Posted by Rich Spurr on February 20, 1998 at 09:32:37:
In Reply to: Re: ER Problem posted by Peggy on February 19, 1998 at 16:35:03:
: : Now that we have a goal, what process needs to be implemented to acheive that goal, and what tools are needed?
: We need to determine what percent of charges are being lost.
: TO do this you would need to pull a precent of ER charts
: and review the chart for what was charged and what was not charged.
: After this data is collected you can determine the percent of lost charges and set a more specific target.
: I would then investigate the common charges for all patients and explore options to
: bundle charge all patients a flat rate and then use a charge sheet or sticker charge option to capture the extra items
: you could also look at it according to DRG's and come up with bundle charges according to specific DRG codes
: In response to lost ER charges: The hospital that I presently work at utilizes stickers that have charge codes on them. However,
due to patient care, some of these charges that should go on, do not make it. The reason is that the Er personnel
stick the stickers to their uniforms and sometimes forget which patient to charge for.
My solution is to post a charge card on each door of the Er room as each patient is treated.
As the patient is being treated and supplies used, the stickers need to placed on the charge card
as soon as they are used. I have seen many times when the nurses at the end of the shift are trying
to figure which sticker goes on which patients' charge record. This is how billing mistakes are made
and certain patients overcharged for things that they were never given.