Medical coding

Medical coding is a key component in the healthcare industry that involves the transformation of healthcare diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment into universal medical alphanumeric codes. The codes obtained from the process are used for a variety of purposes in the healthcare field, including billing, research, and tracking of diseases and treatments.

Overview

Medical coding is a critical process in healthcare as it aids in maintaining clear and organized records of patients' diagnoses and treatments. It also plays a significant role in the billing process, as the codes are used to determine the amount that healthcare providers are reimbursed for their services.

Process

The process of medical coding involves reviewing clinical statements and assigning standard codes using ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification) and CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code books. The coder will translate the written description of diseases, injuries, and procedures into numeric or alphanumeric codes.

Types of Medical Codes

There are several types of codes used in medical coding, including:

• ICD (International Classification of Diseases): This is a system used to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures recorded in conjunction with hospital care in the US.
• CPT (Current Procedural Terminology): These are codes developed by the American Medical Association to code procedures.
• HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System): These include codes for procedures, supplies, products and services not included in the CPT codes.

Role of a Medical Coder

A medical coder is a healthcare professional who is trained to code patients' medical records for billing purposes and for maintaining patients' histories. They work closely with healthcare providers to ensure accurate coding for procedures performed, tests ordered, and diagnoses made.

Training and Certification

Training for medical coding can be obtained through a certificate program or an associate's degree program. Certification is often required by employers, and can be obtained through organizations such as the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) or the AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association).

See Also

• Medical billing
• Health information management
• Health informatics