Encoders are used because they are considered to be expert tools used by experts. We currently code because clinical data is linked to financial data, and for budgets and funding needs. When dollars are involved, everything becomes significant. The 3 C's can mean a significant and unnecessary loss of budget dollars if they are lacking, or a significant and unwarranted increase in dollars received which cannot be substantiated on audit. Coding is both an art and a science.
Coders are human and make mistakes.
Coders are also individuals and can develop bad habits. Some of the most common bad habits of coders include not using the index for common codes, and using cheat sheets. The ramifications of this will be differences between coders in a facility, and differences between facilities. This tool is an Electronic Encoder. In summary, changing imperatives in the financing of Healthcare are making the 3C's of clinical coding important as never before.