Unravelling Clinical Coding Challenges: A Deep Dive into Iranian Hospitals

Francis June 19, 2023

Clinical coding forms the backbone of healthcare data management and analytics. High-quality coded data can facilitate precise treatment plans, efficient billing, and accurate epidemiological studies. However, achieving top-tier data quality is not without its challenges. A study conducted by Mohamad Jebraeily et al., published in the Health Information Management Journal, has meticulously unearthed root causes of clinical coding problems in Iranian hospitals. This study not only sheds light on the issues at hand but also proposes potential solutions to enhance the quality of coded data.

Exploring the Root Causes of Clinical Coding Problems

The researchers in this study aimed to identify the root causes of clinical coding problems. Twenty-one clinical coders from three cities in Iran were interviewed, and Ishikawa’s cause-and-effect diagram was used as the basis for the data analysis.

The Findings: Root Causes of Clinical Coding Issues

The investigation identified 16 root causes of clinical coding issues, spread across five key themes:

  1. Policies, Protocols, and Processes: The lack of clinical documentation guidelines, absence of clinical coding audits and feedback, long interval between documentation and clinical coding, and the absence of coded data usage for reimbursement were key issues here.
  2. Individual Factors: Problems identified included a shortage of clinical coders, low-skilled clinical coders, insufficient communication between clinical coders and physicians, and a lack of continuing education.
  3. Equipment and Materials: Incomplete medical records, lack of access to electronic medical records, and absence of electronic coding support tools surfaced as prominent issues.
  4. Working Environment: A deficient dynamic and motivational workspace was identified as a significant problem.
  5. Management Factors: Managers’ inattention to the importance of coding and clinical documentation, and providing necessary staff support, were seen as root causes.

Implementing Solutions for Improved Clinical Coding

These findings are instrumental for health policymakers and hospital managers to understand the underlying issues affecting clinical coding quality. By addressing these root causes, strategies can be developed to improve the quality of clinical coding. Whether it’s better training for clinical coders, implementing clear clinical documentation guidelines, or facilitating more supportive working environments, there are a variety of potential avenues to enhance clinical coding.

The revelations of this study serve as a reminder that improving clinical coding quality isn’t just a concern for Iranian hospitals. Healthcare providers globally must pay attention to these root causes and implement effective strategies for their resolution. After all, quality clinical coding is key to unlocking the true potential of healthcare data management and patient care.

Sources:
Jebraeily M, Farzi J, Fozoonkhah S, Sheikhtaheri A. Identification of root causes of clinical coding problems in Iranian hospitals. Health Inf Manag. 2023;52(2):88-97. doi:10.1177/18333583211060480

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Francis
Francis is an accredited clinical coding educator with over a decade of clinical coding experience in the UK. Passionate about the transformative power of e-learning, Francis blends this expertise with an innovative approach to education as a TAP Learning Practitioner. The mission is not just to educate but to inspire, fostering a community of lifelong learners in the dynamic world of clinical coding. With a commitment to improving the industry through education, Francis’s work is marked by an engaging, interactive, and inclusive approach, making every day an opportunity to learn, grow, and redefine what’s possible.