How to Become a Medical Coder

Introduction

• Career in healthcare that is flexible and rewarding without patient interaction.
• Focus on medical coding as a career.
• Victoria: Medical coder, auditor, educator, and content creator.
• Offers tips, tricks, and tutorials for a successful medical coding career.

What is Medical Coding?

• Process of converting medical record documentation into codes.
• Codes track diagnosis, procedures, drugs, and supplies.
• Used for billing, budget management, tracking diseases, and population health trends.
• Medical coding is detail-oriented and requires problem-solving skills.
• Many medical coding jobs allow work from home.

Tools and Resources

• Use of books, ebooks, search tools, and automation in coding.
• Errors in coding can lead to financial loss and penalties.

Choosing a Certification

• Decide on a specific type of coding and certification.
• CPC (Certified Professional Coder): Recommended for a broad range of jobs.
• Inpatient Coding: Higher pay, more intense training, knowledge of ICD-10 PCS code set.
• Employers look for certifications from AAPC or AHIMA.

Medical Coding Training

• Options for self-study or formal training.
• Step-by-step medical coding books and practice exams are beneficial.
• Community colleges and technical schools may offer financial aid.
• Training can also be done directly through AAPC.
• Recommended budget: Don't spend excessively on training.
• Preppy Program: Recommended for its tools, cost-effectiveness, and externship opportunities.
• Avoid unnecessary courses if aiming for specific coding knowledge.

Certification Exam

• Exams are open book; focus on guidelines and strategies.
• Practice exams and study guides are essential.
• Understand coding guidelines, procedure coding, and multiple diagnoses.
• CPC exam is randomized and electronic.
• Future potential for ebooks and fill-in-the-blank questions in exams.

Finding a Job

• Externships and internships are valuable for job placement.
• Importance of an updated and targeted resume.
• Networking through local chapters and LinkedIn.

Continuing Education

• Maintain certification with Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
• Explore free or low-cost resources for CEUs.
• Specialize with additional certifications for career advancement.

Career Growth and Opportunities

• Opportunities in teaching, consulting, and IT-related roles.
• Branching into areas like oncology, risk adjustment, or IT.

Conclusion

• Steps: Choose certification, get training, pass exam, keep growing.
• For more guidance, check out the medical coding masterclass.
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