Medical Coding : What It Is and How It Works

Medical coding is fundamental and is required for reimbursement by Medicare and all insurers. It drives the cash flow by which health care providers operate. While professional coders do the hands-on coding, individuals in health care operations must have a basic understanding of how coding works. Coding is a very complicated process. There is ICD 9CM, HICPICS, CPT and APC’s. All are different depending on the setting and vary by specialty and by type of service. All health care managers need a basic knowledge of the process that funds their operations. This is the first book that presents the big picture for the non-coder in clear, practical language. • Presents coding as a translation of the original language of medical documentation in simple language • Contains appendices with specific national rules about coding and billing