Medical coding is a universally accepted alphanumeric coding method. It is used for recording a patient’s information including health data, medical service bill details, disease info, etcetera. Medical coding enhances accuracy and clarity, besides enabling understanding of the info anywhere in the world. This article is intended for providing a basic understanding of the medical codes.

Let’s look into what is medical coding, the types of medical coding, medical coding jobs, medical coding certification, and so on.   

Importance of Medical Coding in Health Care

Medical coding became an essential requirement around the globe, especially in the US. As we have seen in the previous section, it improves clarity and accuracy. This would preclude the possibility of insurance claim rejections.

The factors that make medical coding imperative are:

• Clarity: The clarity on the health condition of the patient, the diseases observed, the medicines prescribed, lab test results and such info is vital. Otherwise, it can not only impact health insurance but also affect future medical requirements.
• Billing Accuracy: Erroneous billing can delay the payments. Further, it might result payment issues. The medical coding ensures that health service providers are paid properly, on time.
• Prevents Claim Denial: Denial of health insurance claim is one of the worries encountered by clients. Ambiguities in the reports as well as discrepancies are the common cause for the same. A properly documented data can help in avoiding such a condition.

Types of Medical Coding Codes

Medical coders use different medical codes for medical info including ailments, diagnosis, and medical reports. Understanding medical codes is necessary prior to joining the course. The different types of medical codes are Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), Healthcare Common Procedural Coding Systems (HCPCS), and International Classification of Diseases (ICD).

• Current Procedural Terminology (CPT): Medical procedures and treatment programs undertaken at a doctor’s clinic is coded using CPT. Diagnosis, medical care, and surgical processes are coded using CPT. It helps in:
  • • Preparing clear and unambiguous medical reports.
    • Streamlining the procedures and providing clarity on the treatments undertaken.
    • Developing guidelines to students regarding diagnostic and treatment procedures.
• Healthcare Common Procedural Coding Systems (HCPCS): This medical coding method is basically used for medical procedures, medical services, medical related supplies, and medicines. In addition, HCPCS II is being used for coding all the medical products and services that are not included in CPT medical coding system. Medical coding training at a well-established institution will provide proper coaching and training for coding and ensure medical coding certification to each student.
•  International Classification of Diseases (ICD): The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) has been used for classifying various diseases and the provision of medical codes for the same. The World Health Organization (WHO), in association with ten centres around the world has formulated ICD.
  • • ICD 10-CM:   ICD 10 CM medical coding is used for reporting inpatient and outpatient medical reports including diagnosis.
    • ICD 10-PCS: ICD 10 PCS is used by healthcare facilities for reporting the medical procedures and processes undertaken on inpatients.

 Skills Required by a Medical Coder

Besides understand medical codes and qualifying the course, a medical coder should be skilled enough to perform the task well. The phenomenal increase in medical coding jobs have attracted youth around the world towards this. However, along with learning medical billing and coding the candidate should develop the skill.

We have been observing this field for a long time. It is understood that medical coding training plays a pivotal role in aiding the student in enhancing the skills. The skills required by an employee in the medical coding field are:

• Clear understanding of medical terms and codes
• Analytical skills
• Quick in learning
• In-depth understanding of healthcare aspects
• Technical skills
• Knowledge on medical coding systems

How to Learn Medical Coding: A Step-by-Step Guide

Knowing the basics of medical coding, identifying whether you are interested in the profession and joining a prominent institution are the initial steps for becoming a successful medical coder. The step-by-step process for gaining medical coding certification and joining medical coding jobs are:

• Understand the Basics of Medical Coding: One cannot become a master straightaway. Knowing the basics and absorbing the crux of the concept are the ways. Have a detailed look into medical coding, before enrolling for medical coding training.
• Enrol in a Medical Coding Training Program: Do not just join any institution. We suggest you to analyse the institutes offering the medical coding course and pick the right one. Besides proper medical coding training and coaching program, placement guarantee also should be confirmed.
• Get Hands-on Practice with Medical Coding Codes: Practical training is an essential part of medical coding training. The coaching goes well beyond what medical coding definition and understanding medical codes. In addition to types of medical coding detailed practical sessions are necessary for making one a well qualified medical coder.
• Obtain Medical Coding Certification: Once you have properly completed the medical coding training and course, you will be issued with medical coding certificate. Then institution’s name as well as the university matters in this regard. The value of the certificate will depend solely on the university issuing it.
•  Apply for Medical Coding Jobs: Apply for medical coding jobs and get placed. It may appear simple, nonetheless the skill of the candidate and the reputation of the certificate issuing university are considered prior to selecting the candidate.

The Tail End

Medical coding is a highly attractive profession that assures exceptional salary packages. With the increase in necessity of qualified medical coders around the world, the job prospects have been increasing phenomenally.

Contact us now if you are looking to make medical coding your profession.