Medical coding is the translation of medical reports into shortcodes used within the healthcare industry. It helps to summarize otherwise cumbersome medical reports into efficient, data-friendly code.
Medical coders are individuals who are responsible for translating physician reports into useful medical codes. These professionals work behind the scenes in a variety of settings, ensuring that all relevant information is properly coded to ensure consistency and accuracy.
After a medical provider has examined or treated a patient, the insurance company needs to understand what was done to process the bill. Common language is not precise enough to give the exact details an insurance company needs, so a set of specific codes have been established to define medical procedures. It is the role of a medical coder to provide this information in a useful and efficient manner.
While complex and detail driven, medical coding really comes down to knowing how to navigate three main code sets: CPT (Current Procedure Terminology), ICD (International Classification of Diseases), and HCPCS (Health Care Procedural Coding System). ). These code sets help coders document a patient’s condition and describe the medical procedure performed on that patient in response to their condition.
Scope and development of medical coding amid the pandemic
The rise of the pandemic in 2020 to take the healthcare industry center stage globally presented both hidden and visible challenges that required immediate attention. As healthcare providers are scaled up to deal with the growing problem at hand, the demand for labor in departments is increasing, thus boosting healthcare across the country.
In India, the healthcare offshoring industry has witnessed a growth in business. India is considered to be the second largest healthcare outsourcing destination. About 80 percent of healthcare business from the United States is outsourced to India. Thus, the demand for professional medical coders is increasing and they play a vital role in the healthcare delivery system.
The need and demand for medical coding will only continue to grow as recent advancements in computer-assisted coding (CAC) have helped ease the work of medical coders around the world.
How does one get into medical coding?
To pursue medical coding, a person must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a life science background. Must have analytical ability to read and analyze medical records and patient details using correct codes for billing procedures.
Institutes Offering Degree in Medical Coding
Institutes like IGMPI, CIGMA Medical Coding Academy, National Institute of Medical Coding offer courses in medical coding apart from several online platforms that offer short term certification courses in the subject.
– Authored by Hardeep Puri, Founder- Learntoupgrade
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