Medical coding is often associated with medical billing, but the two are entirely different career paths. Coders use the information provided by the medical provider for treatment rendered and assign the appropriate codes for billing purposes.
The duties of a biller and coder may be combined in smaller practices and performed by the same individual. Nitin Chhoda shares the main responsibilities of medical coders and the attributes that they must have.
Education Always Counts … Of Course!
A thorough knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy is essential for a medical coder. The average medical coder’s course is 15 months long and costs approximately $2,000.
Online training is available from a variety of professional organizations and at multiple colleges throughout the country.
A prerequisite is college-level human anatomy and physiology.
Students will learn how to assemble documentation and interpret guidelines for accurate coding. Courses will address the upcoming transition to ICD-10 codes, along with maintaining compliance and the ethical and professional standards required of a certified coder.
Medical Coders Must Be Familiar with Legalities
Remaining in compliance with government rules, regulations, guidelines and laws will play a major role in a coder’s every day duties.
Medical coders are in contact with confidential information that’s protected through regulations established by the U.S. Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
The OIG rules are designed to prevent fraud and abuse in billing.
Medical coders must also maintain compliance in the usage, dissemination and transmission of patient information as set forth in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Known as the Privacy Act, it dictates how to handle sensitive patient data.
Medical Coders Know the Requirements and Compatibilities When Coding the Bill
An extensive array of data is collected during each patient encounter and it’s up to the coder to decipher any clinician notes and gather the documentation necessary to accurately code the reimbursement claim.
This is where knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology comes into play.
Medical coders are responsible for assigning the appropriate alpha-numerical CPT and ICD codes to reflect the practitioner’s diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Medical Coders Should Be Familiar with an Integrated Software Technology
All the assembled data must be entered into a specialized medical billing software program or an electronic medical record (EMR) system in preparation for billing.
In practices that employ a single individual who acts as both the coder and biller, he/she will transmit the claim electronically to a clearinghouse for examination before being sent to the payer.
Show Me the Money …
Medical coders who undertake both coding and billing duties will be required to monitor claims to ensure they’re paid, follow up on late or denied claims, and interact with insurance carriers to collect the clinician’s fees.
Certified medical coders also work with patients on their portion of healthcare costs and file appeals with payers when required.
