Membership update: ACDIS/Nuance white paper sheds light on changing CDI technology

Although new technology inherently brings new challenges, it also has the ability to simplify aspects of the CDI process, according to a white paper from ACDIS in partnership with Nuance, titled “How artificial intelligence is transforming clinical documentation.”

While some CDI programs may be able to increase their reach through additional staff coverage, that may not be feasible for every program. These programs need to lean on CDI technologies that they know are reliable. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one such technology. Ambulatory and outpatient settings can especially benefit from the help of AI, according to the white paper.

“Computer-assisted physician documentation (CAPD) solutions enable CDI teams to review unanswered queries with in-workflow physician follow-up. Evidence is automatically reviewed and presented to the CDS for consideration and to help prioritize their workload,” the paper says.

Ultimately, using AI technologies, such as CAPD, not only helps the CDI team prioritize and streamline their process, but it also helps physicians document completely without the need for additional queries. Plus, it all happens on the spot, in real-time, limiting the need for retrospective queries.

“Without real-time guidance, clinician productivity suffers, the CDI team faces delays in arriving at the final DRGs, and in a worst-case scenario, a patient discharge gets needlessly delayed,” says Mel Tully, vice president of clinical services and education at Nuance.

To find out more ways in which technology can help CDI staff and physicians in their day-to-day activities, read the white paper by clicking here.

Editor’s note: To listen to a related webinar presented by ACDIS and Nuance, click here.