A 2011 U.S. Patent for introducing the coding industry's first natural language processing or NLP engine has been received by OptumInsight's LifeCode NLP technology. The meaning and context of medical terminology in electronic health records or EHRs can be accurately interpreted with an NLP engine. Accurate computer-assisted coding and quality reporting can be therefore supported with this breakthrough technology which mines data within EHRs. ICD-10 readiness and health reform compliance are also supported by this technology.
The natural way physicians communicate about patient care is bridged by LifeCode with the data required in hospital information systems. Consistent and accurate diagnoses can therefore be carried out with this data. The data is also required by procedure codes for proper reimbursement and metrics for quality reporting.
OptumInsight's innovative "mere-parsing" methodology is recognized by the newest LifeCode NLP engine patent. Apart from identifying and interpreting words and phrases, the technology to understand their contextual use is also enabled through this patent. The patent can therefore help in making coding decisions and track clinical documentation practices.
In a release, Mark Morsch, VP of technology at OptumInsight said, "OptumInsight's patented NLP technology is helping hospitals increase coder accuracy and productivity today. It will help support the transition to the more complex ICD-10 code system, and information used for measuring quality, best practice adherence and documentation improvement".
Significant gains in coding efficiency have been made by Ohio Health after implementing OptumInsight's CAC solution in five of its hospitals. Ohio Health has been able to realize a 106-percent increase in productivity among diagnostic coders with OptumInsight's CAC solution. Within months of using the technology, the network of not-for-profit hospitals in Central Ohio has also realized 60-percent increase in emergency department coding.
Diane Setty, corporate director for health information management, Ohio Health said, "ICD-10 requires a lot more data knowledge and will take more time to code correctly. We wanted to make sure that we had sufficient resources to accommodate the additional time required to use ICD-10 accurately. We knew OptumInsight's CAC solution had the capability to do what we needed today, and will enable us to work more rapidly within the coming ICD-10 environment."
Carolyn John is a Contributor to HealthTechZone. To read more of her articles, please columnist page.
