As they prepare to convert to ICD-10, nearly half of providers nationwide are planning to purchase an inpatient computer-assisted coding (CAC) solution within the next two years, according to a new report from KLAS.

HHS has proposed to extend the deadline for compliance by one year, to Oct. 1, 2014, but providers are still anxious about the conversion, according to news reports, and many are also concerned about the anticipated loss of productivity during the transition.

ICD-10 is the major motivator for these providers to look at a CAC solution, as they believe it can make up for some of the lost productivity and reimbursement that ICD-10 will create, researchers state in the report, "Computer-Assisted Coding: A Glimpse at the Future of HIM Technology."

The report indicates that adding a CAC system is an integral part of their ICD-10 readiness strategy.

“Providers worry their staff will not be ready in time for ICD-10," said KLAS research manager Graham Triggs, author of the report. "Though the market is young and no vendor has fully proven itself in the inpatient space, provider confidence that computer-assisted coding technology will ultimately create greater efficiency, productivity, and ICD-10 readiness is high."

For this reason, many providers are expected to make a purchase decision soon. By leveraging its large encoder market share, 3M has gained the highest mindshare in CAC, but OptumInsight and Dolbey are surging in their visibility among providers, according to the report.

A number of factors weigh into CAC selection decisions. This study discusses the differences between inpatient and outpatient CAC solutions, top consideration criteria, real and anticipated benefits of CAC, and an in-depth review of all of the major inpatient CAC players, as well as the solutions they offer.

Vendors included in the research are 3M, Cerner, CodeRyte, Dolbey, M*Modal, OptumInsight, PlatoCode, Precyse and QuadraMed.