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Coding [2008-11-06]
Oh great, more confusion to look forward to eh? Actually, I am working part time in coding and I am able to “train” on my time on harder charts that are already done, see how I do, then compare to what is coded. I love orthopedics, but the things I cannot find are because the docs call it one thing, and it is listed in the book as something else. For instance, cubital tunnel release. Yes, yes, I research heavily to find the cubital tunnel, and the operation, but I can’t seem to pull the trigger on the correct answer in actuality. I know the answers are all there.
Redpen, do you teach coding anywhere? [2008-11-05]
Thanks.
Coding is [2008-11-03]
I like coding because it
It is truly a rare bird that calls coding straightforward and clear! It is straightforward and clear to you. I doubt there are many very experienced coders who would use those words to describe coding. You are a rare bird.
I am learning coding, it is very difficult and [2008-11-01]
I am not sure I like it, in fact I hate it some days. I canI love coding so far. I do see people saying that! If you love coding, why? I can't see it from here.
Why I like coding [2008-11-01]
[quote]I am not sure I like it, in fact I hate it some days. I canI love coding so far. I do see people saying that! If you love coding, why? I can't see it from here. [/quote]
I like coding because it's very straightforward and clear. I enjoy reading medical documentation and figuring out what diagnoses should be coded. I also enjoy reading operative reports and figuring out what exactly they did so that I can code it.
You say you can't find the answers sometimes. I know it sounds weird to say this, but the answers are all there. If you can't find them, you're probably not looking for them the right way. You might have the wrong concept of what to do or the wrong expectations.
That's not meant to diminish your feelings or make you feel bad, but to point out that you might not have been shown how to do this correctly.
What are you studying now and in what setting? What book? CPT? ICD-9-CM? Commercial course? Online college course? Trying to teach yourself?
Do you have an instructor? Is the instructor a certified coder? What do they say about this?
If this is a college course, my guess is that you're trying to make heads or tails of course materials and trying to get a computer program to accept your answers. It probably seems like a random guess process to you. If so, that could be your problem. It might not be YOU, but the fact that you can't figure out what to do because you aren't getting any reliable feedback from the computer or the instructor who can't code!
If you're learning ICD-9 diagnosis coding right now, there is a certain process to use that will enable you to find the right code. It's not torturous, but it can involve cross-referencing. However, if you keep track of what you're looking at (write it all down) you can keep it straight. The more of it you do, the easier it becomes and the less you'll have to write down. You have to develop your skill with regards to this. It's exactly like learning to ride a bicycle.
Coding certifications [2008-10-22]
It is getting so that you really will want a certification to enhance your chances of getting a best-paid job. Employers are looking more toward certifications, since using certified coders helps them ensure accuracy, reduce training costs, and demonstrate that they did everything they could to ensure compliance with standards.
Which certification you would want will depend on the type of coding you wish to pursue.
Right now, there are fewer inpatient coding jobs (understandably) than outpatient. That's going to affect your choice.
The AAPC CPC certification is primarily for outpatient coding, so that's a good place to start if you want to do outpatient coding.
If you want to do inpatient coding, then you'd go for an AHIMA CCS. That's another good place to start.
The AAPC CCPC-H and AHIMA CCS-P can be added on, as well.
The best plan is to get one from each organization. That way, you're covered no matter whether the prospective employer is more familiar with AHIMA or AAPC credentials.
If you're leaning toward hospital or medical center coding, an AHIMA certification will help. For outpatient clinic settings, AAPC certifications are far more common.
Where can you find Medical coding/billing jobs online? [2008-10-22]
I will be graduating with a diploma for Medical Billing and Coding at the end of next month. I was so excited until I found out how hard it is to find online jobs! My current family situation will not allow for me to be able to work away from the home so if I can't find something online then I would have just racked up $25,000 in student loans for nothing. I would appreciate any feed back!! Thanks so Much!
I'm currently taking a diploma course for medical coding and billing... Here are the books I am u [2008-10-22]
Step-By-Step Medical Coding by Carol J. Buck
Step-By-Step Medical Coding Workbook by Carol J. Buck
Insurance Handbook for the Medical Office by Marilyn T. Fordney
Insurance Handbook for the Medical Office Student Workbook by Marilyn T. Fordney
The Language of Medicine by Davi-Ellen Chabner
Quick Guide to HIPAA for the Physician's Office
Mosby's Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary by Elsevier Mosby
CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) by AMA (American Medical Association)
ICD 9 CM (I believe the ICD 10 has come out but I haven't gotten that one yet)
ICD 9 CM stands for International Classification of Diseases 9th revision Clinical Modification
by PMIC
HCPCS ( Health Care Procedure Coding System)
National Level II Medicare Codes by PMIC
Like I said I am currently enrolled in a colege course for medical billing/coding, and will be recieving a diploma and these are all the books I have needed (for the coding part, I have also had anatomy, pycology, and several other regular courses, but the above books are all I needed for the coding parts)
I hope this info helps! I wish I knew you didn't have to go to school for it, I would have saved $2500o, well minus the prices for the books. From what I have been reading recently all you need to do is be able to pass the certification test, so you should be able to teach your self with these books!
Coding test [2008-10-21]
I stopped coding about 6 years ago when I came home to work and before that, I was doing inpatient and clinic coding which is what the test will consist of, mainly inpatient. The only thing she told me about the test is that I will be given a few charts and will have to code them so I am hoping it will all come back to me.
coding review [2008-10-21]
Get yourself a copy of the Official Coding Guidelines and study those. Google official coding guidelines. The new ones have an effective date of 10/1/2008. Really study those well. All the rules are right there.
Coding test [2008-10-21]
Thanks for the suggestion, found them, will study hard, and go see if coding is like riding a bike...
Coding test for job... [2008-10-20]
Open question, I have been transcribing for 14 years, have 6 years experience in coding but not recent. I have an opportunity for a coding position which requires testing, any tips from current coders on how to do well on this test? TIA for any help.
if you REALLY want to teach yourself coding [2008-10-07]
Start out with Faye Brown's ICD-9-CM Coding Handbook. It is a definitive learning tool and can be purchased on the AHIMA website, www.AHIMA.org. Then get yourself a copy of the Official Coding Guidelines (they might be included in the book, not sure). The Guidelines were just updated and are effective 10/1/2008. AHIMA will be a good starting place for study materials. A review guide is not the place to start because it is what it says, a review guide, which assumes you already know how to code. AHIMA has the basic books to learn both ICD and CPT coding. You will need to learn both. I am a coder in a large level 1 trauma center and teaching hospital in the midwest. Around here, you can get a job with a CCA but for outpatient coding only. You do need a CCS for inpatient coding, Most hospitals here prefer AHIMA credentials over AAPC.
Starting out in Coding or billing [2008-10-06]
Hi, I've been an MT for about 8 years but would like to learn medical billing and coding procedures. I plan on teaching myself as much as possible (and asking people that I know who are professional coders questions) and then taking the 4 day boot camp & take the CPC-A (apprentice) exam. What would you ladies suggest I start with? A CPC study guide? I am about 90% sure I can obtain a job in my hospital once I actually have a certification.
Thank you so much in advance!
By the way, I already have med term., a&p I and II w/ labs, and have an extensive knowledge about anatomy. The thing I need brushing up on are meds/surgical instruments, etc...
Thanks again for your help!!
E-learning training for billing coding and transcribing [2008-09-26]
I work for the number one E-learning provider in the world. We have been providing students with training since 1991. We offer the cca exam training for coding the cmcp exam training for billing and the RMT and CMT training for transcribers. I would love to work with anyone seeking a great cost effective option to achieve their objectives.
We will not be the cheapest choice. We will be a fraction of the cost of a regular school though. Please call me robert guess 1-800-653-4933 ext 3175 mon-fri 9-6 est time zone for details. Thank you.
We train in a see it do it test it environment allowing you to learn the material at your own pace and supplying you an environment conducive to learning the material and knowledge needed to one pass the exams but allowing you to practice in the environments (a type of flight simulation) which you will see in the real world.
Is it important that a coding school offer ICD-10 [2008-09-26]
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Good online medical coding school [2008-09-21]
I would like to know if anyone could recommend a good medical coding school and how is the outlook for medical coding? Will these jobs eventually be outsourced to India? Any info would help.
Outlook for coding [2008-09-21]
The outlook for coding is very good. There is an increasing need for coders, due to the type of reimbursement system used in the United States and an ageing population which requires more medical care, among other things.
There are already a huge number of coding positions going unfilled due to a shortage of coders. Within the next several years, the United States will likely be switching to a more complex coding system. It is expected that many older coders will choose to retire and less competent coders will seek other work rather than try to make the switch. It is thought that a huge number of jobs will open up just prior to the changeover to ICD-10.
Large-scale outsourcing the jobs to India is unlikely. There has been an actual decrease in interest in this, with some of the federal sector healthcare entities banning offshoring entirely. It is expected that the private sector will follow.
Unlike some other jobs, there is a high need for control of the coding and reimbursement process. Coding has a critical effect on reimbursement, with errors resulting in lost income and the potential for huge fines and criminal sanctions. Offshore workers cannot be held liable for this, which has served to squelch interest in offshoring. Recent developments in privacy and security requirements (HIPAA), with the threat of medical identity theft, are cooling interest in offshoring, as well.
As an occupation, coding offers good potential for advancement. Even if it becomes possible to assign codes via software, the higher level jobs will still be necessary and available. Coders will move easily into other roles.
I want to switch from MT to coding, where are the jobs posted? [2008-09-18]
I have been a Transcriptionist for 12 years and want to do something else. Where do you find the job postings to apply for these jobs?
home coding [2008-09-13]
I can't speak to billing, but there is an abundance of home coding jobs. Do you have any credential? without credentials, you would not be able to get one of the home coding jobs. With a credential, the market is wide open. Try reading Advance for HIM or the Journal of AHIMA. Advance is a free publication and you and you get on electronic transmission for this one. The Journal you would have to subscribe but might find at the library. There is another free one but I can't remember the name, think it's something with Forward. Anyway, they all have classifieds and you would find many, many coding opportunities. I work for a company based in Florida, live in Wisconsin, and have done home coding for them for 6 years, but i know they will not hire without a credential.
Are there any at home coding jobs?? [2008-09-08]
Hi everyone! About 5 years ago I completed some courses through my local college for medical coding/billing and transcription. I liked the billing much better and did that for a busy family practice for 5 years. For the past 2 years I've been home with my kids. I would really like to work but with the rising price of gas it would not pay for me to get an outside job. I live out in the country and the closest doctors office or hospital is 35 miles away. Are there companies that offer a home based billing opportunity?
Thanks!
Amanda
Re: coding jobs [2008-08-31]
It can be hard to get a coding job right out of school, and I am always telling people I know with the same question; if you I have known people to work their way in by doing this. I did it myself over a year and a half ago, and I am now the clinic division Billing coordinator for a hospital system. Also, let your schooling intentions be known to those you are applying to.Get all the practice you can with coding, from practice workbooks. There are quite a few available from Ahima, AAPC websites bookstores, Borders online, etc... You need to know what you and once you have one of those, getting a job should be easier. But, the exam is not easy! So again, practice, practice, practice.
Coding Jobs [2008-08-25]
I What are the chances of getting a work-at-home coding job?
I am currently working as an MT from home, and the company I work for seems todo coding, but it really isn
Coding programs [2008-08-24]
Andrews has a coding program, but it might be more comprehensive than what you are looking for.
biling vs coding [2008-08-20]
I have seen on this forum in addition to multiple other the difficulty which new coders are having gaining entry-level employment.
Is this also true in medical billing or is billing easier to get a foot in the door with training but no experience?
What is the difference in pay for billers vs coders?
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