In terms of coding accuracy, what issue can negatively impact a facility's CMI?

Under-coding can significantly impact a facility's Case Mix Index (CMI) because it results in the omission of critical data that accurately reflects the severity of the patient population treated. When coding does not fully capture the services provided or the complexity of the cases, the CMI will be lower than it should be. This means that the facility may not be appropriately reimbursed for the services rendered, as the CMI plays a crucial role in determining payment rates. Lower CMI can affect not only financial performance but also the hospital's perceived value in the community and its ability to fund future services or improvements.

Changes in patient demographics may influence the types of services required, but they do not directly affect the accuracy of coding itself. Similarly, outdated coding education could contribute to overall inaccuracies, but the direct consequence on CMI is primarily through under-coding. Lastly, limiting patient services could affect overall patient volume and possibly profitability, but it would not directly relate to how accurately cases are coded in a manner that impacts the CMI. Thus, focusing on accurate and complete coding practices is critical for maintaining a healthy CMI and ensuring appropriate reimbursement.