Question

Why does the medical assistant need to know the steps for performing diagnostic coding?

Answer 1

Answer

medical coding is a process where a patients diagnosis , labortary reports , treatments .... are converted to a numerical numbers , these numbers are universally assaigned to a particular disease , investigations , treatments etc. this coding is done by medical coder by using the charge sheet created by a physician.

these coding are recoganized by medical insurance companies. when the medical coder submit charge ticket to insurance company , they can understand what service were provided by codes on the claim.

mainly 3 types of codes are used

HCPCS {health care common procedure coding system } - these are number given to each service a physician provide to someone. includes medical , diagnostic , surgical care. every health care physicians uses same codes in USA.

CPT code (current procedural terminology)

This is a listing of services a physician provides each service is having separate CPT code. This is the key code for re-impursement from insurance company. Insurance company review the CPT code and determind how much the physician will be paid for that service.

ICD code (International Classification Disease)

This is a method of tracking disease and causes of death around world.

Medical coding is clossly related with the process of medical billing. Proper medical coding ensuring accurate payment for physician to creating a valued record of patient care history.

Medical assistants have more clinical and patient facing responsibilities than medical coders, they work with physiacians, taking histories, drawing blood, doing investigations, removing suture and other medical tasks etc. They are doing administrative duties like greeting patients, sheduling appointments, filling insurance forms, handling booking etc., Medical assistants generally have proper credential and become certified medical assistance through American assistance of medical assistants. Ultimately certified medical assistance and medical coders have similar roles in that both of this type of professionals work in a healthcare settings to facilitate communication and improve patient services.

Eventhough medical assistant's primary job is not related to medical coding. Knowledge about medical coding help them to give patients full satisfcation of care and claiming insurance, as these medical assistants are working closely with patients.