As a medical coder, you will assign specific numeric codes to medical services, procedures and diagnoses. Allied’s Medical Coding teaches you how to apply the right code in the right place and streamline the medical billing process. From knowledge of ICD-9-CM and CPT codes to reimbursement issues, you will be ready to play an important part in a medical office.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
One of the best ways to protect your career is to choose a field that is in high demand, and the medical field is one of the prime examples. No matter how bad the economy gets, there will always be a need for highly-trained, experienced professionals to work in medical facilities nationwide as medical office professionals, such as medical coders.
In fact, the need for experienced medical coders can be even stronger when times are tough, since health care providers will be looking for a way to make the most of every health care dollar. The right medical codes can mean the difference between a denied claim and one that is paid in full and on time -- it is easy to see the value an experienced and capable medical coding professional brings to the table.
The constant need for new medical coders has meant that many educators are offering medical coding courses to help workers get started in this in-demand field. Many of these medical coding schools provide online medical coding education -- helping those who already have jobs train for a great new career without giving up their current jobs or their incomes. Among the features to look for in an online medical coding training program are:
Convenient Online Courses -- The ability to study when you want, where you want, and at your own pace is essential in today's world. One of the chief benefits of online education is the ability to tailor the needs of your education to the needs of your career and family.
Strong Student Support -- Ongoing support for students and former students is vital in the online education field, and it is important to choose a medical coding school with a strong commitment to helping their students succeed. A strong support system can be the main success factor in your medical coding course -- getting the help you need with your medical coding training is vital.
Up-to-date Material -- An online medical coding education is worthless if the education received is inaccurate or out of date. The world of medical coding is a rapidly changing one, and it is important to choose a school whose faculty and staff keep up with all these changes. Choose a medical coding school that provides the most up to date information and you will find many career opportunities available to you.
Of course not all medical coding schools are the same, and it is important for would-be medical coding professionals to choose their school very carefully. Choosing the wrong medical coding school could rob them of their time and hard-earned money. If you plan to start a medical coding career, you should do your homework first. A high-demand career awaits you -- make sure your first step is the right one and choose the best medical coding school. Labels: medical coders, medical codes, Medical Coding, medical field
Read Full Article>> Not all Medical Coding Schools are the Same
Friday, February 20, 2009
You've decided that it's time for a change. Whether forced by the economy or of your own accord, you'd like to switch careers and start something entirely new -- a solid career that will be around for years to come. How about a medical coding career?
In today's economy, it is becoming more common to start a second career. After being exposed to terms like "outsourced," "downsized," and "laid off," it is becoming a necessity to chart a new career path. You want a recession-proof career and medical coding seems a good choice. Before you get started, consider:
1. You can imagine having a long-term and fulfilling career in the medical coding field
2. You already have some of the skills that are necessary to succeed in this field. If not, you are willing to get the training that will prepare you for your new medical coding career.
3. You have done your homework and thoroughly researched the medical coding field. You are up to date and know about the career outlook, wage data and necessary qualifications.
4. You have studied relevant organizations or health care facilities within your area and know your medical coding career options. You know what's out there and what opportunities exist for a newcomer.
5. You have networked and made contacts with people in the field. You like what they've told you, and have a foot in the door when it comes to getting a new medical coding job.
Done all of that? Now you can move forward with your career plans knowing that have made the right choice and can imagine a solid future as a medical coder. It's always a little bit scary when you try something new, but being fully informed can make the transition that much easier. You will know what to expect from your medical coding career and exactly how to make it happen. Labels: Certified Medical Coder, Medical Coding, medical coding and billing, medical coding career, medical coding online
Read Full Article>> How to Tell If Medical Coding is Right for You
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Did you know that you can start a career in the health care industry without performing any clinical tasks? No patient interaction is required in a medical coding career -- you'll work in a comfortable office setting making sure doctors get paid accurately and on time.
Medical coders read medical reports about a patient's diagnosis and the medical procedures used to treat that patient. They then assign specific codes to that information for the purpose of accurate billing and record keeping.
It's the perfect way to transition into the health care field. It's a behind-the-scenes career that is an integral part of a smooth-running medical office or health care facility. You'll use your knowledge of anatomy and physiology and insurance and billing procedures to apply the right codes and facilitate insurance payments.
Medical coding requires less education than other health care careers. You don't have to go to schools for years and acquire advanced degrees. In a short period of time -- less than two years -- you can find yourself in a respected, health care position. An online medical coding program will make it even easier -- learn when and where you want!
Health care is the largest industry in the U.S. -- with a forecast of 3 million new wage and salary jobs on the horizon between 2006 and 2016. (Source: BLS) An aging and growing population is expected to create a greater need for medical coders to perform accurate record-keeping and billing procedures in hospitals, physician offices, nursing and residential care facilities, and outpatient care centers nationwide.
You don't need to be a doctor or nurse to start a health care career. Medical coding provides an ideal way to step into this ever-growing industry. And it's easier than you think. With the right medical coding training, you can make the transition into a stable, rewarding career that will be needed for years to come.Labels: Certified Medical Coder, Medical Coding, medical coding career, medical coding training
Read Full Article>> Step into the Health Care Industry with Medical Coding Training
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
It's no secret that the medical field is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S.According to the American Associate of Professional Coders (AAPC), careers in medical coding have ample room for professional growth, salary advancement, and specialty fields to explore. The AAPC published its annual survey on September 25, 2008 and some of the results even surprised Reed Pew, CEO and President of AAPC.
This year's survey was completed by over 12,000 medical coders; more coders than ever and conducted via the internet during July and August. A striking 89% of survey respondents have a CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, or CPC-A credential. While CPC's made up 82 percent of the survey's respondents, members also exhibited other certifications. Those with specialty certification include three percent of those surveyed. Other certifications held by respondents include CCS, RHIT, CTR, among others.
According to this year's survey.
- Average salaries have increased more than 11% compared to the 2007 survey!
- The average salary for a credentialed coder is 18% higher compared to a non-credentialed coder!
- 60% of coders work less than 40 hours a week!
- The average range for medical coders in general is $39,000 to $46,500!
The survey indicated that compensation differences result from multiple influences such as employer, training, work sites, complexity of the coding being dones, experience, and geographical location. Let's take a closer look at some of those factors that can includence the average Medical Coder's salary:
Experience | Work Setting | | No experience - $30,600 | Physican Practice - $39,400 | | 2 years experience - $34,800 | Hospital - $44,700 | | 4 years experience - $37,700 | Government Facility - $46,500 | | 8 years experience - $42,400 | Payers - $52,500 |
Click here for Medical Career Comparison: Medical Transcription vs. Medical Coding
Speciality | Work Setting | | Family Practice - $40,850 | Atlantic - $52,599 | New England/NY - $46,375 | | General Surgery - $43,500 | Pacific - $49,688 | Mountain/Plain - $40,876 | | Plastic Surgery - $47,200 | South - $41,998 | Mid-Atlantic - $39,970 | | Neuropsychiatry - $62,500 | Payers - $52,500 | South West - $39,794 |
This powerful information gathered from the AAPC annual survey supports the opportunity for a successful and rewarding career in the Medical Coding Field. There are generous opportunities for advancement and numerous speciality fields to enter. It's eveident that NOW is the time to start preparing yourself for a stable career in medical coding.
Knowing that you can enter a secure profession now in a field that promises sustained and dramatic growth means peace of mind for the studnet, their family, and their future!
Labels: medical career, Medical Coder, Medical Coding, medical transcriber
Read Full Article>> Medical field is one of the fatest growing industries in the U.S.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
You've decided that you want to enter the medical coding field. Where do you start? Before you jump into learning medical codes, you need to build a solid knowledge base by enrolling in a medical terminology course. It's the perfect place to begin your career training.
Medical terminology is the root of all medical professions. You need to have a thorough understanding of complex medical terms if you are going to succeed as a medical coder. How can you choose the right code for a diagnosis or procedure if you don't recognize medical terms? Knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, root words, and abbreviations will give you a leg up in your medical coding career.
With knowledge of these common and not-so-common terms, you will be able to perform your medical coding job in a fast, precise, and educated manner. And you will ensure that doctors get reimbursed for the right amounts -- a necessary part of your job as a medical coder!
Medical terminology provides a solid foundation for your medical coding career. You will be able to perform effective coding procedures with a thorough knowledge of medical terminology. A medical terminology course will cover: basic word structure, organization of the body, medical specialist and case reports, body systems, major classes or drugs, diagnostic tests and procedures, and more. You will get an overview of the terms associated with these topics.
Lay the groundwork for your medical coding career and enroll in a medical coding course today. Choose a course that enables you to learn using different learning methods and techniques, such as CDs, books and videos, to enhance your educational experience. Benefit from a school that offers medical terminology and medical coding in one convenient package.
You will be prepared to take the next step and get the medical coding training you need. Incorporate your medical terminology training into a lasting medical coding career! You will have the know-how to be an effective medical coder. Labels: Medical Coding, medical coding career, medical terminology
Read Full Article>> Your Medical Coding Career Starts with a Solid Foundation
Thursday, September 25, 2008
If you want to advance in your current medical coding job or start a whole new medical coding career, you can give yourself an advantage by knowing the industry. What are the latest trends? What is the current news in the field? By being informed, you will have the ability to knowledgeably speak about your industry and know what to expect from your medical coding career.
Industry trade magazines – These are perfect sources of information! You can learn a lot about the medical coding industry by subscribing to trade magazines. Stay on top of current news and trends, and gain access to different employment opportunities. Find out what topics are being covered and what is relevant in medical coding today.
Networking – The ideal way to find out about medical coding is to talk to people involved in that industry. Find out about specific medical coding jobs and what issues are currently affecting those jobs. It is an invaluable way to get the information you need firsthand.
Informational interviews – You can find out the “ins and outs” of the industry by talking to actual medical coders and other industry experts. Set up an informational interview with someone working in medical coding. It is the perfect opportunity to speak one-on-one with an individual and ask pointed questions about what it is like being a medical coder.
Online resources – There are unlimited resources at your fingertips! Use the Internet to research medical coding. Do you want to know about job growth? Do you want to determine salaries in specific geographic locations? You can find all of that and more through the use of your computer. You can also subscribe to online newsletters and e-mail updates. Find out what topics are relevant right now in medical coding.
A survey conducted on behalf of The New York Times Job Market found that the majority of employers agree that keeping up-to-date in your field is important for conducting a successful job search. Give yourself the knowledge to build a long-term and rewarding career. By becoming a medical coding expert, you will exude confidence and show that you are dedicated and care about your medical coding career. Enroll your medical coding course at online medical coding schools Labels: Medical Coding, medical coding career, Medical Coding Industry, medical coding job
Read Full Article>> Know the Medical Coding Industry
Monday, August 25, 2008
Allied has slashed its regular course price. Until Friday, August 29th, students can enroll in the Medical Coding Course for only $888. That's $600 in savings! Act now -take advantage of this limited time discount! There are also significant discounts available on other Allied medical courses and programs this week only. Get the training you need to work in the growing health care field. Labels: Medical Coding, Medical Coding Course
Read Full Article>> Medical Coding Course Only $888 -- Act Now for Savings!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Medical coders play a vital part in the medical billing process. Without them, insurance companies would not exist and doctors would not get reimbursed for their services.
Here's one scenario:
- A patient visits a doctor's office
- The doctor examines the patient
- The doctor schedules a test to make a proper diagnosis
- Based on the results of the test or examination, the doctor schedules a procedure
- There is a follow-up visit to check on the patient's progress
- The diagnosis requires additional follow ups or visits to monitor patient's progress
All of the time spent with the patient, including performing tests, making a diagnosis and scheduling procedures, needs to be accounted for. That is where special medical codes come in. These codes help medical offices and insurance companies record and track all medical activity.
By assigning the proper codes, doctors can get reimbursed for their services. If an incorrect code is assigned to a test, diagnosis, or procedure, then it disrupts the payment process and delays payment from the insurance company.
Medical coding is essential to the health care industry. Medical coders act as important liaisons between doctors and insurance companies. Without their services, it would be difficult to stay on top of medical billing and get doctors adequately paid. As a result, each medical facility has its own coders to keep the billing process moving forward.Labels: insurance medical coder, Medical Coder, Medical Coding, medical coding career
Read Full Article>> Why Are Medical Coders Necessary?
Monday, July 28, 2008
Take advantage of an opportunity to save $600 on Allied's Medical Coding Course. This limited time offer is available from July 28, 2008 to August 29, 2008. Benefit from this savings and be one step closer to your medical coding career. Call (888) 822-2923 for more information! Labels: Medical Coding, Medical Coding Course
Read Full Article>> $600 Course Discount -- Secure Your Future Today!
Many people get confused about the different types of medical codes and how and when to use them. Here is a quick reference to determine the difference between ICD-9-CM and CPT medical codes:
ICD-9-CM
The International Classification of Diseases, known as ICD, is the most widely used statistical classification system in the world. It is published by the World Health Organization.
The International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, Clinical Modification, or ICD-9-CM, includes the code used to describe the condition or disease being treated, also known as the diagnosis. Using this system, a specific code is assigned to the diagnosis of the condition or disease being treated.
These codes classify mortality data from death certificates and morbidity (illnesses and injury) data from patient records, physician offices, and most National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) surveys.
CPT
The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set is maintained by the American Medical Association through the CPT Editorial Panel.
CPT is the code used to describe medical services and procedures performed by doctors for a particular diagnosis. The CPT code set accurately describes medical, surgical, and diagnostic services performed by physicians. Its purpose is to provide a uniform method of communicating between doctors, insurance companies and patients.
These codes are the most widely-accepted medical codes used to report medical procedures and services under public and private health insurance programs. It is commonly used in Medicare and Medicaid.
Bottom line: Both CPT and ICD-9 codes are needed when assigning codes and billing health insurance companies.Labels: CPT Codes, ICD-9, Medical Coding, Medical Coding Course
Read Full Article>> How to Distinguish Between ICD-9-CM & CPT Medical Codes
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