A detailed description of what to expect from medical coding classes and a career in the field.
Before you start a career in medical records, you need to understand the language used between doctors and insurance companies. Medical coding classes teach you how to choose the right codes to ensure regulatory compliance and proper billing. In these classes, you'll also learn how important your function is as a front-line health information manager.
Doctors, nurses, insurance companies and government health care agencies rely on medical coders to translate unique patient interactions into uniform codes. The coder reviews notes and then assigns a number based on the Current Procedural Terminology manual, the International Classification of Diseases volumes or the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System for Medicare. Without the correct code up front, the insurance company may ultimately deny a claim and prevent the physician from getting paid.
You can learn about medical coding in noncredit continuing education courses or in traditional courses for college credit. The best option depends on your career goals and whether you want to take a qualifying test for one of the medical coding certification programs.
With a background in medical coding, you can become a certified coding associate or a certified coding specialist. You can also go on to work in physician offices, hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities and home healthcare agencies.
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Even though a medical coder and medical biller may be the same person, the duties are not the same. Some of the core concepts you learn in medical coding classes include:
- Basics of anatomy, physiology, disease processes and pharmacology.
- How to identify relevant information in doctor notes, patient health records and real-world charts.
- How to translate physician terminology into ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT and HCPCS Level II codes.
- Differences between the ICD-9 system and the ICD-10 system starting in 2014.
- Basics of medical coding in diagnostic, surgical and treatment plans.
- Coding guidelines for standard medical conditions and anomalies.
- Unique requirements for certain insurance plans and Medicare reimbursements.
- Ways to think critically, organize your workload and communicate effectively.
- How to use Microsoft Word and Excel to increase productivity.
You can take online medical coding courses, or you can travel to a local campus. Medical coding online programs tend to work best for busy adults who need flexibility or who are already familiar with the subject matter. These programs combine Internet-based lectures, reading assignments, laboratory simulations and hands-on case studies for a well-rounded approach to learning.
Classroom training is more suited to students who prefer face-to-face interaction and who can drive to a campus one or more times per week. Regardless of the format, each class lasts from 5 to 15 weeks. Prices range from $285 to $1,480 per class.
If you have questions about choosing class or need help with your next steps, continue your research on Reply! You can compare options or contact schools for more details. With a little preparation, you will be ready to pass your medical coding classes and excel within your health care career.