HIT 220 Case 9 Data collection methods
I would use the following three collection tools to capture data that can help improve the coding
process.
1. Survey tools- I would provide a survey to all coders to gain the insight from the coders perspective on
what might be causing the DNFB. The survey would be anonymous so that all coding staff could express
freely their concerns, and try to determine if maybe a single event caused the two-week backlog of
coding. Maybe too many coders took time off from work and a policy should be put in place to limit the
number of employees that can take time off at the same time.
2. Observation- I would observe the daily operations in the coding department, maybe even shadow the
coders for a day to see if I can “catch” the issues the staff are dealing with. Maybe the coding
department isn’t getting the records in a timely manner.
3. Interview – I would interview a coding leader to determine if high numbers of unanswered physicians
queries is a common practice. Next, I would interview Administration supervisor to implement more
strict suspension policy for physicians and interns to “help” with the over 50 unanswered physician’s
queries, which would also help with lowering the DNFBs now and in the future.
