Question

After completion of Intermediate Coding, how confident are you with coding case studies? What have you found to be the most challenging aspect(s) of coding case studies? What have you done to improve your skills with case study coding? in 300 words

Answer 1

Medical coding is the transformation of healthcare diagnosis, procedures, medicalservices, and equipment into universal medical alphanumeric codes.

Challenging aspect(s) of coding case studies

Distinguishing grey areas:One of the trickiest aspects of the job is applying a binary mindset to complex scenarios. Rarely is a patient’s condition as simple as it looks on paper.

Learning the codes:ICD-10, in the United States, has over 70,000 separate codes. That number will likely increase within the next couple months.

Immaculate attention to detail:The hardest phase is the beginning, when you’re still familiarizing yourself with the codes and terminology while also having to think critically so that you can organize them accordingly.

Keeping up on changes:Understanding an assortment of codes, conditions, anatomy, and other technical terminology is difficult. The fact that it is in constant evolution adds an additional obstacle.

To improve skills with case study coding:

• Know the Guidelines-Whether assigning ICD, CPT or HCPCS codes the guidelines are coding bible.
• Have a Solid Grasp of Pathophysiology-Pathophysiology is the functional change associated with or resulting from disease or injury
• Sharpen Your Research Skills-Being a good researcher is critical to being a good coder.
• Participate in a Specialty Society- That applies to your particular coding discipline is a great resource
• Listen to Teleconferences – The Medicare Administrative Contractors you work with likely publish teleconferences on a regular basis.
• Access Webinars – Like teleconferences, webinars are a great way to get valuable education/information for little to no cost.
• Ask Google – You can find a lot of valuable free or low-cost information just by searching around online.
• Rely on Wikipedia – If you are unsure which ICD-9 or ICD-10 code applies to a certain diagnosis, you are likely to find it on Wikipedia.
• Join a Listserv – The medical coding community is very active online, and professionals are usually very willing to answer questions from peers.
• Make Time –Staying up-to-date can be a time and labor intensive process.
• Cross-training- Well-rounded (ie, employable) coders strive to master more than one coding specialty--inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic, ED's, etc.
• Communicate with other coders- Obviously easiest in an on-site position (rather than remote)--talk to other coders.