Never mind the code message sm

deleted code [2008-09-03]
Ok, I will be able to submit my answers tomorrow but before I do, how should I have known this was a deleted code?

deleted code [2008-09-02]
Code deleted for 2000. to report, use 62311 Hope this will help!

CPT code [2008-08-30]
My boss has purchased a module for me to practice CPT coding. Although I will only be doing pathology this module covers alot. There are short QA's to answer that I can print out and use my books and take my time. This is only for my knowledge I get no credits, no nothing for this so there is no cheating going on. Its just a $12 module for CPT Concepts. Just wanted to explain that before I asked my question. This question pertains to CPT code 62278 and a modifier to go with it.Herein the CPT book. Is this maybe a typo in the question. I have the CPT 2008 Professional Edition. Cany anyone help me with this. I have been racking my brain on this for 2 days now. Thanks

See message [2008-08-07]
Go to this site: http://www.mdanderson.org/patients_public/clinical_trials/

CPT code [2008-08-02]
Who's doing the therapy? Psychiatry? Neurology? A physical or occupational therapist? And what are they doing in this therapy? Can you describe it?

CPT Code for PCIT [2008-07-29]
Is there a CPT code for parent child interaction therapy for a child with sensory processing disorder (SPD).

CAUSE OF DEATH CODE [2008-06-30]
Hello:Could one of the coders please help me with a cause of death code? It is coded as Y349. We think it may have something to do with inhalation...but we are not sure inhalation of what. This is for the death of an old friend and any assistance you can provide deciphering this code would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Samantha

Congratulations! Mind if I ask where [2007-11-22]
xx

Never mind the code message sm [2007-10-16]
Found them on Google, thanks anyway.

There's a difference. Some people strictly code and some strictly [2007-09-24]
I I don't know about homebased.

deleted code [2008-09-03]
Ok, I will be able to submit my answers tomorrow but before I do, how should I have known this was a deleted code?

Oops! [2008-09-03]
I spoke too soon! It was deleted for the 2000 code set. In the CPT book, deleted codes are usually listed in a little note appearing where they would have been. There is an appendix in the back of some CPT editions that crosswalks newly deleted codes to current ones. As I pointed out, this one doesn't have the note. Some references contain lists of deleted codes. You can also sometimes find them by searching online. If you do a Google search for this one, you'll come up with references to it.

deleted code [2008-09-02]
Code deleted for 2000. to report, use 62311 Hope this will help!

CPT code [2008-08-30]
My boss has purchased a module for me to practice CPT coding. Although I will only be doing pathology this module covers alot. There are short QA's to answer that I can print out and use my books and take my time. This is only for my knowledge I get no credits, no nothing for this so there is no cheating going on. Its just a $12 module for CPT Concepts. Just wanted to explain that before I asked my question. This question pertains to CPT code 62278 and a modifier to go with it.Herein the CPT book. Is this maybe a typo in the question. I have the CPT 2008 Professional Edition. Cany anyone help me with this. I have been racking my brain on this for 2 days now. Thanks

I disagree [2008-08-27]
I think coding is considerably more difficult because it requires much greater analytical skills, considerably more understanding of the total disease process and pathophysiology and is much more subjective than transcription. It is that subjectivitiy that makes it more difficult. sometimes there can be more than one right code for a given scenario AND because it is so regulated by the insurance industry and the government, CMS mainly. Transcription, on the other hand, has a definite right and wrong. it is either what the dictator said or is isn I am not saying transcription is easy by any means. I fully understand the knowledge required to be a good MT and the challenges that transcription poses. I am simply saying that I find coding much more of a challenge. I have been transcribing for about 25 years and coding at a large teaching facility for about 6 years. Personally, I couldn't really compare the two. They are worlds apart. And one does not necessarily make it easier to transition to the other.

Things you can to to improve your prospects. [2008-08-26]
There aren't too many work-at-home jobs for new coders. You might need to bite the bullet and agree to work on-site for a short while. Start now to prepare yourself to take and pass a CPC, CCS, or CCS-P certification exam when you graduate, because that is the key to getting hired. In your courses, do not aim for a passing grade, but for a perfect grade. Squeaking by is not enough--the deficit will accumulate. If your course uses only one coding textbook, get different textbooks and learn everything they teach, too. Work every problem in every textbook, as well as in Clinical Coding Workout, and Marsha Diamond's Medical Coding Practice and Review, and every other review book you can find. You might be able to get them on interlibrary loan. Find out the certification requirements NOW for both AAPC and AHIMA, so that you won't waste time barking up the wrong tree. Those exams require you to be able to CODE, so that is what you need to learn to do. You need to know the anatomy, pharmacology, lab, and med language cold, but you must be able to code. If you can demonstrate to an employer that you can do that, they may hire you and you can move home quickly.

That's a different story. [2008-08-23]
What you had, then, was a poor documentation issue rather than a coder problem. Billers have a long tradition of thinking the coders are terrible and also of thinking the job isn't as complicated as it actually is. It's a lot like having the receptionist think the billers' jobs are easy and that she could do it without training because all she sees is typing and she can do that. That's not saying YOU are seeing it that way, but just pointing out that the situation from the coders' side might not have been quite what you thought. Coders code only from what is in the documentation. You donled to do so, in which case it was still not ok. Hospitals are constantly being investigated and sanctioned for this. Just having a supervisor approve it is no guarantee that it's ok--a supervisor and some other corporate sorts from 30 miles south of me are in federal prison right now for doing the same thing. But, if you are able to know what should have been coded from seeing a bill, then you might be an expert already. In that case, try taking the CCS exam and see what happens. If you pass and can get a job, then you're ahead of the game. If you can't, then you'll know you need more education. I can say with some certainty that you will not get a job working from home coding inpatient records without on-site experience, even with a CCS. It's even less likely to occur with a CCA, and your chances of being hired at all for inpatient coding with a CCA aren't great. Keeping the job would present a difficulty, too, considering the productivity requirements employers have. In truth, your chances of getting a job doing remote billing are better. It would certainly be less trouble.

Maybe, maybe not. [2008-08-20]
[quote]My question is, if i can pass the test, do you think I will be able to get a job with my experience?[/quote] [quote] I worked with Medicare, so the codes had to be correct always, and we had terrible coders that always put in codes that wouldn't pay...[/quote] It is entirely possible for someone to study on their own and pass the certification exam. The problem you may have is related to that second quote, in which you say the coders you worked with were terrible because they put in codes that didn't pay. Your experience seems to have been in changing the codes to ones that would pay. When you changed the codes to ones that would pay, you may have committed fraud, or at least were guilty of abuse. It is a federal criminal act (fraud) to knowingly do that and submit the claim to Medicare. If you don't realize it's wrong, it's only abuse. The penalties for either are severe. What you might not have realized was that those terrible coders were probably correct. They may have been coding correctly. Those codes cannot be changed. The physician may need to review his documentation practices, perhaps, but the codes cannot be changed. The office may need to issue ABNs for services which are not covered, but the codes cannot be changed. Coming along behind a professinal coder and changing his/her code assignments is not recommended. The problem you'll have with the exam will be that you have incorrect knowledge and expectations regarding coding. I can tell this because you thought all those coders codes were wrong. That means that *your* thinking is not correct. If you do decide to apply for a coding job, I recommend you never, ever mention that your experience involved changing coders' codes.

CPT Code for PCIT [2008-07-29]
Is there a CPT code for parent child interaction therapy for a child with sensory processing disorder (SPD).

MT to coder [2008-07-06]
I have already posted this message on themain board, but I It ispretty much the same question as themessage below me, butI would REALLY appreciate any advice that I can get from anyone who is either looking into coding or is already in the business.I am currently a Transcriptionist at a hospital and I am really interested in getting into the coding business. I was just wondering if there are any of you out there who have made this transition and if you have any tips or warnings for me. Any advice is appreciated.

CAUSE OF DEATH CODE [2008-06-30]
Hello:Could one of the coders please help me with a cause of death code? It is coded as Y349. We think it may have something to do with inhalation...but we are not sure inhalation of what. This is for the death of an old friend and any assistance you can provide deciphering this code would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Samantha

Medical transcription & Other Healthcare Jobs [2008-06-17]
If you are already working, but the wages cannot satisfy you you are seeking for a home job which will fulfil that demand, medical transcription will be the perfect choice for you. It does not ask from you any highly expensive equipment or any high profile quality. If you hold interest in this matter this article will assist you provide enough information about medical transcription. Medical transcription has turned into a special vocation for many people for its flexible way of income. Here an individual gets enough liberty to perform any time according to his convenience with a deadline has turned into a resourceful avenue of income along with his primary profession. According to the various source of research, the trend to work as a Medical Transcriptionist is consecutively growing up day-by-day.If you are efficient as a Medical transcriptionist you have a lot of demand for work. All the important medical institutions like clinics, hospitals, physicians colleges etc. employ Medical transcriptionist. Working within the appropriate office environment, the job of Medical transcription is no less rewarding. A Medical transcriptionist, working from home, is expected to be equipped with only a computer with a modem, a fax, a phone, a printer, dictating equipment with the headset, etc.Generally, you are expected to have a decent skill on computer keyboard should be aware of the functions that the keys offer. You should keep it in the mind that all the organisations, hiring Medical transcriptionists are inclined for those people who are already polished with experience in the clinic, or hospital setting. Though it is not uncommon that a company asks for newly a fresher applicant but prior experience in this field will facilitate your work pressure. It is prudent for those employers who are employing Medical transcriptionists, expect a sound knowledge on anatomy, physiology and pharmacology terminology, as well as competent English. If you want to shine yourself as Medical transcriptionist you must go through a medical course which you can continue being physically present in an institution but the better option for you will to attain aonline course on that. Specially, if you are a worker already, online course will save your time. After the course is over you should work under the supervision of a medical practitioner in the first one or two years to gather experience.The remuneration of a medical transcriptionist may cheer you up with the earning of $40 per hour, depending on which country you are working. With the time you bag up experience, it will help to increase your income $1000 to $3000 per month. With Best Regards Maria

For those wanting to kow about Coding [2008-05-10]
TO answer the burning question upfront, Ihascharts showing averages for coders based on city, state, etc... but II am in northern IL and the average arond here isaround $16/hr starting, and once you have at least 2yrs exp. you can expect a nice increase in that number as well as offers to do coding from home. I have been working in a multi-specialty clinic for a year now as a receptionist, were among other duties, I also code. I let it be know whenI began there that I was in school for coding and did not plan to stay forever unless they could incorporate me into exclusively a coding position (within resonable time.) Happily, I am now transitioning to that very position as soon as a replacement is found for me at thefront desk. I have always told othersa good way to get into coding is to find at least a part-time jobin a clinic or medical records dept somewhere, while in coding classes; let your future intentions be known, ask if you can help with any coding along the way (in some clinics it is the receptionists doing all the coding because of shortness of coders). Secondly, if you go to Ahima.org you can get a national list of approved coding programs according to type of certificate/degree level, online vs on-site,etc... If anyone has more questions feel free to email me as I don't come here too often.

MT versus coding [2008-05-05]
Sending you this message also, not sure if you got the last one. I am just curious to know if you found out anything more about coding and how it compares to MT. I have 16 years experience and may also be looking for a change but use my experience. Thanks, BRJ

Meditec on-line program [2007-10-06]
Can anyone offer any information about the program offered by Meditec on-line for billing and coding. I have looked through a ton of programs and this program seems like it would be a little more thorough as far as the subjects and amount of reports to code, plus they seem to touch on the billing aspect, insurance, etc. I have been to the AHIMA board and looked at all the schools listed on their site; however, they do not endorse any particular school, as such, not really helping anyone makea decision as to any good school to go to. Also, in looking at their programs, they do not really seem to offer any more in the way of subjects that they touch on and, in fact, seem to offer a little less to me than the distance program called Meditec. This one seems to touch on some software programs out there as well which I think should be included in one Also, from what I am gathering, it does not seem as though the AHIMA cares where you get your education, just that you get a good enough one to pass their exam. I do wonder, however, at the same time if any employers look at where one gets their schooling or if they too are more interested in the credentials and that you have them, period. I did ask one employer if they looked at the schooling behind the credentials and she said that, no they did not really critique the schooling, they were more interested in the fact that they have the proper credentials and experience. While there seems to be a ton of schools offering these courses, there seems to be a lack of information from anyone person/organization as to what is the best course offered, leaving one to sort of guess and well hope they hit the right one. I also seem to find that, for the most part, the ones willing to comment are usually the ones who only have something negative to say about the business/field, programs,etc. Again, making it hard to make a good decision as to where to go. Then there are the companies all trying to push their program and telling you they are theONE to go to, only I know that they will all tell you that in order to sell their program. After all, that is THEIR business. And well, maybe they really do feel that their program is the best. Unfortunately, I know that there has to be some solid answers out there from someone, someone who has been there/done that successfully. Would you please share some info with me. If you don I am a successful working medical Transcriptionist right now and would like to venture into coding, billing, office management, and maybe HIM as well. I do not have unrealistic expectations of having to work from home, making a ton of money at this. Just want to further my education for the knowledge, and yes make a decent honest living at it. Yes, I know it is hard work getting there. I did a transcription course through M-Tec, was challenging, I have worked my 12 hour + daysat my first transcription job, been in tears thinking I was never going to get my line count. Seemed to get it finally by the end of the day somehow, and now I am making my line count and then some. I am doing fine at it and have been successful for 4 years so far doing it. I still like it.I am not a complainer on the MT Stars board bashing companies, because I feel for every company that I worked at that was not my favorite for one reason or another, I was stilllearning and geting some type ofexperience, no matter what. One has to take those chances and go through thosesort of lifeto learn as well. So I am sure that medical coding/billing is no exception to the rule and know what I am in for before I go into it. Just looking for some advice to go in the right direction on the schooling!! Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share.

Here's what I know.. [2007-09-20]
I have been doing medical insurance billing for doctor offices for over 10 years. I also do transcription. In the scope of my duties as a biller, I have to code diagnoses etc..So, I do have to have that experience and it goes hand in hand and at one job I had a monthly salary and at another I was paid hourly. You can go specifically into coding and become certified. I could also do it this within my billing but it wouldn Usually, certified coders are hired for hospitals and you would purely be coding so billing and do their thing. These kinds of coders are very detailed as you might have to code diagnoes of someone who is a critical patient with multiple diagnoses etc..so that is why hospitals hire certified coders. They may have other credentials that you get for further education in this area but I am not sure. So, it is all if you want to go small-time i.e. in a doctor's office versus going in a hospital and strictly into coding. I hope I helped a little. Please feel free to ask anymore questions and I'll do my best to answer.

coding and billing [2007-09-20]
Hello, I am also an MT and just finished a coding course and passed the certification test in August. From what I have been reading, most hospitals only hire people with experience. I am hoping to start out in coding in a clinical setting. My goal has always been to be able to code from home but realize that I have to gain experience. I am also learning that it can be tough getting your foot in the door with coding and many people start out by taking any position just to get in and then move into coding from there. I am told that experienced coding can make a very good living. Hope that helps a little.

Coding exam [2007-08-22]
Sorry to hear about that. I also have been thinking about transitioning to the coding field (and I also am in Georgia!). Mind if I ask what steps you took prior to taking the exam? Did you take a course or train yourself? If school, which course did you take? Thanks for any info you can provide, and good luck to you on the next go around!

coding versus MT [2007-08-15]
I just completed the Career Step coding program. It was tough. I also do MT part time. I don With coding, I personally feel that you need to have a really good understanding of the body systems. With MT, you basically have to be familiar with it. But with coding, there are a lot more nuances when selecting a code. Just my opinion.

How does the salary for coding compare to MT salaries? [2007-04-23]
Are there former MTs who are now coding? How do you feel about coding? Do you make more money? Do you find it just as satisfying as transcribing? I am considering making the change, IF the salary increase would be enough to compensate for the classes and schooling involved. Those of you who have experience in both world - what is your advice? Keep in mind that I am 53 and still a ways from retirement, but it is definitely on the horizon. TIA.

Getting back into coding [2006-12-29]
Hi Judy! Thanks so much for the information. I have been a MT for about 14 years. I have also been involved in ER coding for 4 years. I have an ART 2-year degree as well as a 4-year degree for that matter. I want to get back into coding. It has been almost 6 years. I know how to code, I just do not know all the CPT and ICD-9 changes. Does Carol Buck's package cover everything? Would you still recommend it to someone like me or is it more for people who know nothing about coding? Thanks so much!