What’s the Next Step After Onboarding New Coders? Your Guide to Measure Coding Quality & Productivity Benchmarks of a New Hire

What’s the Next Step After Onboarding New Coders? Your Guide to Measure Coding Quality & Productivity Benchmarks of a New Hire

The onboarding process is a critical phase that sets the tone for an employee’s journey within an organization. However, what comes next is equally important: measuring the coding quality and productivity benchmarks of new hires. Let’s delve into the key aspects of this assessment process, from setting expectations to employing the right tools and technologies.

Setting the Stage for Excellence

coding productivity benchmarks

As we transition beyond the onboarding period, our primary objectives shift towards nurturing new hires to meet our established coding quality and productivity standards. At YES HIM Consulting, we are committed to excellence, with benchmarks set at least 95% accuracy and at least 1.6-2 encounters per hour for complex Inpatient coding, for example. These standards serve as a compass for new employees to guide their performance.

To ensure a seamless transition, it’s essential to communicate these expectations upfront. By outlining the clear goals we expect our new team members to reach within 30, 60, and 90 days, we empower new coders to align themselves with these standards gradually. A structured framework not only aids their progress but also reinforces a culture of continuous improvement.

Evaluating Coding Quality and Productivity Benchmarks

Our approach to evaluating new employees’ coding quality and productivity is comprehensive and transparent. Regardless of their coding or auditing experience, every new hire undergoes a rigorous 100% review process. This thorough examination aligns with industry best practices and reinforces our commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality coding services.

Additionally, we’ve delineated how new coders need to input their time into our time-tracking system, where productive coding falls into one category and research/education time falls into another. This ensures that their coding quality and productivity rates are tracked correctly.

Tools and Technologies at Work

The tools and technologies employed to track and measure coding accuracy and productivity are pivotal in our assessment process. We utilize productivity reports derived from coding work logs, comparing them against our timekeeping system. Coding accuracy is meticulously tracked using a dedicated spreadsheet bolstered by our integration with advanced coding software.

Prioritizing KPIs That Matter

Our evaluation process is grounded in key performance indicators (KPIs) that guide us in assessing new coders’ performance. These indicators encompass coding errors, coding accuracy, productivity, and internal compliance issues. By comparing coding errors to the number of charts coded per month, we gain insights into their accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, we compare their internal errors against the entire team’s performance, fostering a culture of accountability and growth.

Embracing Collaboration and Communication

In the realm of health information management, collaboration and communication are vital. To gauge a new coder’s ability to work effectively within a team, we assess whether they adhere to internal protocols and engage with their supervisors and team members. We assess whether they’re asking questions during their review and look at what type of questions they pose. Their attitude, engagement level and interaction with team communication platforms also provide valuable insights into their collaborative skills.

Addressing Challenges

While our assessment process is comprehensive, challenges may arise. Some new hires may initially react to the review process. To preempt this, we transparently communicate our protocols during the interviewing stage. Additionally, we understand that certain clients may face resource constraints when conducting review processes. So, we would suggest possibly outsourcing this portion of the review to ensure consistent quality. Our commitment to accommodating these challenges ensures the integrity and effectiveness of our assessment process.

Bridging the Gap with Strategies and Initiatives

To bridge the gap between onboarding and consistent, high-quality coding, we’ve implemented strategies that promote ongoing development. After the initial onboarding stage, new hires transition to quarterly audits in what we call “maintenance mode,” supported by monthly production reports. This ensures that they continuously meet quality and productivity standards. In cases where performance falls below our benchmarks, our performance improvement plan offers tailored education, training, and Q&A sessions.

Track Your New Hires’ Success Rate with YES

In conclusion, the journey beyond the onboarding process is a dynamic one, guided by clear expectations, robust assessment practices, and a commitment to excellence. By aligning with industry best practices, employing cutting-edge tools, and fostering collaboration, we ensure that new coders meet our standards and contribute to YES’s growth and success.

We understand that a well-structured onboarding checklist is vital for seamless employee integration. Our expertise in this area empowers us to develop comprehensive checklists tailored to your facility’s requirements. By partnering with us, you can streamline onboarding procedures, set new coders up for success, and optimize your organization’s productivity.

If you need expert guidance and support in onboarding coders, consider collaborating with YES. Our proven experience and industry-leading professionals ensure your new hires receive the training and orientation they need to excel in their roles. Let us guide you through a seamless onboarding process that maximizes efficiency and productivity. Contact us today to initiate a discussion and elevate your onboarding practices to the next level.

Vanessa Youmans

Vanessa Youmans, MA, CCS, CPC – Chief Operating Officer (COO)
coding productivity benchmarks

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