Does EDITS Data require a dedicated person to collect data?
Several models are currently being utilized to enter data into the EDITS Data program. The most efficient model is to have an electronic download of all key demographic information directly into the software, with a dedicated person completing the remainder of the data entry and performing CPT and ICD-9 coding. Although not as efficient, but potentially more effective, multiple individuals may add specific data elements into EDITS Data. Some data may be added by clerical staff at the hospital upon the completion of patient care (as is typically done when making log book entries), while other staff may enter charging and other clinical data at a later time. Ultimately CPT and ICD-9 coding may be performed in EDITS Data by a third individual at a billing office.

How many charts can an individual process per hour?
This is a key question because it is the major determinant of the cost of using the EDITS programs. Experience has indicated that a motivated, appropriately incentivized individual should be able to do total data capture along with CPT and ICD-9 coding at a minimum rate of 20 charts per hour. Although this rate of data entry and coding is slower than that attained when simply doing CPT and ICD-9 coding, the modest reduction in speed is more than offset by the substantial additional value achieved.

Is it cost-effective to use the EDITS Data program?
Unequivocally yes. If a coder/data entry individual is paid $24 per hour (including benefits) and can completely process 20 charts per hour (data and charge capture and coding), the cost per chart, after paying for the initial hardware costs, is $1.20 per record plus the licensing fees of $0.35 for EDITS Data, $0.60 for EDITS Scan and $0.25 for EDITS Chart. Given that average lost charges from 14 audits were $25 per chart, net revenues resulting from improved charge capture, assuming a 40% payment rate, would be $10 per chart. These savings don't include any of those achieved by not having multiple individuals perform charge capture and coding. If the hospital and the physicians have one person do their combined coding when they formerly had two, this is conservatively worth $0.60 per chart assuming a coding rate of 40 charts per hour and the same wage scale as mentioned above. When the cost savings achieved with the reduction of redundant work are added to the hard dollar returns associated with improved charge capture and consolidated coding, it is reasonable to assume that, on average, use of EDITS Data would conservatively net about $10 per chart over costs (not including any benefits from being able to report on any of the data in the program - management reports, profiling, CQI, etc.)

Is it cost-effective to use the EDITS Scan program?
Unequivocally yes. If NCR records cost $0.17 to print and the average ED record has five such pages, the cost to produce these records is $0.85 per patient. At a licensing fee of $0.60 per patient, scanning saves $0.20 per patient just in printing costs assuming a printing cost of $0.01 per page for single-page records without NCR copies. The cost of mailing copies of ED records to medical staff members is conservatively $1 each when labor, envelope and postage are taken into consideration. By far, the major savings associated with scanned records relate to personnel time associated with "breaking down" NCR records, alphabetizing, reconciling, distributing, filing, storing, retrieving, copying and destroying them. Unfortunately, it is most difficult to place a dollar figure on this saving, but it can reasonably be expected to be at least several dollars per record. The savings associated with use of scanned records are virtually doubled when records must be sent to off-site billing companies. They have all of the same record handling tasks that the hospitals have. If provided with an electronic copy of the scanned files, they achieve all of the benefits achieved by hospitals using scanned records.

Is it cost-effective to use the EDITS Chart program?
Unequivocally yes. A recent study demonstrated that use of a templated ED record increased charge capture based on physician documentation by $62 when ED records were coded by EM coding specialists. Using the prototype of the EDITS Scan chart, a net increase in charges of $20 per chart was documented as the result of improved physician documentation. Assuming a collection rate of 40%, this represents a net return of $7.75 per patient when the cost of the licensing fee is deducted. It can easily be projected that coding time will decrease when charted elements are precounted by EDITS Scan and billable procedures electronically identified. Conservatively, this should be worth at least $0.50 per chart.

Who has access to the EDITS Data database?
Each licensee determines who will have network access to the database and to which components of the data. Through use of passwords to various areas and read-only configurations, information security can be determined by the licensee.

What components of the ED record can be scanned by EDITS Scan?
Any portion of the ED record can be identified by a bar code to be scanned into EDITS Scan. This can include the physician record, the nursing record, EKGs, transfer forms, code-blue sheets, discharge instructions, demographic "face" sheets and the like. The licensee will determine which pages of the record will be scanned. The licensing fee is "per patient" and as many pages as desired may be scanned for the same fee.