Medical Coding News

Funny Spin on ICD-10 Codes

2012-02-09T14:00:00.001-08:00

With the medical coding system moving from a mere 18,000 codes (ICD-9) to one that encompasses 140,000 codes (ICD-10, which seems more like ICD-9 x 10,000!) in October 2013, there is a considerable amount of detail added to what physicians and medical facilities will be able to bill for. People in the coding profession are relieving their stress from the transition by poking fun at the system, and the result is seriously funny! Here’s a taste of some very real codes…

R46.1 is “bizarre personal appearance”
R46.0 is “very low level of personal hygiene”
W22.02XA, “walked into lamppost, initial encounter
W22.02XD, “walked into lamppost, subsequent encounter”
V91.07XA, “burn due to water-skis on fire”

… and a few that are made-up.
C193.44. “Yelled fire when he fell into the chocolate.”
R97.01 “Delusional, Severe. Thinks insurance company will cover her procedure.”

Additionally, there are 312 animal codes, including “being bitten by turtle” and “struck by turtle.” Codes for a duck, macaw, parrot and even a turkey are part of the package. Unbelievable? In some ways the news codes are, especially when you see that one code for suturing an artery will become 195 codes. But in the scheme of things, we have humor to lighten the code load.

Image by Peter Alfred Hess

Allied’s Quick and Easy Military Spouse Cookbook is Now Available

2011-12-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

Need some inspiration in the kitchen? Check out Allied’s complimentary Quick and Easy Military Spouse Recipe Book and choose from nearly 100 recipes provided by real military spouses from across the globe! You can download your complimentary copy by visiting Allied’s Facebook page.

Here’s a “taste” of the Cookbook’s Contents:

-Nearly 100 Recipes for Every Craving

-Full-Color Pages

-Fun Retro Design

-Profiles and Pictures of Real Military Spouses

-And more!

So, how does cooking and online education go hand-in-hand? Time management. We understand that pursuing your education is no easy feat, especially when you have a family, a job and an array of other responsibilities. And based on our experiences assisting military spouse students, we feel they serve as prime examples of how to balance daily tasks with personal goals. Especially since many are managing households while their service members are deployed for months at a time. Who better to share a recipe that will also accommodate a jam-packed schedule?

Allied’s programs were designed for individuals who want to further their education, but feel trapped by the demands of a full schedule and tight budget. Online education with 24/7 access backed by live support, payment plan options and more makes meeting your goals possible – and leaves you time to prepare a “Quick and Easy” recipe too!

For more information about online degree, certificate and/or licensing courses, call (888) 751-2306 or visit www.findmycourse.info. And don’t forget about your complimentary recipe book – Visit www.facebook.com/alliedschools, like us and click “Free Cookbook” from the side menu to get your copy today.

AAPC Certified Professional Coders - A Day in Their Lives!

2011-10-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

Curious what's it's like to work as a medical coder? The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) developed a survey for coders nationwide to learn about their careers - from work settings to daily responsibilities. More than 12,000 coders responded, most of which are AAPC Cerified Professional Coders.

Of interest, the typical coder answering this survey works in a phycian's office, both large and small. Most coders are paid an hourly wage in an office environment. About 39 percent say that they work at home "some of the time." More than half work on coding activities from 80 percent to 100 percent of the time, which can include: claim processing, auditing, billing, reviewing EOBs, appealing claims and handling compliance issues. Accuracy is pinpointed as the most important factors by managers, as well as level of productivity.

View more of the AAPC survey, "The Work of a Coder." Get an inside look at a medical coder's career!

Military Spouses: Portable Coding Training and a Sweepstakes Just for You

2011-08-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

Are you the spouse of an active duty service member? From PCS moves to maintaining family responsibilities while your spouse is deployed, working on your medical coding education may seem out of reach. Not with Allied.

Pursue your medical coding training 100% online on a schedule that works for you. Plus, we are here to help you every step of the way with support from live course coaches. We accept MyCAA accounts too, so the cost of your education won’t be a burden on your family’s budget.

While you work on your medical coding education, why not have some fun too? Enter Allied’s Military Spouse Quick and Easy Recipe Sweepstakes from July 1 through September 30. Simply share a recipe and you could win an Apple iPad. Check out our video to learn more:

Enter today at www.education4military.com/alliedschools.

ICD-10 Translation – An Easy Way Out of Training?

2011-07-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

It’s always nice to have a little help with something difficult, like moving heavy furniture or opening a jar of peanut butter. But what about the ICD-10 system of coding, set to take over our coding atmosphere on October 1, 2013? With more than 14,400 codes*, ICD-10 not only appears daunting, but seems to have many ICD-9 coders procrastinating along the road to knowing the system. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a little help with that (or an easy way out of learning ICD-10 in the first place)?

Enter technology. More specifically, new ICD-10 translation software from a top-name company. Designed to make the process of translating ICD-9 codes easier, the software takes codes from the old system and provides corresponding codes in a matter of seconds. Additionally, the software provides detailed information about refining each code to ensure accuracy in translation.

Sounds like an ICD-10 dream come true… or is it?

Learning a skill and mastering it has its own rewards. Namely, you take on a skill that is in high-demand, such as ICD-10 coding, and make it your ticket to a wealth of jobs that are available in physicians’ offices and health care facilities across the nation. Additionally, not everyone can afford the thousands of dollars it will cost to implement ICD-10 translation software, especially smaller medical offices that depend on manpower rather than computer ease. Already, these smaller offices are feeling the strain of having to obtain new computer systems to get up-to-speed with the electronic health records requirement.

While the ICD-10 translation software might be ideal for larger medical groups and institutions, it does not substitute for the dedicated coding professionals who will take the leap and become trained in the new system. With comprehensive education in how to translate codes manually, coders may have the last laugh as October 1 rolls around, when it is predicted that there will be more coding jobs than coders available for health care offices. How it will all unfold remains to be seen and a good thing to do is plan ahead and help yourself with ICD-10 training sooner rather than later.

Source: Wikipedia

ICD-9 Coder Retirement Offers Opportunity for the ICD-10 Skilled

2011-07-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

Long-time ICD-9 coders are facing a dilemma with the upcoming switch to ICD-10 – learn the new system of coding or retire? It is predicted that by 2013 many coders well-versed in ICD-9 will retire before ICD-10 is implemented, leaving job openings in their wake. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 35,100 new coding jobs will be created between 2008-2018. This is where you come in.

Training now in ICD-10 can help you prepare for these openings and put you in a position of authority in a career field needed by physicians and health care facilities across the nation. At present, there are not enough trained coders to go around, and with labor statistics predicting a shortage of trained coders in the next few years¹ it is assumed they will be a hot commodity.

While the ICD-10-CM classification system includes several differences from ICD-9-CM, it does keep the traditional format that many coders will recognize. This includes alphabetic index, tables of neoplasms, drugs and chemicals and external causes and tabular list. Many of the rules for code selection are also the same. This should help make it easier for experienced coders to learn and embrace ICD-10. For junior coders, ICD-10 will be a new language in and of itself, and with comprehensive training it can be successfully learned.

Training for ICD-10 may include face-to-face workshops, seminars and web-based learning. An advantage of learning online is that travel is not necessary, making it cost-effective. However, with varying groups of coders (experienced, mid-level and new) in need of ICD-10 education, it is imperative that a variety of ways to achieve this are realized.

Additionally, other professionals in the health care field might not be aware of how the new coding will affect them. Because ICD-10 coding will be far-reaching, it is important that varying levels of training are addressed and implemented as needed. Those affected include:

· Auditors
· Billing/accounting personnel
· Compliance officers
· Data quality/data security personnel
· Fraud investigators
· Government agency personnel
· Information systems personnel
· Non-physician clinicians and ancillary department personnel
· Quality management personnel
· Researchers/data analysts/epidemiologists
· Software vendors

However, the biggest impact from the switch to ICD-10 remains with those who will inherit the job opportunities left behind by ICD-9 retirees. With comprehensive training in the ICD-10 coding system, you can start now to enjoy the benefits of a smart career move and be ahead of the game.

Source: 1. American Health Information Management Association

Top 5 Reasons to Prepare for ICD-10 Now!

2011-05-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Achievement - Be ahead of the pack and among the leaders!

Since it will literally take years to transition, ICD-10 code set training has already begun (both general and specialty-specific) for those with responsibility for coding and coding guidelines. Plan ahead to be ahead

Competence - Make more money!

Be ahead of your peers and gain a competitive advantage because you'll be done while others are just getting started. Your advanced knowledge of the more specific ICD-10 codes and your fresh and complete understanding of human anatomy and physiology will help ensure that your resume goes to the top of the pile.

Confidence - Be well parepared to pass the AAPC coding proficiency exam!

As an AAPC coder, learning the ICD-10 codes and procedures now will give you ample time to fully learn and practice the new codes and gain the valuable hands-on experience needed to keep your certification and maintain a distinct career advantage.

Security - For you and your employer!

Medicare is expanding its audits. Medical coding errors can result in hefty fines or loss of licensure. With advanced knowledge of ICD-10 codes, you will be practiced and well-versed when implementation rolls around. You won't second guess your code selections which will save you time and avoid costly mistakes too.

Pride - Be the office expert!

You can also expand your role in the transition by consulting and/or helping with the ICD-10 training or tutoring of other medical coders in your organization. If everyone waited, who would train the trainees?!

Don't wait until the last minute; getting a head start on ICD-10 just makes sense!

Online Medical Assistant Training: The Benefits of Online Schools

2011-04-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assisting will be one of the career fields that will be seeing a faster than average growth over the next ten years due in part to an aging population, which will increase the need for more and more medical offices and procedures. The medical assistant is frequently used in a number of different medical office settings to eliminate the need for other types of employees and save the practice some money. The first step to becoming a medical assistant, though, is to be thoroughly trained in the field. Getting an education online is better for a number of reasons including:

It is self-paced, so you go as fast or as slow as you need to get the educational experience that you want.
It is more convenient, allowing you to access your class and school work twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
It allows you to study in the best way for your personal learning style.

The Online Medical Assistant School You Should Choose

Before enrolling in an online school, it is important to be sure that they are fully accredited and that they have been established for some time. In addition to stand alone, online schools, it is possible to take distance learning courses from local or far away colleges and universities.

The Classes You Will Take

The classes that you will take online will include the same ones you would be taking in a classroom situation. These classes include:

Anatomy and Physiology
Clinical Assisting
Pharmacology
EKG Interpretation
Phlebotomy
Medical Computer Applications

In addition to these classes, there are others that might be included. Due to the increasing demand for highly rounded employees in this field, other courses might include: Medical Insurance Billing, Medical Transcription and Business Management.

The Computer Aspect of Online School

Most schools will list the recommended or required computer and software that you will need on the enrollment page. If you do not have a computer in your home, or there is something wrong with your computer, it is strongly suggested that you have a backup computer in mind for emergencies or computer breakdowns.

The Importance of the Medical Assistant

In many cases, the medical assistant is the one that will be keep the office flowing smoothly. The more skills that you have, the more valuable you are to your employer. Medical assistants may work in the front or back office areas as well as in the rooms with the patients. They may be asked to do a wide range of different types of jobs which means that your day will never be the same and you will be continually learning.

Allied schools offers comprehensive online medical courses in medical billing, medical coding, medical transcription, medical assistant, medical administrative assistant, medical terminology, CD-10, and anatomy & physiology,

Why ICD-10 Training is a Need

2011-02-10T09:56:00.000-08:00

The time is here to move ICD-10 up on the priority list!

By getting solid accredited ICD-10 training now, your professional value - and your wallet - will be greatly expanded while they become more and more in demand as this mega industry inches closer and closer to these fast approaching transition deadlines!

Why You Need to Take ICD-10 Training Now?

The time to collect ICD-10 education is now! According to Deloitte Consulting, billers, coders, HIM professionals, physicians, and nurses all need to be trained and a minimum of two years should be spent transitioning to lessen productivity impacts and support the learning curve. Let us help you today so you'll be ahead of the game!
According to the AAPC, the closer the October 2013 deadline for ICD-10 implementation gets, the more difficult it will be to find coders with solid ICD-10 experience and expertise. Get your A&P and ICD-10 training today and put yourself in demand to help traing others and possibly get promotion!
Switching to ICD-10 is good for everyone! According to a recent Rand study, the implementation of ICD-10 will reesult fewer miscoded, rejected, and improperly reimbursed claims and more accurate payment. The good news for coders whose jobs are to make sure the doctor or facility gets paid accurately and timely! Start your ICD-10 training with Allied today!!

A Professional Association Membership Provides Ideal Medical Coding Resources Online – Right at Your Fingertips!

2010-10-22T11:35:00.001-07:00

Have you considered all of the benefits that a professional association can provide for your medical coding career? Aside from the benefits of becoming certified and adding valuable credentials to your resume (a huge plus!), your membership includes exclusive access to comprehensive medical coding resources online, right from your computer!

Forums – Link to other coding professionals and find out what's on their minds. This is a great way to share ideas and connect with other people that have similar interests. Also, it's an effective networking tool!

Newsletters/Magazines – What's the hot topic of the month? With association newsletters and magazines, you'll be in the know! Learn what's going on in your industry and other newsworthy information. To be an active member of the coding community, you need to know what's happening right now.

Job Boards – An established medical coding association is going to have an inside track on medical coding jobs. What better place to locate your next opportunity than through a job board 100% dedicated to medical coders?

Job Search Tips – Learn how to create an eye-catching resume and polish your interview skills with the most up-to-date tips and advice. Remember, this is a professional association dedicated to medical coders – they want you to succeed!

Bookstore – Want to expand your coding library? You will find the most up-to-date textbooks on important coding concepts, rules, guidelines, etc. It's a great way to build your reference material.

These are just some of the benefits a professional association provides to its members – you'll have all of the medical coding resources online that you need to build and grow your career. When choosing online medical coding schools, make sure you pinpoint one that includes membership to a professional association – Allied's medical coding program includes a complimentary, one-year membership to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). You'll have all of the resources you need, from your education to your career!

A Solid Medical Coding Program is the First Step to Help Reduce Errors and Rejected Claims!

2010-10-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

You need a solid foundation of medical coding knowledge to code accurately ad effectively in your career. This stems from enrolling in a solid medical coding program that provides a through understanding of medical codes as well as hands-on practice selecting the proper diagnostic and procedural codes.

Accurate medical coding can reduce claim denials and rejections. Build your knowledge level with a high-quality medical coding program – your knowledge base will help you code correctly and submit error-free claims. An article from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides three tips on how to avoid unnecessary claims denial.

1. Be clear – Providers should ensure that all fields on documentation tools (such as assessments, flow sheets, checklists, etc.) are completed, as appropriate, and legible. If a field is not applicable, providers should use an entry like “N/A” to show that the questions were reviewed and answered. Fields that are left blank or cannot be deciphered often lead the reviewer to make an inaccurate determination.

2. Be consistent – If an entry is made that contradicts previous documentation, include documentation that explains why there is a contradiction.

3. Be proactive – Demonstration review staff often noted that providers failed to adequately document significant changes in the patient’s condition or care issues that in some instances impacted the review determination. Ensure any information that affects the billed services and is acquired after physician documentation is complete is added to the existing documentation in accordance with accepted standards for amending medical record documentation.

These tips can help you increase revenue by ensuring that you are always thorough, accurate and concise. A medical coding program that leads to AAPC certification is the right path toward claim compliance – and then building your experience level. Medical coding and billing certificate online programs help you get a solid foundation; hands-on experience gives you the practical know-how. Remember, taking the time to properly code and document your work in a consistent manner can give you a significant edge and increase revenue – one of the main goals of medical coding.

(Source: CMS article from the AAPC website)

Medical Coding Career Description – The Lowdown on This Growing Career!

2010-10-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

You've heard about medical coding and the opportunities for a rewarding career, but do you know what medical coding really entails? Here's a medical coding career description that makes sense – one that provides an inside look at a medical coding career. It's more than coding; medical coders play an integral part in the healthcare industry. Doctors and other health care professionals need you!

Medical Coding Career Description – The Day-to-Day Duties

As a medical coder, you are responsible for inputting the appropriate code of various medical services so that doctors and healthcare professionals receive payment for the services that they provide. The specific codes that you assign are used to establish the amount of money healthcare providers will be reimbursed from the different insurance companies (such as Medicare, etc.)

The medical coding career description doesn't stop there – you'll receive a record of a patient's visit to the doctor's office, hospital, clinic, etc. From this record (which can be paper or electronic), you will code the activity that occurred in the form of diagnostic and procedural codes. The codes are numerical and represent the exact nature of the doctor visit – what was diagnosed and how it was treated. These numbers will jumpstart the billing process – the medical biller will include these codes on the claims paperwork.

Job Settings – Where You can Work
You'll work in a comfortable office setting, with the use of the latest technology – typically a computer and classification systems software. Medical coders are commonly found in a variety of healthcare environments, including doctor's offices, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, home healthcare services, and more. As a medical coder, you will not interact with patients – your profession focuses on the administrative aspect of medical coding. You will most likely work a typical 40-hour work week; although some medical coders enjoy a part-time schedule.

Medical Coding Salaries – How Much You'll Earn
Straight from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – the median annual wage of medical records and health information technicians (also medical coders) was $30,610 in May 2008. The highest 10 percent earned more than $50,060. Becoming certified can increase your income potential – the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) reports that certified coders earned an average of $7,000 more per year than their non-certified counterparts. Medical coding salaries are on the rise – it pays to become certified!

Advancement – How Far You Can Go
As a medical coder, you can advance your career by way of certification as well as crossing over into a new, but related, profession. First, adding credentials to your resume is a quick and effective way to build your career opportunities. Your education and experience will enable you to sit for advanced specialty certifications. Determine your area of expertise – create a niche, such as cancer registry, and really grow your career potential! Second, you can take your medical coding experience and apply it to a related career, such as compliance specialist, health information manager and HIM administrator.

Career Outlook – The Future Looks Bright!
The future looks bright! The BLS projects employment to grow "much faster than the average," with job prospects being "very good." Why? As the U.S. population grows and ages, there will be an increase in the number of medical tests, treatments and procedures – meaning medical coders will be needed to code it all!

Does this medical coding career description sound ideal to you? From varied job duties and employment setting to a positive career outlook and medical coding salaries, medical coding offers a secure place in the growing health care industry. If you're ready for challenge, reward and stability, call (888) 888-822-2923 today. Medical coders are in demand - and you can be too!

About Medical Coding Training: What Do You Learn? How Long Does it Take?

2010-10-04T14:31:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about medical coding, but don't know much about it? Are you looking for a flexible career, but don't know how to get started? Let's take a look at medical coding training and how it can lay the foundation for a rewarding future.

What is Medical Coding?

First and foremost, let's talk about medical coding. Medical coding is the process whereby a medical coder (you) selects an alphanumeric code (based on your knowledge) to represent a procedure or diagnosis of a doctor for reimbursement purposes. Your code selection is used by a health insurance company to pay the doctor for his or her services. It is also used for record-keeping purposes and to keep track of national health trends.

Medical coding is an integral part of the health care industry. Coders play a major role in the billing cycle and ensure that doctors get reimbursed for their time. Additionally, the need for medical coders is expected to rise as the number of medical tests, treatments and procedures increases due to an aging population – the BLS projects that employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 20 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations.

What Do You Learn with Medical Coding Training?

In your medical coding training, you are going to learn a combination of medical terminology (so you understand the language of medicine), anatomy and physiology (so you know the systems of the body) and medical coding (so you know how to code procedures and diagnoses). Your education will cover the coding rules for the ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS coding systems. Through hands-on medical coding training and practical exercises, you'll be prepared to quickly and efficiently apply your knowledge to code selection.

How Long Does Your Training Take?

Your medical coding training can be completed in less than 18 months, meaning that you can complete your coursework and be prepared to take the certification exam in a less amount of time than going to w two-year college. An online education enables you to study when and where you want at a pace that works for you. This means that you can choose an accelerated pace and complete your course even faster – it's up to you!

How Can You Distinguish Your Career?

How can you stand out? Taking the extra step to become a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) can lead toward increased income potential, greater career opportunities and an effective way to demonstrate your high-level of knowledge to employers. Additionally, joining a professional association, such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and networking with other coding professionals is an ideal way to get your career started. You can also consider complementing your medical coding training with additional education, such as EHR or HIM.

Sound like an ideal career to you? Medical coding offers an opportunity to join the ever-growing health care industry in a valuable administrative capacity. Build a solid foundation in a promising career with medical coding training – Allied Medical School has what you need 100% online. Call (888) 822-2923 to start today!

Allied Launches Approved ICD-10 Online Comprehensive Coding Course

2010-09-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

Laguna Hills, CA, August 9, 2010 - Allied Medical School is helping coding professionals keep their careers on track with the introduction of their new ICD-10 Comprehensive Coding course. The ICD-10 online course prepares students to successfully pass the mandatory ICD-10 proficiency exam, which is required by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) in order to maintain professional coding credentials.

The U.S. health care system will transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 as the HIPAA mandated code is set to begin on October 1st, 2013. Anyone who is new to health care, or professionals already working in the industry, will be affected by the new coding system, which will go from 13,000 to 68,000 ICD-10 codes. In fact, new coding rules and guidelines mean industry-wide changes.

Nationally recognized associations, such as AHIMA and the AAPC, are suggesting that early training is the key to a successful transition. Allied's online ICD-10-CM course is a flexible training option for individuals who understand the major benefits of early preparation, including increased career marketability over those who wait. “We are excited to be one of the first schools to offer ICD-10 online training. We have set up special pricing for coders and because the course is online and affordable, we plan on being the largest provider of ICD-10-CM training in the industry,” said George Achenbach, president of Allied Medical School.

Allied's 45- hour ICD-10-CM Comprehensive Coding Training course provides extensive training so that students understand the fundamentals, organization, and structure of this new coding classification system. Additionally, students will study the similarities and differences between ICD-10-CM and ICD-9-CM, including chapter-specific changes and coding conventions and guidelines. A combination of online lessons, online module quizzes, textbooks and learning resources reinforce knowledge learned and prepare students to pass the online final at the end of the course.

The ICD-10 online course is currently $988 with a $100 discount for those who pay their tuition in full. There are also interest-free payment plans available, including an option to get started for only $358 down.

The entire course is 100% online, so students make their own study schedules and can maintain other obligations while pursuing their training. It’s a flexible and convenient way for students to keep their health care careers on track.

To learn more about ICD-10 online training with Allied, please visit www.medicalcodingcourses.com or call (888) 822-2923 to speak with an Admissions Representative.

How Much Health Data Should Patients be Able to Access?

2010-03-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

When it comes to providing patients with copies of their health records, how much information should they receive?

New federal regulations are requiring that health care providers demonstrate "meaningful use" of electronic health record (EHR) systems to qualify for incentive payments under the 2009 Federal Economic Stimulus Package.

To qualify for the incentive payments, health care providers must provide patients with electronic copies of their health information within 48 hours of a request. The regulations do not specify how much information the health records must include – and therein lies the discrepancy between healthcare providers and patient expectations.

How much data should be provided? How in-depth should the record be? Health care providers and patient advocates have very different arguments:

Healthcare providers
- Worried that full disclosure may be misleading or cause alarm
- Suggest that patients receive edited versions of their records

Patient advocates
- Patients are entitled to view full medical record
- The entire record provides patients with an accurate and full picture of their health

With near universal EHR adoption the ultimate goal of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the disclosure issue will need to be addressed. Will patients gain full access to their health records? Or will health care providers be the gatekeepers of health information. Only time will tell…

(Source: Schulte, Huffington Post Investigative Fund, 1/26)

CPC Certification: The Next Step in Your Medical Coding Career

2010-02-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

By earning your designation as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), you will show potential employers, as well as your peers, that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career as a medical coder. Not only do you demonstrate professional competency in the field, but you also prove that you have what it takes by passing the rigorous exam which is sponsored by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Having your CPC certification makes a strong statement in today's health care environment that speaks even louder than words to an employer. It indicates that you have relevant work experience as well as a thorough understanding of coding and a commitment to further growth and development in your profession.

Prior to taking the examination, it is highly recommended that you complete a comprehensive medical coding online course. Those without prior experience may sit for the exam, though the credential awarded will be designated as Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A). Once you submit two letters of recommendation confirming two years of on-the-job experience, or complete a minimum 80-hour coding course and submit one letter verifying at least a year of experience, your CPC-A will be replaced with the full CPC credential.

The CPC exam measures your proficiency and knowledge of the correct application of CPT, HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes and ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes that are used for billing professional medical services to payers. In addition to coding guidelines, this comprehensive multiple choice-format test, which is 5.5 hours in length, evaluates a physician practice coder's knowledge of some 25 areas, from anesthesia, radiology and pathology to respiratory, cardiovascular, and maternity and delivery.

Test preparation can be done through online "distance learning" or more traditional courses that take place in a classroom setting. (Allied's online Medical Coding Program lets you get the educational foundation you need from the comfort of home.) Tools available include in-depth coursework designed for beginners as well as study guides and shorter review classes for those who have a coding background. To assist examinees in determining their readiness for the exam, AAPC offers online practice tests with the same types of questions, and at the same level of difficulty, as those that will appear on the actual exam.

Exams are administered nationwide in cooperation with AAPC local chapters or through a licensed instructor, and you must have a current AAPC membership to take the test. (Allied provides a complimentary, one-year membership upon successful completion of its Medical Coding Program.) An overall score of 70 percent is needed to pass, and the testing fee includes one free retake if needed. Results are usually received within seven to 10 business days following the testing date.

For further information, including exam dates, locations, and fees, contact the AAPC or visit their website at http://www.aapc.com/.

Thanks to the Government's Healthcare IT Stimulus, Electronic Health Records are on the Rise!

2010-02-11T16:50:00.000-08:00

The number of doctors replacing their paper records with electronic health records has indeed grown since the government's healthcare IT stimulus package was signed into law. A survey performed by GfK Roper for IT vendor Practice Fusion interviewed 1,000 U.S. adults via the telephone from February 5 to February 7, 2010. Here are some findings:

The number of doctors using EHRs is steadily growing.

- More than 48% of the people said their doctor or specialist stored medical records electronically in the examination room, as opposed to writing information on paper charts.
- Of those patients, more than 45% said their doctor made the switch in the last two years.
- More than 14% said the switch occurred in the last six months. More than 38% of the respondents wanted their doctors to go digital, while almost 33% did not. Nearly 29% were not sure.

Higher-income patients were more likely to see their doctors using an EHR system.

-Nearly 53% of the respondents with incomes of more than $50,000 a year had doctors using digital records, compared to about 45% of people with incomes under $20,000 a year.

The government's stimulus package will reward doctors and hospitals for using electronic health record systems in "meaningful" ways starting in 2011. Health care professionals are starting to prepare now, which is resulting in growth in the usage of electronic health records in health care organizations nationwide.

How does EHR implementation affect your medical coding career? The increasing use of electronic health records (EHR) will continue to broaden and alter the job responsibilities of medical coders. You will need to have knowledge of EHR software to analyze data, assign medical codes and maintain the security of health records. Want to explore how pharmacy technician careers are like?

(Source: Antone Gonsalves, Information Week)

Your Medical Coding Training is Done, Now Land that Job!

2010-02-05T10:51:00.000-08:00

As you begin to search for employment opportunities as a medical coder, networking is a key element to landing the job you are looking for. Talk to as many people as you can to get the word out and obtain leads, and start conducting your own research using a variety of available resources.

You can do your own independent networking by perusing the phone book to find offices and facilities you can contact to find out whether or not they are hiring. Also, check for jobs posted in local newspapers and magazines, and be sure to attend job fairs offered in your community.

A local chapter meeting of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is an excellent venue for networking with other coders in your area who may be aware of possible job openings. You can also increase your exposure by attending medical-related and hospital events.

The AAPC offers Project Xtern to newly certified coders to give them a head start in the workplace. The program matches beginning medical coders with facilities that are willing to give them experience and perhaps even their first coding job.

The following online resources can be valuable tools in your job search:

The AAPC Job Database enables you to sort through hundreds of possible jobs to find the ones that suit you best. You can also post and maintain your resume for employers searching for qualified candidates, and sign up for job alerts. Just indicate where you want to work, choose your job category, and you will be notified when positions that meet your specifications are added to the network.

Online Forums are used by AAPC members to gain access to employment prospects through jobs listed by fellow members. They are also utilized for posting resumes, qualifications, job availability, and even consulting opportunities. Since the network consists of more than 80,000 coders, this is a tool that can make your job search easier. Members can also utilize the local chapter forum to connect with hundreds of coders in your region who may be able to give you advanced notice of openings before they are announced.

Computer Web sites such as monster.com and careerbuilder.com maintain an extensive list of available jobs and are constantly updated. Once you create an account, you can search through the postings to stay current with job openings.

Ready for the job interview? Here are a few helpful tips to succeed:

Plan Ahead – Be sure to do your homework prior to the interview. Research the company, the position and, if possible, the people you will be meeting with. Be prepared to give examples of past accomplishments listed on your resume, and rehearse your response to potential questions.

Dress Appropriately – Since first impressions are critical, be sure to dress in a professional manner, even if the workplace is casual. Neat and conservative is always your best bet.

Communicate Clearly – Focus on your strong points as you discuss your skills and experience, and make sure you use correct grammar. Answer questions honestly and concisely, without rambling on.

Be Professional – Remember… The way you dress and how you act reveal just as much to a potential boss as verbal communication.

Send a Thank You - A handwritten note or e-mail, short and to the point, is sufficient and also appreciated.

There are many resources available to you - you just need to do your research and prepare for the next step. Now that you've completed your medical coding training, it's time to land that ideal job!

(Source: AAPC)

Just the Facts: How Many Doctors Today are Using Electronic Health Records?

2010-01-22T17:01:00.000-08:00

The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is an annual nationally representative survey of patient visits to office-based physicians that collects information on use of electronic medical record/electronic health record (EMR/HER).

Here are some findings:

2008

41.5 percent of physicians reported using all or partial EMR/EHR systems (not including systems solely for billing) in their office-based practices. (The figure for 2007 was 34.8 percent.)

In 2008, about 16.7 percent of physicians reported having systems that met the criteria of a basic system, and about 4.4 percent reported that of a fully functional system. (The figures for 2007 were 11.8 percent with a basic system and 3.8 percent with a fully functional system.)

-Basic systems include: patient demographic information, patient problem lists, clinical notes, orders for prescriptions, and viewing laboratory and imaging results

-Fully functional systems include: all functionalities of basic system plus medical history and follow-up, orders for tests, prescription and test orders sent electronically, warnings of drug interactions or contraindications, highlighting of out-of-range test levels, and reminders for guideline-based interventions

Preliminary 2009

43.9 percent of the physicians reported using all or partial EMR/EHR systems (not including systems solely for billings) in their office-based practices.

About 20.5 percent reported having systems that met the criteria of a basic system, and 6.3 percent reported that of a fully functional system.

Conclusion

These data indicate that physicians have been increasingly adopting EMR/EHR systems. From 2007 to 2008, physicians’ use of any EMR system increased by 18.7 percent. Within the same period, the percentage of physicians reporting having systems that met the criteria of a basic system increased by 41.5 percent. The 2009 preliminary estimates did not change significantly from 2008.

Samples of 3,200 and 2,000 physicians were selected for the core in-person NAMCS and the supplemental mail survey.

(Source: National Center for Health Statistics)

California, Midwest Show Signs of Job Growth Within the Health Care Industry

2010-01-15T10:57:00.001-08:00

According to the HWS Labor Market Pulse Index, the health care industry is on the rise throughout the nation. This quarterly barometer is used to measure the growth of the health care workforce in local markets. In the fourth quarter of 2009, it shows that there was a growing demand for health care workers in a number of regions, including California and parts of the Midwest and Southwest.

Here are some findings:

- Demand is growing fastest in Sacramento, Riverside and San Bernardino, Calif., and in other national cities, including Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Dallas

- A large percentage of the growth is due to newly announced plans to expand existing organizations and larger facility openings

- The HWS Labor Market Pulse Index tracks the 30 largest markets - there was a 19.5 percent increase overall in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2009, and was up 17.3 percent compared to one year ago

What does this mean for your medical coding career? As the health care industry continues to expand and grow, there will be opportunities for trained professionals nationwide. Call (888) 822-2923 to learn more.

(Source: Healthcare Finance News, Richard Pizzi, Editor)

Benefits of Implementing the New ICD-10 Coding System

2010-01-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

Planning for the ICD-10 transition? With the implementation set for October 2013, there is still a lot of preparation and readiness ahead. In the midst of planning and preparing for the new system, it is important to look ahead at the advantages of adoption and how ICD-10 implementation will benefit the entire health care industry.

Advantages of Transitioning to ICD-10 Codes

Greater accuracy - Health care providers will have a better ability to accurately describe diagnoses, including documentation of new diseases and more precisely describing existing ones. With the number of codes increasing from 17,000 to 155,000, the codes will more accurately describe patients' diagnoses and conditions.
Room for expansion - While the current system is outdated and doesn't allow for growth, the new ICD-10 coding system has room to accommodate new codes and advancement in the health care industry.
International compatibility – Other countries have been successfully using the ICD-10 coding system for many years. With implementation in the U.S., there will be a uniform medical coding system, which will make it easier to share health information and increase compatibility.
More specific codes - The increased depth and specificity of the coding system will enable patients' records to be more precise and detailed. The ICD-10 code set has been expanded and includes codes tailored to current times (the old code set was established in the late 1970s), with new terminology and clinical concepts that are more relevant to today.
Reduced errors – The ambiguity of the current codes can cause increased errors. With the ICD-10 coding system in place, health care providers will have access to codes that more accurately describe their patients' diagnoses. This can result in less re-payments, incorrect payments, etc.
Shorter claim cycle – The increased accuracy of the codes can mean that fewer claims are sent back with a request for more information. There would be less legwork involved and claims would be more quickly paid.
Stronger case for procedures – With patients' having more in-depth information included in their claims, there will be more supporting documentation and reasoning for medically-necessary procedures and services.

There will be tangible benefits to the implementation of ICD-10. From more detailed codes to thorough documentation, your career as a medical coder or health care provider will become easier, more streamlined and precise. Stay focused as you prepare - the new codes are designed to improve quality care and enable providers to communicate more effectively with each other. This is a win-win scenario for the industry as a whole!

(Source: AAPC)

States Receive Funding for Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentives - Creating Opportunities for Today's Medical Coders

2009-12-18T16:47:00.000-08:00

According to the American Academy of Professional Coders, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that several states will receive federal matching funds for planning activities necessary to implement the electronic health records(EHR) incentive program established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The Recovery Act provides 90-percent federal matching dollars for state planning activities to administer incentive payments to Medicaid providers, to ensure their proper payments through audits, and to participate in statewide efforts to promote interoperability and meaningful use of EHR.

Several states have already received word on the amount of funding they will receive. The states and funding dollar amounts are as follows:
California - $2.48 million
U.S. Virgin Islands - $232,000
New York - $5.9 million
Montana - $239,000
Idaho - $142,000
Texas - $3.86 million
Iowa - $1.16 million
Georgia - $3.17 million

Based on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the government is striving to digitize patient health recaords within the next five years. With nationwide focus, electronic health records is an ideal career training option for today's medical coders to prepare for upcoming changes in the way health care providers process medical claims and maintain patient records.

*CMS posted news of these federal matching funds to states in the press releases section of its website.

Curious About Medical Coding Salaries? Here's the Low-Down on the Opportunity and Potential that Await You!

2009-09-01T16:28:00.001-07:00

Want to know the truth about medical coding salaries? Find out what 12,000 industry professionals had to say about their own salaries in the 2008 Salary Survey conducted by the American Academy of Professional Coders:

The average range for most medical coders is from $39,400 to $46,500. The amount of compensation differs based on factors such as geographical location, employer, level of training, complexity of work, and more.

The average annual wage for a credentialed coder is $43,000, compared to $36,500 for a non-credentialed coder. Certification is still considered optional for many medical coders - although about half of the respondents are required to be certified in their current jobs. In fact, 89% have some type of CPC certification.

Their average medical coding salaries also vary based on length of time spent working in the field: $14.73 per hour for starting pay, $19.33 per hour after five years, $21.75 per hour after 10 years, and $23.37 after 15 years.

The type of coding specialty also appears to influence average salary levels - the more specialized the medical services, the more a medical coder may earn. Here are some of the top earners in the field based on their specialty: neuropsychiatry - $62,500, rheumatology - $57,800, nephrology - $50,900, and plastic surgery - $47,200.

The survey showed that the larger the organization and scope of medical coding services, the more the coding professional usually earns. For example, a medical coder for a 1-to-5 physician practice earns approximately $39,400, a medical coder for a hospital earns approximately $44,700 and a medical coding consultant earns approximately $73,000.

Remember a lot of factors can influence medical coding salaries - from how long the medical coder has worked to their type of medical specialty. However, the AAPC survey shows that medical coders can earn a solid salary at every stage of their career. Even better news? Medical coding salaries increased more than 11% since the 2007 survey - meaning opportunity is on the rise!

Looking to Start a Medical Coding Career? There are Opportunities Beyond Working in a Traditional Doctor's Office

2009-08-19T16:37:00.001-07:00

The world of medical coding is one of the fastest growing in the medical field, but many would-be medical coders do not realize the full spectrum of employment opportunities. Do you picture a medical coder sitting in a doctor's office all day long, placing diagnostic codes on claims and submitting them to insurance companies for payment? While this is certainly one of the career tracks available to today's medical coders, it is by no means the only one.

Consider some of the other opportunities available to those embarking on a medical coding career:

Laboratories
These days a large percentage of medical testing, from routine blood tests and x-rays to complicated diagnostic tests, are outsourced to private laboratories. Each of these laboratories has a need to submit claims to both government entities and private insurance companies - meaning that they have a need for medical coding personnel.

Insurance Companies
The job of a medical coder is often to ensure that insurance companies pay the claims submitted by medical providers, but there is a flip side to this as well. Each year millions of medical dollars are wasted, either through fraud and abuse or unwarranted tests and unnecessary procedures. As a result, most major health insurance providers have departments dedicated to the detection of fraud and other wasteful practices. Medical coders, with their experience and expertise, are able to ferret out these problematic billings better than most individuals, and are always in high demand by the insurance industry.

Hospitals
It is not just private medical practices who need to submit claims for reimbursement. Hospitals, nursing homes and other large institutions submit thousands of medical claims every single day, and they need to know that those medical claims are coded properly and that they will be paid on time. As a result, many medical coders will find themselves employed by these large institutions, helping hospitals and other providers continue to provide vital care to the community.

No matter where they work, medical coders are a vital part of the health care industry and demand for their services will only continue to grow - especially with the projected increase of medical procedures for today's aging population. There has never been a better time to start a medical coding career - these professional team members can enjoy excellent job security in a variety of employment opportunities nationwide. What could be better?

Embark on a Medical Coding Career

2009-05-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the commercials for a new career in medical coding where you could make 5 figures or more working from home? As enticing as these commercials and job opportunities sound, it is never that easy. The truth is that there is a strong need for medical coders -- which is what makes this field an ideal career choice. A little hard work and determination can lead to a stable, rewarding career.

The medical profession is very dependent on its billing department. Doctors need to make sure that there are reliable, accurate, and consistent medical coders to maintain the financial aspects of their practices. A professional medical billing department is what holds a medical practice together -- and proper coding procedures are essential.

A medical coder will:

- Have knowledge of the human body and its inner workings
- Know medical law and ethics, diseases, and terminology of medicine
- Review charts and reports from a person's medical record
- Add the corresponding codes for the services provided
- Provide accurate and reliable coding records

A medical biller, on the other hand, is the second person to receive the medical claims after the medical coder has coded them. The biller files the claim with the insurance company. Medical billers must also research all filed claims to see that they are resolved efficiently. Oftentimes, medical billers contact patients regarding outstanding claims, and set up a payment plan if necessary.

If you've decided that you want to venture into the field of medical coding, the first thing to do is research available medical coding programs offered by local colleges or trade schools -- online accredited medical coding schools are often an ideal choice for flexible and convenient learning. You can also talk to people who are currently employed in the field and get advice and tips on starting a new medical coding career. Medical coding offers a rewarding and exciting career opportunity -- with a little work and preparation, you too can become a medical coder.