In my years of working with MEDITECH implementations, I've seen firsthand how manual ED billing can create inefficiencies, inconsistencies, and lost revenue opportunities. Learning how automation can streamline the billing process can transform charge capture accuracy and reduce clinicians' workload. Let me share a few insights and tips to help you get started.
How to Save Time and Increase Revenue: Automate ED Care Levels
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Simplifying ED Billing Through Automation
With MEDITECH Expanse, hospitals can shift from manual coding to an automated system that leverages nursing documentation. By embedding criteria into interventions, queries, and care orders, we can eliminate redundant documentation while ensuring accurate care level assignments.
A Real-World Case Study: MEDITECH Expanse Transition
I worked with a hospital transitioning from MEDITECH MAGIC to Expanse 2.2 after their clinical analyst retired. A primary focus was the rebuild of automated ED billing using Expanse’s standard content while maintaining revenue integrity and preventing disruptions in charge capture. This type of charge automation can be implemented either during a new MEDITECH Expanse implementation or as an optimization project in an existing system.
Testing & Auditing for Accuracy
Automation is powerful—but it requires rigorous testing. Set your automated ED care level billing implementation up for success:
Plan for integrated testing and parallel testing
Perform post-live chart audits to ensure automated calculations align with coder-assigned levels.
Maintain a feedback loop between coding, billing, and nursing managers to support ongoing improvements, accurate patient billing, and maximized revenue capture.
Big Wins for Hospitals Implementing Automation
Hospitals that have embraced automated ED care level billing have seen remarkable results, including:
Increased revenue through consistent charge calculations
Reduced coder workload and manual adjustments
Improved documentation compliance
Seamless integration with hospital revenue cycles
Looking Ahead
The future for hospitals lies in embracing automation to achieve financial success and operational efficiency. Whether transitioning to a new EHR platform or refining existing workflows, automation is a strategic move that can significantly enhance performance.
A revenue cycle and EHR assessment can help your organization discover opportunities for improving workflow and revenue integrity and develop a roadmap that puts strategies into action. Let’s continue working together to make MEDITECH smarter for hospitals nationwide.
EHR optimization can drive positive change in your ED billing and it’s just one example.
