The foundation of medical coding goes back to the 18th century when public bills of mortality posted it in London. It provided doctors with valuable data gathered to determine the cause of the cholera epidemic. Now it’s used to improve overall health. Discover more about medical coding.
Medical Coding Definition
The formal definition of medical coding is the transformation of healthcare diagnoses, procedures, medical services, and equipment into universal medical alphanumeric codes. Read about the process of medical coding and how it’s required every time you visit a doctor.
What’s Involved in Medical Coding?
The diagnosis and procedure codes are collected from medical record documentation, including physician’s transcription notes, lab, and radiologic results, et al. Medical coders then ensure the codes are applied correctly during the medical billing process. This involves abstracting the information from documentation, assigning the appropriate codes, and generating a claim to be paid by insurance providers.
A record of a patient’s visit, not only benefits the physician, it’s how they get paid. Medical codes translate the documentation into standardized codes that let payers know things, such as:
- A patient’s diagnosis
- The medical necessity for treatments, services, or supplies the patient was given
- Any abnormal circumstances or medical condition that affected those treatments and services
Medical coders must understand anatomy, physiology, evaluation & management services, the business of medicine, and requirements of the payers to succeed.
What Are Daily Tasks of Medical Coders?
The medical coder and biller process different services and claims daily and medical codes must tell the entire story of the patient’s visit with the doctor. It must be as specific as possible in securing reimbursement for rendered services. The primary task required of a medical coder is reviewing clinical statements and assigning standard codes.
The coder also checks the patient’s medical record, such as the transcription of doctor’s notes, requested image studies, ordered laboratory tests, etc. to demonstrate the work that was completed.
How is Medical Coding Done?
A certified medical coder starts by reviewing the previous day’s batch of patient’s notes for review and coding. They also summarize other vital information from the documentation, including physician names, procedure dates, and additional information.
The coder then completes the chart and starts with the next patient’s record. Most coders spend their day reading, taking notes, and assigning codes.
How Do I Become a Medical Coder?
To become a medical coder, you need to take a course and become certified, which takes about six months. It’s structured using the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) curriculum, the “gold-standard” for outpatient medical coding. Some of the course content you will encounter includes:
- Review of anatomy – cardiovascular, respiratory, integumentary, digestive, hemic & lymphatic, endocrine, nervous, female and male genital system, and more.
- Anesthesia
- Radiology
- Pathology and laboratory
- Medicine
Idaho Medical Academy Courses
If you’re interested in becoming a medical coder, contact our staff. We are recognized as a training institution by the Idaho Department of Emergency Medical Services and registered as a proprietary school with the Idaho State Board of Education.
Note: If you’re already an IMA student, you’re eligible for a tuition discount.
