MAJOR MEDICAL REVIEW ORGANIZATION SEEKS 
ACA COUNSEL ON CODING POLICY

ARLINGTON, VA (October 1, 2003)-- Bloodhound, Inc. (BHI), a forerunner in the medical software industry, and the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) met recently to ensure that Bloodhound’s coding software edits are consistent with ACA policy. Bloodhound originally contacted the ACA to seek guidance and direction on the issue. While insurance companies have been seeking coding advice from the ACA for several years, this marks the first time a medical review organization has requested such counsel from the ACA.

A major medical review vendor, Bloodhound, Inc. produces a leading medical bill review product called "Claims Guard," that is sold to health, automobile and workers’ compensation insurance carriers for bill review assistance.
"Bloodhound’s interest in complying with ACA coding policy demonstrates both the integrity of the company and the high regard in which ACA standards are held," said ACA President Donald Krippendorf, DC.

Bloodhound’s new President, Gary Twigg, believes in an "open book" policy through which coding edit policies are not held secret from providers. Because the company’s policies are based on solid research and "intelligent data," both providers and insurers can feel confident that unnecessary reviews will be dramatically reduced.

"This is such a refreshing way of doing business," said Dr. Krippendorf. "Unfortunately, many doctors have become accustomed to getting the ‘runaround’ when it comes to fair reimbursement. Bloodhound’s approach should be a model for other business partners to implement."

During ACA’s meeting with Bloodhound, BHI representatives expressed pleasant surprise that ACA had developed such extensive policies on coding and billing, and that ACA had such intimate knowledge and involvement in the American Medical Association (AMA) CPT process. Additionally, Bloodhound was so impressed with the coding background of Dr. Anthony Hamm of ACA‘s Coding Committee that they plan to consider his involvement on an internal Bloodhound advisory panel.
According to Dr. Krippendorf, "We are very grateful that Bloodhound came to us to make sure they are on the right track with our doctors. It’s a very positive step. I sincerely hope they are the first of many insurance medical review companies to come to us."

Bloodhound has assured ACA that it plans to continue its review of ACA coding policy to work toward consistency with their edits.

Contact:
Bloodhound, Inc.
(919) 313-1627
info@bloodhoundinc.com

Don Mundie
Delta Capital Management LLC
901-755-0949