First question: what does the modern medical setting look like? To answer that question, we must consider just what the medical setting was several years ago. Asbestos filled filing cabinets with important documents and records lined doctors offices, there may have been one rather bulky computer for a qualified individual to access once or twice a day, and most communication among staff, patients, and outside entities like insurance companies was done verbally or via snail mail. Step foot into a doctors office today, and you’ll find very quickly that things have changed. We’re in an age rapid technological development: everything is easier, more convenient, faster than ever before thanks to how we’ve made brilliant use of computers in the medical world.
Today, we’re paperless. Records are kept online, communication is done via email and online patient portals. Diagnostic language has been replaced by medical procedure codes. With all of this development has come the necessary addition of medical coders- those who work behind the scenes of the doctors office to be sure things are documented accurately in the universal language of the medical world.
What is Medical Procedure Coding, and What Does a Medical Coder Actually Do?
Generally speaking, medical billing and coding is the transformation of healthcare diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment into universal medical alphanumeric codes; all codes are taken directly from medical record documentation, like doctor’s notes, lab results, and other similar things. Why is this necessary in today’s modern medical setting? In a system overloaded with medical information that’s collected and distributed at doctor’s offices (symptoms, procedures, results, diagnoses), it helps to have a way which allows for the efficient transfer of mass amounts information – specifically for documentation and billing purposes. Coding eliminates confusion that might come with territorial or cultural differences. Medical coding requires that every illness have a code that consists of uniform data that’s trackable by government, health agencies, and the CDC. This is, by far, the most efficient way to document and track illnesses and treatments, and to assist with research and analysis.
Can Anyone Do It?
Because of how complicated it can be, and because it does require a lot of focus and memorization, a career in medical coding isn’t necessarily for everyone. To be a medical coder, we recommend you possess a few traits. First of all, you should be detail oriented. When insurance payments and reimbursements are on the line, you don’t want to accidentally mess up. One slight mistake on the medical coder’s part may mean a huge difference in financial commitment for the patient or insurer, improper data accumulation which may skew research and analytics, or incorrect medical records. In order to be successful as a medical coder, you must have attention to detail to ensure that you get things right on a consistent basis.
Next, if you want to be a medical coder, you should possess an interest in the field of medicine. Generally speaking, coding is hard work, and for someone without a prior interest in medicine, it may be slightly boring. If learning regular terms – symptoms, illnesses, diagnoses, procedures – bores you, then chances are learning how to document code for those terms will as well. Lastly, a medical coder should enjoy working alone as well as with others, since they do a bit of both. For the most part, coding can be done in a solitary fashion, but sometimes collaboration is needed, either to get expert opinions from other medical professionals, or simply in day-to-day administrative responsibilities on the job.
Medical Procedure Coding Training at ITI Technical
At ITI Technical College, we want to equip our students not only with the tools to form a career, but with the tools to form the right career for them. Simply stated, we pride ourselves on offering occupational studies for vocational work that will be relevant regardless of what changes in the economy over the years. In other words, the certifications pursuable at ITI are more than just words on paper; they’re certifications that will amount to a successful career doing important work- medical coding being some of that work.
If you’re interested in a career in medical billing and coding, look no further than ITI to provide the best education for you.
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website: https://iticollege.edu/disclosures/
