Frequently
Asked Questions
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Why
did CARE develop a unique technology for remote coding?
As an HIM company, CARE evaluated the technology opportunities
available, measured them against our high standards for quality, privacy,
and long-term functionality. None of the available coding technologies
met our requirements so we developed a system that does. Extensive testing
was done to maximize system performance. We are very pleased and excited
to offer this new technology to you.
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Medical records are scanned, encrypted and uploaded to CARE servers.
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Once on CARE's servers, records are indexed and routed to coders' "In Boxes".
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Records are coded and abstracted.
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Coded data is electronically sent back to the hospital.
Who
does the scanning?
Scanning is done at the medical facility, and does not need to be done
by credentialed employees. Our technology incorporates optical character
recognition technology (OCR) that allows for automatic indexing. Therefore,
records can be scanned in batch instead of one at a time. There is no
need for scanning staff to spend valuable time indexing; our software
does it automatically. This significantly improves efficiency and reduces
the risk of errors associated with numerous keystroke entries.
What
is a ‘face sheet’?
Face Sheets are single sheets of paper with basic patient identification
information. They serve as record delimiters during the scanning process.
How
many records may be scanned at once?
The number of records that may be scanned and uploaded at any given
time is limited only by the speed of the scanning workstation. Scanning
workstations range from small to large production capabilities. The
current technology supports upwards of 60 pages per minute.
Who
supplies and supports the hardware and software?
Care Communications, Inc supplies and fully supports all hardware and
software needed to run the CAREcoding.com remote coding
service. This includes a scanner, personal computer and proprietary
software.
Who
trains my people to use the equipment?
Care Communications, Inc. fully trains your staff on-site and provides
user manuals for future reference.
Does
coded data get entered into my hospital system?
Yes, coded data is returned to the facility electronically in real time
or in batch.
Can
I store my scanned records for alternate use?
Yes, the images can be retained on the Application Service Provider
site for as long as you may require. In addition, images can be sent
back to the hospital in a format designated by the hospital for storage.
How much does it cost?
CAREcoding.com is very affordable and extremely competitive.
Cost is determined on a per record basis and is a function of facility
size and estimated usage. Contact us at 1(800) 458-3544 for a more detailed
breakdown on how CAREcoding.com can save you money!
Is
the service compliant with all HIPAA regulations?
CAREcoding.com is 100% HIPAA ready. We have gone to great
lengths to ensure your patient data remains secure.
Will
our patient's information be used in any way other than designated by
my hospital?
No.
How
fast is it?
Incredibly fast, CAREcoding.com runs in ‘internet
time’. By eliminating travel, and creating the ability to add unlimited
coders to tackle backlog, CAREcoding.com remote coding
technology can be many times faster at reducing A/R than more traditional
methods of backlog reduction.
Do
coders need to be computer savvy?
CAREcoding.com is simple and easy to use. Ease of use
was a critical development factor. Coders need to spend their time coding
rather than mastering complicated technology.
How
fast can you reduce my Accounts Receivable?
As fast as you like! We will add as many remote coders to reduce your
A/R in the reasonable time that you require. The tremendous benfit of
remote technology is that it provides a permanent solution to fluctuating
A/R.
Does
this technology require much of support from my IT department?
No, CAREcoding.com technology is designed for minimum
time investment from your valuable IT resources.
How
does CARE’s technology differ from other remote coding companies?
Care Communications, Inc. has been in the Health Information industry
for over 25 years. We are a full service HIM consulting company and
create customized programs for your unique facility. When you choose
CAREcoding.com you get much more than a remote coding
service, you get instant access to all Care Communications, Inc. services
and support.
CAREcoding.com is designed as the most flexible and secure
remote coding solution available in the marketplace. We have designed
our technology with an eye toward the future, so you can be assured
of staying up to date with the latest technological advancements in
remote coding, backed by the strength of the most well established service
in Health Information Management, Care Communications, Inc.
Will
my coders be able to work from home?
Absolutely. The same technology that allows CARE coders
to code your patient records remotely, enables your coding staff to
work from home. Retain your valuable coders with the Your Staff @ Home
service and minimize travel and recruiting costs!
Is
patient data stored on remote coder’s computers?
No. Security is one of the cornerstones of design for CAREcoding.com.
With our technology, if a remote coder’s laptop or pc breaks down,
is lost or stolen, there will be no risk of patient data falling into
unwanted hands. Unlike some remote coding services, the CAREcoding.com
process does not save medical record data or images on the coder’s
computer hard drive.
Where
are the CAREcoding.com servers located?
CARE's servers are co-located in a level 3 hosting facility
in Chicago. Unlike some remote coding services, we do not keep our servers
in the corporate office. Biometric key-lock doors, security alarms,
motion sensors and 24/7video surveillance are used, among other devices,
to make sure your patient data is not tampered with. Separate hard drives
are used for each facility to further your security advantage.
Is
remote coding much more expensive than in-house coding?
Typically not when the cost of recruitment, training and retaining coders
is considered. Further the ability to maintain a full staff keeps A/R
at constant levels, which also saves money. CARE will
assist you in creating a comprehensive Return On Investment to determine
the savings to your facility.
By
what means are imaged records transmitted?
Medical record images are tranwsmitted to CARE's secure
servers in compressed 128-bit SSC encrypted batches. The batches are
transmitted via the internet using File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Once
on our servers, the images are never downloaded to local computers.
As
a corporate HIM director responsible for multiple hospitals within my
health system, can CARE's technology help me create a corporate
coding function?
Yes,
CARE's unique technology design can enable the health
system to create a highly integrated corporate coding function, enabling
cross utilization of staff and facility reducing the burdens of staffing
shortages and A/R backlogs.
Can
CARE help me justify it's use?
Yes,
CARE can work with you to develop a justification model
for implementing a remote solution.
Do
I need to buy software for my home coders' computer to be able to use
your technology?
No,
CAREcoding.com does not require you to buy proprietary
software to place on your home coders' computer. CARE
uses IE 5.5 and Adobe Acrobat reader - both of which are free downloads
on the internet.
What
if I need additional coding support, can other coders that I contract
with use your technology?
Absolutely,
CARE's technology is very flexible and can be used by
any coder you authorize, without requiring that coder to buy, or you
to buy, proprietary software.
