This practical approach to training students for a career in medical coding begins with an introduction to Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), followed by in-depth explanations of the sections found in the CPT manual. Several chapters, organized to follow the CPT codes by body system, introduce various procedures and demonstrate how to code each one. Practice exercises following each step of information and at the end of each chapter reinforce important concepts and allow users to check their comprehension. Unit II covers the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD 9-CM), and Unit III offers information about third party reimbursement. Appendices provide the official ICD-9-CM guidelines for coding and reporting, answers to the in-text exercises, and the documentation guidelines for E/M services.
- Full-color design makes the book more visually stimulating.
- In-text exercises throughout each chapter immediately reinforce the coding rules and concepts, emphasizing the step-by-step organization of the book.
- Appendix D contains the Quick Guide to HIPAA for the Physician's Office, providing coding students & instructors with important information about new HIPAA guidelines.
- Concrete "real-life" examples illustrate the application of important coding principles and practices.
- Medical procedures or conditions are illustrated and discussed to help the student understand the services being coded.
- Format for student answers guides the student in the development of his or her coding ability by using a format that includes a four response variations:
- The From the Trenches feature highlights a different real-life medical coding practitioner in each chapter, with photographs throughout the chapter alongside quotes that offer practical advice or motivational comments.
- Coding Shots contain tips for the new coder.
- Stop! notes halt the reader for a reality check, offering a brief summary of material that was just covered and providing a transition into the next topic.
- Caution! notes warn users of common coding mistakes and reinforce the concept of coding as an exact science.
- Check This Out! boxes offer notes about accessing reference information related to coding, primarily via the Internet.
- Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting boxes in the Using the ICD-9-CM chapter contains excerpts of the actual guidelines, presenting the official wording alongside in-text discussions, and visual indicate Inpatient vs. Outpatient use.
- All information has been updated to present the latest information available.
- New illustrations enhance the quality of the text and illustrate the most important coding concepts.
- This edition includes a 30-day demo of UnicorMed's Alpha II iCoder, and Appendix E contains cases to use with the demo.
