CASE STUDY

Genesis HealthCare System's Autonomous Coding Success Story

Discover how Genesis HealthCare System empowered medical coders and streamlined operations with Nym's autonomous medical coding engine.

The situation

Challenges in Coder Retention and Workflow Complexity

Genesis HealthCare System, one of the largest health systems in southeastern Ohio, was keen on exploring AI innovation as a means of alleviating challenges within its medical coding team and operations.

Amid an ongoing medical-coder workforce shortage, Genesis HealthCare System’s coders were cross-trained across multiple specialties, with much of their time allocated to traditionally entry-level areas such as the emergency department (ED). This led to dissatisfaction among coders who sought more challenging opportunities in higher-complexity departments, such as outpatient surgery.

The frequent shuffling of coders between departments also created unsustainable inefficiencies and posed a risk to coding quality, as guidelines differ significantly across departments.

The combination of these factors led Genesis HealthCare System to seek a medical coding solution that could streamline its medical coding operations and empower its medical coders to focus on areas they are truly passionate about.

What led Inova to explore autonomous coding?

• Medical coder shortages: The American Medical Association estimates a 30%  shortage of medical coders in the U.S. 
• Complex coding operations: As a result of staffing challenges, Genesis HealthCare System’s medical coders were frequently shuffled between different departments/specialties.

The SOLUTION

Implementing Nym’s Autonomous Medical Coding Engine for ED Facility Coding

After evaluating many different solutions, Genesis HealthCare System chose to implement Nym’s engine for ED facility coding. Once deployed, Nym’s engine fully automated coding for ~50% of Genesis HealthCare System ED encounters; this number quickly increased to ~70% along with coding accuracy rates of 96% and higher.

Deployment details:

• Specialty: Emergency Medicine
• Product type: Autonomous coding (facility only)

The IMPACT

Increased Job Satisfaction, Growth Opportunity, and Operational Efficiency

 Improved job satisfaction for the medical coding team

• Genesis HealthCare System’s experienced medical coders are now empowered to work in the higher-complexity departments that best suit their individual skill set and seniority level, rather than dedicating multiple days each week to more entry-level departments, such as the ED. This has led to significant increases in job satisfaction and overall happiness at work, as reported by the Genesis HealthCare System team.

 Career growth opportunities in higher-complexity departments

• Genesis HealthCare System entry-level medical coders, who previously were allocated strictly to the ED, have also benefited from implementing autonomous coding. With such a large percentage of ED coding now being automated by Nym, Genesis HealthCare System is training some of its ED coders to transition into higher-complexity departments, such as inpatient visits.

 Increased operational efficiency and reduced hiring-related pressures

• Genesis HealthCare System no longer has to spend valuable resources cross-training coders or developing detailed coder schedules to support multiple departments. Additionally, by increasing coder job satisfaction and career growth opportunities, Genesis HealthCare System lowered its risk of high coder turnover and the hiring pressures that come along with losing coders amidst a workforce shortage.

WhAT's next for GENESIS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

The Beginning of a True Multispecialty Partnership

The success of the initial partnership with Nym for ED facility coding laid the groundwork for expansion, as Genesis HealthCare System recently deployed Nym’s engine for outpatient visits. With plans to expand into additional specialties and service lines, Genesis HealthCare System is well-positioned to continue improving coding operations while providing coders with fulfilling work and new growth opportunities.