Medical coding is the translation of medical reports into alphanumeric codes used within the healthcare industry. This helps to summarize otherwise cumbersome medical reports into efficient, data- friendly codes.
Medical coders are professionals accountable for translating doctor’s reports into alphanumeric medical codes. These professionals work behind the scenes in a variety of settings, ensuring all pertinent information is coded appropriately to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Once the medical provider examines or treats a patient, the insurance company analyzes the patient reports to process the bill. The common language is inexact to give the insurance company the accurate details it needs, so a set of specific codes has been established to define medical procedures. It is the role of a medical coder to provide this information in a way that is useful and efficient.
While complex and detail-driven, medical coding really comes down to knowing how to navigate the 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 to document the condition of a patient and describe the medical procedure performed on that patient in response to their condition.
To pursue medical coding, an individual must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, preferably from a life sciences background. One must have the analytical ability to read and analyze medical records and patient’s details by using the right codes for billing procedures.