Hospitalists coding

I have been asked to find out the average encounters a coder should be doing per hour for Hospitalist’s professional coding. This would include E&M, modifiers, procedures etc. The coder is experienced in E&M but learning the Hospitalist’s coding. Can anyone give me the average for a beginner and what period of time would be allowed before an expectation of a certain amount per hour, per day would be set as a standard for productivity. Any written resources regarding this subject would be of help.

Appreciate any responses. Thank you.

medcoder

Hospitalists

I am not sure why hospitalists would be different? Isn't the same documentation requirements? If so this is my answer...

I recently was asked to audit E/M encounters and be responsible for 15 per hour with 98% accuracy. I said that was very unreasonable.
It would take me at least 10 minutes per encounter do code the appropriate level. If there are procedures involved, I would need an additional 10-15 minutes. I am an E/M instructor and consultant. I am sure there are people faster and people slower. So maybe this is a good starting point and after 6 weeks, it could possibly be doubled. But I certainly doubt any more than that.

Hospitalist

After much discussion we came up with 15-18 an hour as a trial with a 95% accuracy rate. I think 15 an hour is pushing it but we will try it and see the barriers to accomplishing this. I think procedures could slow us down. Thank you for the input- I will pass this along.

Medcoder