Question

Many long-term care facilities do not employ HIM professionals on staff but contract when services are needed (some states require an LTC facility to consult with an HIM professional to review records quarterly). In 4-sentences:

- How do you feel an HIIM professional can contribute to an LTC facility whether employed or as a consultant?
- Due to PDPM implementation, what skills can the HIIM professional bring to the LTC setting in enhancing coding/reimbursement processes? Focus your response on PDPM processes.

Answer 1

HIM professionals contribute to LTC facilities by ensuring accurate, secure patient records and compliance, while their expertise in coding and reimbursement is critical with PDPM implementation to optimize facility finances.

Step-by-step explanation:

An HIM (Health Information Management) professional can significantly contribute to a long-term care (LTC) facility by ensuring the accuracy and security of patient records, which is foundational for high-quality patient care. Additionally, HIM professionals can play a crucial role in staying compliant with healthcare regulations and improving facility operations by regularly reviewing and updating records management practices.

With the implementation of the PDPM (Patient-Driven Payment Model), HIM professionals bring indispensable skills to the LTC setting, especially in coding and reimbursement processes. Their expertise in accurate diagnostic coding, thorough understanding of medical terminology, and familiarity with billing procedures help ensure patient services are coded correctly and facilities are reimbursed appropriately, thereby optimizing financial performance.