Medical Record Procurement in the era of HIPAA
Hospital medical records contain valuable information that researchers can put to use when conducting clinical and health economics and outcomes research.  Data collected through medical record abstraction is crucial to determining the clinical benefits and cost effectiveness of various types of treatment.  But often times researchers avoid designing studies that tap into this vital source of data simply because they are unsure of how to navigate the challenges that HIPAA brought to the research landscape.

A thorough understanding of the HIPAA regulations and their impact on clinical and health services research allows research professionals to optimize the use of medical record data and protected health information (PHI) in their research studies.  CARE professionals have expertise in health privacy and security, and their expertise will guide researchers in overcoming the challenges of medical record procurement in the era of HIPAA.

Quality Information through Quality Data
Health economics and outcomes research is helping to address contemporary healthcare issues beyond clinical trials of treatment methods – to investigate the results and costs of clinical implementation of those methods in the healthcare community at large.  Sound, defensible research using real world clinical documentation depends on collection and analysis of reliable data.  CARE is uniquely equipped to help align the need for robust clinical data collection with the realities of limited budgets and timelines.  Working hand-in-hand with researchers and carefully considering study protocols, CARE assures quality clinical data collection by implementing a multi-step process that begins with careful piloting and appropriate fine-tuning of data collection tools.  Our rigorous abstractor training and data quality assessment protocol offers the benefit of simultaneous data collection and data cleaning.

Roberta Peters Patty Sheridan Beth Kresse

Coding Quality Review & Education (CQRE)

HIM professionals are faced with the challenge of coding compliance with every file they process. With regulations and requirements constantly changing, that challenge, and the potential liability it poses, grows constantly larger.

Through a combination of assessments and interactive planning sessions, the consultant helps develop a coding compliance plan that not only lets you greet the OIG with confidence, but also provides:

• Standardized coding and documentation guidelines individualized to your organization
• A schedule of auditing and monitoring activities that will preserve the viability of your enhanced methodology

CARE’s Qualified Coding Consultant, working in a collaborative process with your coding team, establishes an accurate and proper standard of coding for your organization.