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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
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
Rhit vs strictly coding [2008-06-12]
I have asked this question a few times but have not gotten any responses.so thought I would try again.
I am considering going for RHIT degree and later for RHIA. I have been scared off the HIM field a bit by a lot of people who have found it difficult to find entry-levels positions in coding. However, it was my understanding that RHIT enabled one to do more than just coding, that while entry-level coding was taught other opportunities such as cancer registry and release of information were also incluced in RHIT curriculum.
My question is then is it easier to break into the HIM field with RHIT degree rather just coding certification and looking for only coding positions?
This would bea career change for me. I am 40 and have been a MT for 10 years. I need to have more stable income and benefits than MT is providing asI am a single parent.
My concerns for coding is also off shoring. Is coding going to go eventually the way of MT in your opinions?
I am not sure I should be investing time and money into this course if I cannot find an entry-level position or if the field is outsourced/off-shored such as MT has done, left people either without a job or jobs with reduced pay and benefits.
Thanks and I really would like some insights. Please respond on boards or privately.
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!
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.
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.
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?
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.
Apply, apply, apply [2008-08-17]
You have to work at getting a job. Apply, apply, apply for anything and everything, and TAKE the first job that is offered even if it pays nothing and you hate it.
Take ANY job, even in a doctor's office answering phones if you have to. Work your way up from there.
Look for a job doing anything in a medical record room of a large multispecialty clinic or a hospital--clerk, secretary, anything.
Part of the problem may be that you describe your degree as transcription and coding. People either do one or the other. If you apply for both, employers will think you don't know what you want to do. It implies that you don't understand what the employer needs.
Also be careful about saying you have a certification. You didn't indicate which one you have, but if it's not an AHDI RMT in transcription, an AAPC CPC-A (you can't have a CPC yet because you have no experience), or an AHIMA CCS or CCS-P, then you have no certification the employer is interested in.
Billing and coding are very important to employers. They can't afford to train you, can't afford to lose money on bad coding, and can't afford to be investigated by federal agencies for fraud and abuse based on bad coding.
You can enhance your skills while looking for a job by getting more books and studying on your own.
Also consider volunteering at a hospital in the medical records department, or at a hospice, or at some other charitable healthcare organization. Volunteer experience can count.
How with no experience do I get a billing/coding job? [2008-08-11]
Ok I have a two year degree in coding and transcription and training in coding/billing. How do I get a job in billing/coding if no one wants to hire you? They all say we hired someone who had both the billing and coding experience. It is so frustrating for entry level people like me. I have 1-1/2 month experience in coding thanks to a temporary position with the city. Other than that I just have my two year degree and certification. Anyone have any ideas or advice? Thanks! Coder/biller with little experience
This is not true [2008-08-02]
Your advisor gave you bad information.
First of all, the RHIT credential is not specifically for coding. It's for health information technology in general.
You can and should sit for the RHIT credential immediately after you graduate. Passing that exam does not depend on experience in coding. You should be able to pass it with just what you learned in school. It is an ENTRY LEVEL exam. In fact, the longer you wait, the worse your score will be because you'll forget what you learned.
The AHIMA coding exams, i.e., the CCS, CCS-P, are mastery level exams. AHIMA recommends that you have 2 years of experience before taking them, but it's only a recommendation. Their certification communicates only that you know the material. Students from some coding programs are able to pass them without experience.
The American Association of Professional Coders, however, REQUIRES two years of experience before they will grant the full certification. You can TAKE the exam at any time before that, but you'll get a temporary certification which indicates that you do not have the experience. Their certification communicates to employers and clients that you not only know the material, but that you have significant experience, as well.
If you are considering a career change, get the information you need directly from the source. Don't pass up an excellent career opportunity based on some nonsense spouted by someone at a school who has no more clue than a rabbit about what you intend to study.
Don't take advice given by people, either. Find out the truth for yourself. Both certifying organizations' websites explain exactly what you need to do. www.ahima.org and www.aapc.com
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
rhit [2008-06-21]
It just seems to make sense for a Transcriptionist to venture into HIM, but the problem is there are so many peolple I am hearing who are having a terrible getting an entry-level position in the field. Most people can ill afford to waste several years out of their life in education and come out without a job or one that pays the same as working as a bank teller, which requires no advanced education. I realize in most fields one must pay their dues and make lower pay in entry level positions but what I am hearing is pretty low pay if you can even get the foot on the door and find an entrylevel job. Those coders making really good money seem to have many years of experience and are not entry level.I suppose if one has a good second income you might be able to wait it outuntil someone gave you ashot and makeverly little while paying dues. Just asI supecta fewlucky peole fall in to good paying entry level positions. There are always exceptions but what a gamble considering what most are saying.
Outsourcing/Offshoring is another definite concern. Look what it has done to transcription. Ten years ago I easly could get a good hourly wage in a hospital with benefits. Now not one hospital in my area has onsite transcription. I for one will run like the wind from any job/career that pays production pay. To me it If I bust hump I can make more than the hourly wages I was once offered right now, but afer years of thatit is an exhausting lifestyle for the sole breadwinner in a famiy working full time that way.
Also my goodness what career do you know that pays people this way?. It.You have to wonder who started the trend AND why on Earth transcriptionists accepted it. Understood the possbility of more money but you are essentially dooming yourself to sweat shopt like menatlity and value of quantity over quality when the field decided to go this way. My concerns with coding going the same path and I can see already there is some outsourcing and offshorting there already.
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
Rhit vs strictly coding [2008-06-12]
I have asked this question a few times but have not gotten any responses.so thought I would try again.
I am considering going for RHIT degree and later for RHIA. I have been scared off the HIM field a bit by a lot of people who have found it difficult to find entry-levels positions in coding. However, it was my understanding that RHIT enabled one to do more than just coding, that while entry-level coding was taught other opportunities such as cancer registry and release of information were also incluced in RHIT curriculum.
My question is then is it easier to break into the HIM field with RHIT degree rather just coding certification and looking for only coding positions?
This would bea career change for me. I am 40 and have been a MT for 10 years. I need to have more stable income and benefits than MT is providing asI am a single parent.
My concerns for coding is also off shoring. Is coding going to go eventually the way of MT in your opinions?
I am not sure I should be investing time and money into this course if I cannot find an entry-level position or if the field is outsourced/off-shored such as MT has done, left people either without a job or jobs with reduced pay and benefits.
Thanks and I really would like some insights. Please respond on boards or privately.
rhit [2008-05-16]
It seems a lot of people have a hard time breaking into coding. Does having a RHIT and then possibly going on to RHIA make you more marketable? I am 40 and don I have considered clincal work (PTA or RN) but as a single Mom with a disabled child these types of programs would be a real hardship on my family (we have a mortgage and going to school full-time for 2years isn An RHIT and then RHIA proram seems feasible and a good transition for an experienced MT but really wonder if there are jobs available. I am in econmically crunched Michigan as well. Please would love some responses.
NOISE!!! [2008-05-15]
I work at a hospital in the Health Information Management office. There is me, about 6 other transcriptionists, 3 coders and 5 clerks. It gets VERY loud. I know it gets frusturating, but you Also, if you could invest in (or get your company to buy) a pair of Bose headphones, you will be amazed at what a difference it makes. It cuts out probably 2/3 of the noise. Good LUCK!!!
In office MT [2008-05-14]
I cannot speak for everybody, but I do work in an office as the only Transcriptionist and do not have an area off by myself (wish I did), and yes, there are overhead pages, phones ringing, people talking, people running faxes, printers, and just general chaos most of the time. It is difficult to concentrate on what you are doing. Oh, almost forgot - most people in the office just come to my desk and start talking or asking questions while I have my headphones on.This
In office MT [2008-05-14]
I cannot speak for everybody, but I do work in an office as the only Transcriptionist and do not have an area off by myself (wish I did), and yes, there are overhead pages, phones ringing, people talking, people running faxes, printers, and just general chaos most of the time. It is difficult to concentrate on what you are doing. Oh, almost forgot - most people in the office just come to my desk and start talking or asking questions while I have my headphones on.This has
In office MT [2008-05-14]
I cannot speak for everybody, but I do work in an office as the only Transcriptionist and do not have an area off by myself (wish I did), and yes, there are overhead pages, phones ringing, people talking, people running faxes, printers, and just general chaos most of the time. It is difficult to concentrate on what you are doing. Oh, almost forgot - most people in the office just come to my desk and start talking or asking questions while I have my headphones on.This has been my experience with working in a medical office.
My little cubby and I mean little [2008-05-14]
the boss. So, inevitably, everyone that came to see her, stopped to complain to us 2 transcriptionists first. No one ever said it would be easy, but some people like the chaos. You have to ignore a lot going on around you. Also, don That used to crack me up! As far as I was concerned anyone can answer a phone, but not a sole in the place could transcribe but us MTs (there were only 2 of us). The other thing that ticked me off was when I did take a break, I got the looks as if I should be typing for 8 hours straight, yet anyone else between patients could lolly-gag all they wanted and nothing was every said. Can you tell I It
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.
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