Medical Coding

Anupam Singh | Assistant Manager | nThrive Global Solutions

What is Medical Coding?

There are many nuances of a Career in Medical Coding. Almost everyone seems to be talking about How to start a Career in Medical Coding, while one should first develop an understanding of What is a Career in Medical Coding. While anyone can have an opinion on what Medical Coding entails; only a real professional can really explain it.

Assistant Manager Anupam Singh is an experienced professional with 4 years & 3 months in Medical Coding. Assistant Manager Anupam Singh describes Medical Coding as:

Medical coding is the transformation of healthcare diagnosis, procedures,medical services, and equipment into universal medical alphanumeric codes. The diagnoses and procedure codes are taken from medical record documentation, such as transcription of physician's notes, laboratory and radiologic results, etc.

How Assistant Manager Anupam Singh got into Medical Coding?

After doing my schooling from Delhi Public School Aligarh, I did my B tech from Hindustan College of Science & technology, Mathura. Thereafter, I started working for nThrive Global Solutions as a Medical Coder and gradually was promoted as an Assistant Manager.

Assistant Manager Anupam Singh's Talk on Medical Coding

The Journey of a Medical Coder: Anupam Singh's Insight into an Expanding Field In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, medical coding plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless communication between healthcare providers and insurers. Anupam Singh, a dedicated professional with four years of experience, shares his journey within this essential field. From his educational background to the challenges he faces daily, Anupam provides an in-depth look at what it means to be a medical coder today. This article will explore the intricacies of medical coding, the necessary education and skills, as well as the positives and challenges associated with the profession. What Is Medical Coding? Medical coding is a systematic assignment of codes to various health services and diseases, which is crucial for billing procedures between healthcare providers, hospitals, and medical insurance companies. At the core of this process lies the assignment of numeric or alphanumeric codes to specific procedures and diagnoses, ensuring that healthcare providers are accurately reimbursed for the services they render. Anupam elaborates on how this field requires an intricate understanding of medical terminology and coding standards, as coders convert healthcare services into codes that have associated dollar amounts. The importance of precise coding cannot be overstated, as it directly affects the revenue cycle in healthcare environments. Education Current Procedural Terminology To excel in medical coding, a strong educational foundation is essential. Anupam highlights Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) as a fundamental aspect of this learning journey. In CPT courses, coders learn to encode all the services performed by healthcare providers into a coding system that not only helps in billing but also standardizes communication in the healthcare industry. International Classification of Diseases Another critical component of medical coding education is the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Through this training, coders acquire knowledge about the various classifications of diseases and the corresponding codes assigned to them. This understanding is crucial for accurate record-keeping and ensures that healthcare providers receive appropriate reimbursement for treating specific ailments. HCPCS The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) adds another layer to the coder's educational journey. Anupam mentions that this aspect of training focuses on non-physician services such as ambulance services, medical supplies, and other adjunct services. Familiarity with HCPCS equips coders to cover a wider range of billing-related scenarios, ultimately enhancing their efficacy in the healthcare system. Anatomy An in-depth understanding of anatomy is imperative for medical coders, and Anupam emphasizes the importance of this knowledge. Coders must be well-versed in the human body's structure and functions to accurately assign codes related to medical services. Knowledge of anatomical systems—like musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems—ensures that coders can interpret medical records effectively and make precise coding decisions. Skills Detailed Orientation One of the most significant skills a medical coder must possess is detailed orientation. Anupam indicates that attention to detail is crucial when examining patient medical records, as even minor errors can lead to incorrect coding and subsequent billing issues. This meticulousness is foundational for ensuring that all aspects of a patient's records are accurately reflected in the assigned codes. Computer Savvy In the age of technology, being computer savvy is another vital skill for medical coders. Anupam notes that coding work is predominantly conducted on software platforms, so proficiency in using these tools is necessary. Comfort with technology allows coders to efficiently manage documentation and stay updated with the latest coding standards and software functions. Communication Effective communication skills are also essential in medical coding, particularly when dealing with U.S.-based clients. Anupam shares that fluency in English, both written and spoken, is crucial for facilitating email correspondence and conducting calls with clients. This ability helps coders clarify doubts and ensure that the client's needs are fully understood and met. Strong Morals Due to the sensitive nature of patient health information, strong morals and ethical conduct are paramount for medical coders. Anupam warns that breaches of confidentiality can result in severe consequences, underscoring the need for coders to handle medical records with utmost care and integrity. This focus on ethics is non-negotiable for maintaining patient trust and complying with legal standards. Analytical Lastly, strong analytical skills are integral to a medical coder's success. Anupam points out that coders must analyze medical records thoroughly to code procedures accurately. Inaccurate coding can jeopardize payments for healthcare providers and incur substantial financial setbacks. Thus, analytical prowess directly influences not only the coder's success but also the viability of the healthcare institution they serve. Positives Monetary Benefit One of the key positives of pursuing a career in medical coding is the potential for monetary benefits. Anupam shares that clients often provide budgets for work-related outings and performance incentives, particularly when coders exceed their targets. This financial motivation can keep morale high and encourage coders to strive for efficiency and accuracy. Growth The opportunity for personal and professional growth in this field is another highly regarded benefit. Anupam recounts his rapid ascent within his company, having transitioned from a medical coder to an auditor and eventually to an assistant manager overseeing a team. Such growth potential is inviting for aspiring coders, as they have the chance to deepen their expertise and take on leadership roles over time. Travelling A sense of adventure accompanies the medical coding profession, especially for those who relish travel. Anupam expresses enthusiasm for the possibility of participating in onshore training and meeting new clients overseas. This aspect of the career allows coders to engage with different cultures and enhance their professional networks, making it an appealing facet of their job. Challenges Memorizing Codes Despite its rewards, medical coding presents challenges that professionals must navigate. Anupam points out one of the primary challenges is the need to memorize an extensive array of codes—over 70,000. The constant evolution and annual increase in coding classifications can make this daunting task even more challenging, requiring a solid commitment to ongoing education and training. Lack of Indian Clients Another notable challenge for medical coders in India is the limited availability of local clients. As Anupam notes, despite the presence of healthcare professionals and facilities in India, much of the business is generated from foreign clients. This reliance on overseas partnerships can create job security concerns, particularly as demand fluctuates globally. Work Life Balance Lastly, maintaining a work-life balance proves to be a challenge in the field of medical coding. Anupam explains that different time zones, particularly in collaboration with U.S. clients, often complicate scheduling. The requirement to attend meetings outside standard working hours can intrude on personal time, creating tension between work obligations and personal life. A Day Of Medical Coding Anupam's typical day as a medical coder begins with an early morning shift that starts at 9 a.m. He explains that the first order of business is to read emails from clients, reviewing feedback relevant to previous coding assignments. After addressing these communications, he proceeds to tackle daily targets, diligently implementing necessary modifications based on client input. The rhythm of his day includes meetings with quality auditors, team leaders, and direct communication with clients on critical cases during which thorough investigation is vital. Despite the demanding nature of the job, Anupam finds that the engaging variety of cases he encounters keeps him motivated. Central to his daily work is a commitment to confidentiality, ensuring patient information is handled with the utmost care throughout the coding process. The multifaceted world of medical coding not only requires a robust set of skills and a solid educational background but also fosters personal growth and international engagement. As Anupam Singh illustrates through his journey, the role of a medical coder is both rewarding and complex, continuously contributing to the integral functioning of the healthcare industry. The knowledge of codes and processes may seem intricate, but it plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between healthcare providers and insurers, highlighting the profession's undeniable impact on patient care and the broader health ecosystem.

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How to get into

Medical Coding?

If you are want to get into Medical Coding, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Medical Coding is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Medical Coding, what education and skills you need to succeed in Medical Coding, and what positives and challenges you will face in Medical Coding.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Medical Coding.

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Your LifePage Career Advisor facilitates your guided introspection so that you systematically explore various Career options to arrive at a well thought out Career choice.

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LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Assistant Manager Anupam Singh's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/anupamsingh

LifePage Career Talk on Medical Coding

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/medical-coding

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20171120-0001

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9OG6heZHA4

(Medical Coding, Anupam Singh, nThrive Global Solutions, Medical Service, Healthcare Diagnosis, Medical Record Documentation, Transcriptions, Healthcare Diagnosis)

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