":"Classic","description":"Use the classic WordPress editor.","category":"text"},"originalContent":"Most healthcare organizations too routinely conduct annual coding compliance audits, a task required by the HHS Office of the Inspector General.

Too often, however, those within an organization responsible for doing the audit have gotten in the habit of doing it, but not thinking about it\u2014it\u2019s just done, says Karen Youmans, President and CEO at YES HIM Consulting.

But if regulators or health insurers arrive at a provider site, and the audit is not sufficient\u2014containing low accuracy rates and education plans for any significant signs of poor coding processes\u2014the company could face sanctions, she warns.

During an educational session at the upcoming AHIMA Convention & Exhibit, in Miami, Youmans will discuss how coding audits are the key to a successful and effective compliance program.

\u201cSome providers have become too routine and complacent,\u201d she says. \u201cThey haven\u2019t studied audit results. They haven\u2019t been using the expertise of consultants to re-educate coders and give presentations to doctors on ways to improve documentation.\u201d

Consultants and auditors are ideal subject experts in helping providers address areas of concern that OIG or insurers will find in an audit, Youmans advises. \u201cHire an auditor before OIG comes in, as the auditor should be expected to catch any incorrect issues.\u201d

The auditor who\u2019s hired can read each coder\u2019s reports and find omissions or other areas of improvement that can be made, she adds. \u201cYou need a partner to help vet specific irregularities in coding, and the person who coded should have a chance to demonstrate what they did and why.\u201d

The session: \u201cCoding Compliance Audits, Background, Statistics and Reports,\u201d is scheduled at 1:30 p.m. on September 24 in Room 204 of the Miami Beach Convention Center.
","saveContent":"Most healthcare organizations too routinely conduct annual coding compliance audits, a task required by the HHS Office of the Inspector General.

Too often, however, those within an organization responsible for doing the audit have gotten in the habit of doing it, but not thinking about it\u2014it\u2019s just done, says Karen Youmans, President and CEO at YES HIM Consulting.

But if regulators or health insurers arrive at a provider site, and the audit is not sufficient\u2014containing low accuracy rates and education plans for any significant signs of poor coding processes\u2014the company could face sanctions, she warns.

During an educational session at the upcoming AHIMA Convention & Exhibit, in Miami, Youmans will discuss how coding audits are the key to a successful and effective compliance program.

\u201cSome providers have become too routine and complacent,\u201d she says. \u201cThey haven\u2019t studied audit results. They haven\u2019t been using the expertise of consultants to re-educate coders and give presentations to doctors on ways to improve documentation.\u201d

How coding complacency can cause problems when regulators come

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