Health Services

STI provides a spectra of coding services, including on-site production based coding, on-site assistance to provider based coding, and remote coding. Through web-based training and Quality Control systems, we meet and exceed all DoD and Service Requirements. As shown, our coding breadth extends across the world. Our principal services include Medical Coding, Auditing, and Training Services.

On-Site Coding, Auditing and Training

Problem: Since medical records coding determine re-imbursement rates and set MTF resource management requirements, the implementation of a rigorous, production coding process is the foundation of effective resource and operational management. Due to special military coding requirements, it is not always possible to transfer civilian coders to the military environment easily. Without a systematic process, it is difficult to meet Service accuracy and timeliness standards. Without a tracking system, it is difficult to use audits to identify systemic problems and to build a process to correct errors. Consequently, poorly performed medical records coding induces erroneous data into the revenue cycle, which delays third party collection, hinders clinical compliance, and delays third-party reimbursement.

Solution: Regardless of the location (CONUS or OCONUS), STI provides timely and accurate clinical coding through the implementation of standardized training, high personnel qualification standards, and a thorough quality control program. We improve our coders’ productivity with detailed and effective training programs to ensure that customer requirements are met. With our national management infrastructure, STI supports field coders with professional expertise to minimize coding errors and solve problems. Our quality control processes increase coding productivity and accuracy. Because of this solution and our strong commitment to customer satisfaction and employee recognition, we have been able to attract, improve and keep qualified coders staffed – our coding billets are filled 95% of the time – which allows our clients to meet the most stringent Service standards, increase third party collection rates, and improve resource management.

Value: STI codes over 70,000 encounters monthly with a >95% accuracy rate and meets the 48-hour turnaround requirement at 24 facilities world-wide. STI’s contract transition plan will take existing coders and bring them to STI and Service standards within two months. Through surge support (using STIGlobalCode our remote coding product), STI can process large numbers of records quickly. STI provides the personnel and the processes to meet our customers coding requirements. STI recently won a large centralized coding, auditing and training contract with the Air Force that effectively doubled the size of this division.

Remote Coding and Auditing

Problem: The quantity and quality of medical records coding often suffers from the lack of qualified personnel locally for all MTFs, especially for MTFs located in small metropolitan areas and OCONUS due to labor market shortages. Timeliness suffers when members of a small coding staff take vacation or sick leave. With a largely paper-based process, it is very difficult to track performance, particularly compliance with accuracy and timeliness standards. Without a tracking system, it is difficult to use audits to identify systemic problems and to build processes that correct errors. Poorly performed medical records coding makes it difficult to manage MTF workload, which affects MTF resource management and hinders the speed and thoroughness of third party collection.

Solution: STI couples a web-based quality control program with secure remote coding in STIGlobalCode. STIGlobalCode scans and transmits encounter documents as images to an off-site coding center. STI personnel catalog the images and transfer them to medical records coders. The coders review the documents, code them, and enter the results remotely into CHCS. STIGlobalCode supports Electronic Medical Records (such as CHCS II), incorporating them into the same workflow as imaged paper records. STIGlobalCode also enters the records into a database where they can be sampled for auditing by internal or external auditors. Over time, the audit rate can be changed based on parameters such as measured accuracy rates, process difficulties, and policy changes.

Value: STI codes 70,000 encounters monthly with a >95% accuracy rate and meets the 48-hour timeliness standard. With Remote Coding, STI brings these high quality services to OCONUS sites, such as the Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan. Remote Coding has helped our clients increase their ability to improve third party payment collection and improve resource management. Remote Coding has helped minimize any problem with personnel turbulence, particularly at OCONUS MTFs.

For more information, please contact Kenyatta Jenkins at 301.933.8310 x303or send an e-mail to jenkinsk@stic2.com.