Press Release
Meta Health Technology Announces eAbstract Product
New Web Based Hospital Software is ICD-10 Ready;
Includes Workflow Engine and Electronic Physician Query
Orlando, FL — Meta Health Technology announced today at the 82nd AHIMA Convention in Orlando, Florida, the introduction of eAbstract, the company's new chart abstracting solution. The software accommodates the new ICD-10 coding system that will be implemented in the United States effective October 1, 2013. It features a built-in workflow engine and includes Meta’s market-leading Electronic Physician Query software to maximize HIM coding and abstracting efficiency.
Ready Now for ICD-10
eAbstract is ready to accept both ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. Facilities can use the software now with ICD-9 and continue working without interruption when the new code set goes into effect in 2013. According to Eli Nahmias, President and CEO of Meta Health Technology, “Although moving to ICD-10 will be a major event for healthcare in the United States, Meta has been delivering ICD-10 ready software to our Canadian clients for years.”
Streamlines HIM Workflow
The eAbstract software incorporates a built-in workflow engine that enables HIM managers to create electronic worklists for coding staff, thus automating manual handoffs. Managers can easily reassign cases to adjust workload as needed. Through a link to the hospital's EMR, coders can view the record they are abstracting, allowing them to work from any location.
Even as they transition to an EMR, hospitals are dealing with a significant inventory of paper charts and documents, and will need software tools to manage these hybrid records. According to Mr. Nahmias, "While eAbstract is designed for the electronic environment, the product enhances HIM workflow no matter where the hospital is on the path to EMR adoption. By scanning remaining paper documents and using Meta's PowerImage software, a hospital can quickly have its hybrid records available online. Multiple personnel can access the record at the same time, and facilities can have coders work remotely."
Exponential Increase in Physician Queries Projected
The adoption of ICD-10 will entail a sevenfold increase in the number of diagnosis and procedure codes, placing greater demands on physicians to provide detailed chart documentation. According to Barbara Hinkle-Azzara, RHIA, Meta Health Technology's Chief Product Strategist, “With ICD-10, providers will be working with over 155,000 codes, a substantial increase over the ICD-9 code set, and the level of specificity required in the documentation will skyrocket. This will certainly result in a significant increase in the number of physician queries — and a similar increase in DNFB — particularly in the early phases of implementation. Meta’s Electronic Physician Query software is built into the eAbstract workflow, so users can easily launch and track queries directly from the application, which will help eliminate those prospective bottlenecks.”
Enhances Reimbursement and Compliance
eAbstract enhances the hospital's ability to obtain appropriate reimbursement. An interface with the hospital's Charge Master ensures comprehensive billing for all services provided. eAbstract also incorporates Meta's new CodeAlert tool that automatically flags cases requiring additional scrutiny by a coding supervisor or auditor. Additionally, under the 2009 federal economic stimulus package, hospitals who demonstrate "meaningful use" of certified EMRs will qualify for incentive payments through Medicaid and Medicare. The eAbstract software meets the new 5010 data transmission standards for HIPAA-covered transactions, which are required in order to demonstrate meaningful use.
About Meta Health Technology
Meta Health Technology is a full-service provider of health information management solutions for hospitals, clinics, physician group practices and long- term care facilities across the United States and Canada. Headquartered in New York City, the company has served the healthcare industry exclusively for over 30 years. Meta's clients range from small community hospitals to many of the largest and most prestigious medical facilities across the United States and in Canada. The company provides a level of client service that is unmatched in the industry.
Meta's health information management software automate and augment critical HIM functions, including abstracting and coding, physician query, clinical documentation improvement, chart tracking, chart analysis and completion, release of information, document management, electronic medical record, electronic signature, reporting and compliance, and department management.
Source: Meta Health Technology Inc
Meta Health Technology
Barbara Goldenberg, 800.334.6840
