In the framework of coding and billing prospects, it is possible to point out a series of trends that are likely to influence these fields in the nearest future. It is necessary to note that the majority of transformations that take place in the relevant field are connected with the progress in the technology and innovation market. Therefore, the development of new computer systems and software performs a significant contribution to the solutions of the most critical problems.
First, and foremost, it is essential to focus on the changes implemented in the code set of the American Medical Association’s Current Procedural Terminology. Although this set has already overcome significant transformations within the past decade, it seems that the reformation progress is still in progress. According to the experts’ assumptions, more than thirty-five new codes in the oncology field are likely to be introduced next year. Meanwhile, the changes in this sphere are not an innovation, and the medical workers have already managed to get used to them. The idea of pairing codes has been widely discussed by various health care organizations. For instance, the American Medical Association’s Relativity Assessment Workshop put a request for uniting codes in groups of two and three last year (Hoyt and Yoshihashi, 107). The relevant change is supposed to have positive outcomes as it simplifies the set of codes, by uniting them in groups.
Secondly, the transition from the ICD-9 to the ICD-10 coding system is also apt to have a positive impact on the healthcare field in general. Some organizations currently report the shortage of high-quality professionals in the coding field. The ICD-10 coding system is specifically designed to eliminate the biases and discrepancies that exist in the system, making it more systematic and consistent. Therefore, many specialists believe that the employment opportunities in the relevant field can grow significantly due to the switch from the ICD-9 to the ICD-10 (Beik, 82). However, this switch will touch upon not only employees but all the groups of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, payers, software vendors, and third-party billing services.
Lastly, the implementation of the Affordable Care Act is also expected to bring productive results in the nearest future. The relevant measure is primarily aimed at increasing the accuracy and timeless of payments as well as following strict standards in records and documentation. The target of implementing the measure resides in enabling insurance companies to keep track of the procedures their customer undergoes in the course of treatment. Therefore, the outcomes of this intervention are likely to be positive for all groups of stakeholders including patients, health care workers that receive a precise framework for operating, and insurance companies.
On the whole, medical billers and coders are expected to continue to assist the US healthcare system in reducing expenses, improving the quality patient care services and carrying out effective performance. The outcomes of the changes in this field are generally positive, although they will require healthcare workers extra effort to adapt to the new conditions and regulations.
Works Cited
Beik, Janet. Health Insurance Today: A Practical Approach Informatics: Practical Guide for Healthcare and Information Technology Professionals, Saint Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2014. Print.
Hoyt, Robert, and Ann Yoshihashi. Health Informatics: Practical Guide for Healthcare and Information Technology Professionals, Montreal: McGill-Queen’s Press, 2014. Print.