MEDICAL CODING SERVICES FOR PHYSICIAN PRACTICES

Many times in smaller practices, physicians will attempt to do their own coding or have a clerk or nurse handle coding in place of hiring a certified coding specialist. However, because these individuals are often not trained or credentialed on the latest medical coding practices this can lead to inaccuracies and reduced reimbursement for a practice. At G2N, we specialize in providing coding specialists for physician practices and hospitals. Our coding services to small and large physician practices ensure accuracy and compliance. Additionally, using our medical coding services can save physician practices or physician groups money when compared to hiring and maintaining a complete medical coding staff.

Common Medical Coding Problems

When physicians try to do the medical coding for their own practice a number of problems can result. One of the major reasons that physicians should not do their own medical coding is simply because they are not trained to specialize in this area of practice. Therefore, physicians may not be up to date with the most current medical coding regulations. As a result of this, when physicians do their own coding, they can encounter costly errors or problems. Finally, another reason why physicians should not try to do their own medical coding is that coding can be time consuming when done properly. Therefore, a physician’s time is often better spent elsewhere. Additionally, because physicians often do not have enough time for performing medical coding services, the coding may be put off and may not be done in a timely manner.

The most common problems that occur when physicians perform their own medical coding are the ones that affect reimbursement. Inaccurate coding can have an impact on a practice or hospital’s bottom line, and it can ultimately reduce a practice or hospital’s income. This is especially true as hospitals acquire physician groups in which the physicians perform their own medical coding services. Additionally, medical coding problems can affect small group practices and large group practices that leave medical coding services to physicians rather than having them performed by coding specialists.

The two major problems resulting from improper medical coding include:

• Negative impacts on hospital and practice’s bottom lines: Improper medical coding can result in reduced compensation and lost revenues as utilizing the wrong codes can reduce the reimbursement healthcare providers receive from Medicare or insurance companies.
• Compliance issues: Using improper coding, whether it is intentional or accidental, can result in major compliance issues for hospitals and physician practices. Compliance issues can result in large fines for hospitals and healthcare providers.

Medical Coding by Nurses, Clerks, & Other Professionals

In addition to performing medical coding themselves, some physicians also use nurses or clerks to perform medical coding services. This can result in the same issues and problems that occur when physicians attempt to handle medical coding responsibilities themselves. As a result, hospitals, physician practices, and large physician groups will often see reduced revenues and will encounter compliance problems. Another problem when nurses or clerks perform coding duties instead of trained medical coding professionals is that these individuals have less time to perform other duties and this can have widespread effects on a practice’s overall performance and efficiency.

G2N Medical Coding Services for Physicians

At G2N, we offer medical coding solutions for small group practices, large group practices, and hospitals. When physician practices outsource their medical coding responsibilities to our specialists, they can rest assured that their coding will be performed accurately and in a timely manner. Additionally, because hiring and maintaining a medical coding staff can be costly for small physician practices and other healthcare providers, outsourcing medical coding to our specialists can be a cost effective way to ensure accurate coding.

To learn more about our medical coding services for physician practices, please contact us by phone at 314-835-9311 or by email at client-services@g2n.org.