This article is written by Barbara Cataletto, MBA, CPC, Chief Executive Officer, Business Dynamics.
As we look to health care these days, we are often quite frustrated and perplexed by the numerous changes coming our way. If we look at our job responsibilities, we find that they are expanding in leaps and bounds and we certainly can feel a sense of abandonment when we aren't provided with the assistance we need to complete our many tasks.
Other uses of technology include:
• Many practices are now using web-based appointment scheduling, as well as patient intake.
• There are phenomenal programs available that also provide studies regarding the level of quality of our treatment for patients.
• We are actually able to enhance a patient's experience by providing education and displaying procedures via the internet.
• When used properly, technology is a way to keep in contact with our patients via the social media.
At what point, though, does technology override the human connection with the patient? At what point does technology override the connection among our staff members?
It is often said the reflection of our voice, the look in our eyes and our posture is 70 percent of our language, without having said a single word. We certainly know technology cannot replace the human connection, but as we move into advancements in technology and medicine, we often believe that type of communication far outweighs the benefits of the human touch. To that end, there may be some truth, but in areas of critical thinking and relationships, the degree of technology used must be weighed against the benefits of a personal connection.
The human element here is significant in that past experience, education gained and critical thinking applications come into play in full force when coding out medical procedures, followed by the fact that the changes and edits are not always fully represented in a coding program. That's not to say some programs do not enhance the coding platform, but from my perspective, other variables of the human touch are equally as important.
The best coders:
• utilize coding programs that check and recheck their decision making process.
• are engaged in continuous education not only in their respective medical societies, but also through web learning and text media.
• engage in social venues which allow them to interact and communicate with other coders in their specialty.
Coding is a continuing learning process and one's success is not solely achieved by the number of years in the business. Rather, it is gained over the years because you have an interest in coding that has been upheld by further education, training and experience.
The best coders are not the longest coders in the business, but those who are the most informed.
Technology
One of the ways that practices and facilities are exploring in order to keep up with hectic pace is with technology. There are many, many programs and applications available to help practices keep up with the pace. These programs generally encompass those involving electronic health records and message recording applications, just to name a few. Many of us are familiar with these programs since they have become a mainstay in the world of healthcare. We look to these programs to facilitate our daily business and reduce errors as well.Other uses of technology include:
• Many practices are now using web-based appointment scheduling, as well as patient intake.
• There are phenomenal programs available that also provide studies regarding the level of quality of our treatment for patients.
• We are actually able to enhance a patient's experience by providing education and displaying procedures via the internet.
• When used properly, technology is a way to keep in contact with our patients via the social media.
At what point, though, does technology override the human connection with the patient? At what point does technology override the connection among our staff members?
Too much technology
We look at email as a source of communication: texting and voice mail are being used as the only way staff and patients connect with one another and we never really have the opportunity of hearing the human voice. We have to be mindful of how much technology is put in place as it can de-personalize and limit the possibilities of growing our business, as opposed to enhancing the possibilities in some cases. As far as the employee and patient experience, we must try to avoid depending solely on emails, Facebook, our Twitters as a way to replace necessary direct and focused communications which can express the emotion and feeling behind the spoken word.It is often said the reflection of our voice, the look in our eyes and our posture is 70 percent of our language, without having said a single word. We certainly know technology cannot replace the human connection, but as we move into advancements in technology and medicine, we often believe that type of communication far outweighs the benefits of the human touch. To that end, there may be some truth, but in areas of critical thinking and relationships, the degree of technology used must be weighed against the benefits of a personal connection.
Coding technology
When we look to the use of technology in medical practices and facilities, one of the areas that have become very reliant on applications and programming is that of coding. Anyone engaged in the healthcare industry understands the significance of coding for the services that are provided by both the physician and the facility. What has happened in recent years is that programs have been developed to override or replace coders in many of these medical offices and/or facilities. Every year there is a series of new coding programs available for staff and administration alike. While these programs have grown in quality and substance over the years, it is not possible for a program to encompass all the skills necessary to accurately code and fully represent the medical procedures or services that have been performed.The human element here is significant in that past experience, education gained and critical thinking applications come into play in full force when coding out medical procedures, followed by the fact that the changes and edits are not always fully represented in a coding program. That's not to say some programs do not enhance the coding platform, but from my perspective, other variables of the human touch are equally as important.
The best coders:
• utilize coding programs that check and recheck their decision making process.
• are engaged in continuous education not only in their respective medical societies, but also through web learning and text media.
• engage in social venues which allow them to interact and communicate with other coders in their specialty.
Coding is a continuing learning process and one's success is not solely achieved by the number of years in the business. Rather, it is gained over the years because you have an interest in coding that has been upheld by further education, training and experience.
The best coders are not the longest coders in the business, but those who are the most informed.