Sally, the Coding Supervisor for Davenport University Hospital, is requesting more inpatient coders as the coders in her department are always behind. She has the support of the Director; however, the Vice President is asking for more information before he will approve more FULL TIME EMPLOYEES (FTEs). He is asking Sally to provide a plan that shows what tools and techniques can be used to monitor, report and possibly improve processes rather than increase FTEs. In addition, discuss whether looking for process improvement prior to adding more FTEs is a “smart” approach.
