Because we process thousands of LCDs updates weekly for our Coding Suite, we often get some insights that we can share. With the implementation of ICD-10, a significant drop off in the number of local coverage determinations (LCDs) and coverage articles published by the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) has occurred. (See table in the white paper link below). While this may be partly due to MAC consolidation, it has left providers with less guidance than before about the proper coding and billing of covered services.

According to a recent HIM Benchmark Report, HIM department managers equally ranked Coder Productivity, Quality, and Managing Financial Metrics as their biggest challenges, while that same report noted that close to 60% of HIM professionals outsource a portion of their coding needs. Even without direct outsourcing, we notice an increase in the opportunity to do coding and billing work remotely.