The definitive guide to starting a successful career in medical billing and coding With the healthcare sector growing at breakneck speed—it’s currently the largest employment sector in the U.S. and expanding fast—medical billing and coding specialists are more essential than ever. These critical experts, also known as medical records and health information technicians, keep systems working smoothly by ensuring patient billing and insurance data are accurately and efficiently administered. This updated edition provides everything you need to begin—and then excel in—your chosen career. From finding the right study course and the latest certification requirements to industry standard practices and insider tips for dealing with government agencies and insurance companies, Medical Billing & Coding For Dummies has you completely covered. Find out about the flexible employment options available and how to qualify Understand the latest updates to the ICD-10 Get familiar with ethical and legal issues Discover ways to stay competitive and get ahead The prognosis is good—get this book today and set yourself up with the perfect prescription for a bright, secure, and financially healthy future!

Take your first step toward a successful career in medical coding with guidance from the most trusted name in coding education! The bestselling Buck’s Step-by-Step Medical Coding is a practical, easy-to-use resource that shows you exactly how to code using all current coding sets. To reinforce your understanding, practice exercises follow the explanations of each coding concept. In addition to coverage of reimbursement, ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS, and inpatient coding, an Evolve website includes 30-day access to TruCode® Encoder Essentials. No other book so thoroughly covers all coding sets! Theory and practical review questions (located at the end of each chapter) focus on recalling important chapter information and application of codes. A step-by-step approach makes it easier for students to build coding skills and remember the material. Learning objective and glossary review questions reinforce student understanding of key chapter concepts and terms. 30-day trial to TruCode® Encoder Essentials gives students experience with using an encoder (plus access to additional encoder practice exercises on the Evolve website). UNIQUE! "Real-life" coding reports (cleared of any confidential information) simulate the reports students will encounter as coders, and help them apply coding principles to actual cases. Online activities on Evolve provide extra practice with assignments, including coding reports. More than 450 illustrations help in understanding the types of medical conditions and procedures being coded, and include examples taken directly from Elsevier's professional ICD-10 and HCPCS manuals. UNIQUE! Four coding-question variations — covering both single-code questions and multiple-code questions and scenarios — develop students’ coding ability and critical thinking skills. UNIQUE! Coders’ Index in the back of the book makes it easy to quickly locate specific codes. Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting boxes show the official guidelines wording for inpatient and outpatient coding alongside in-text explanations. Exercises, Quick Checks, and Toolbox features reinforce coding rules and concepts, and emphasize key information. Valuable tips and advice are offered in features such as From the Trenches, Coding Shots, Stop!, Caution!, Check This Out, and CMS Rules. Sample EHR screenshots (in Appendix D) show examples similar to the electronic health records students will encounter in the workplace. NEW! Coding updates include the latest information available, promoting accurate coding and success on the job. NEW! Coverage of CPT E/M Guidelines changes for Office and Other Outpatient codes.

The Essential Guide to Coding in Otolaryngology: Coding, Billing, and Practice Management, Second Edition is a comprehensive manual on how to properly and compliantly code for both surgical and non-surgical services. It is a practical guide for all otolaryngology providers in the United States, including physicians early in their career requiring a working knowledge of the basics, experienced providers looking to understand the latest updates with ICD-10-CM and CPT changes, related specialists (audiology, speech pathology, and physician extenders) providing otolaryngologic health care, and office administrative teams managing coding and billing. Included are sections on how to approach otolaryngology coding for all subspecialties in both the office and operating room. Foundational topics, such as understanding the CPT and ICD-10-CM systems, use of modifiers, managing claim submissions and appeals, legal implications for the provider, coding for physician extenders, and strategies to optimize billing, are presented by experts in the field. Focused on a practical approach to coding, billing, and practice management, this text is user-friendly and written for the practicing physician, audiologist, speech pathologist, physician extender, and coder. The income and integrity of a medical practice is tied to the effectiveness of coding and billing management. As profit margins are squeezed, the ability to optimize revenue by compliant coding is of the upmost importance. The Essential Guide to Coding in Otolaryngology: Coding, Billing, and Practice Management, Second Edition is vital not only for new physicians but for experienced otolaryngologists. New to the Second Edition: * Strategies for integrating revised guidelines for coding and documenting office visits * New and evolving office and surgical procedures, including Eustachian tube dilation and lateral nasal wall implants * Updated coding for endoscopic sinus surgery and sinus dilation * Billing for telehealth visits * Revision of all sub-specialty topics reflecting changes in coding and new technologies * New and revised audiologic diagnostic testing codes Key Features * All chapters written by practicing otolaryngologists, health care providers, practice managers, legal experts, and coding experts * Discussion of the foundations of coding, billing, and practice management as well as advanced and complex topics * Otolaryngology subspecialty-focused discussion of office-based and surgical coding * Tips on how to code correctly in controversial areas, including the use of unlisted codes * A robust index for easy reference

The "Medical Billing and Coding Beginner's Guide" is a comprehensive resource designed to provide aspiring professionals with the foundational knowledge and skills required to enter the field of medical billing and coding. This guide serves as a practical manual, offering a step-by-step approach and valuable insights to help beginners understand the intricacies of this essential healthcare profession. Inside this guide, readers will discover an introduction to the healthcare system and the role of medical billing and coding in ensuring accurate and efficient reimbursement for medical services. It covers the basics of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, providing a solid foundation for understanding medical documentation and coding procedures. The guide explores the major coding systems, such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS, explaining their structure, conventions, and guidelines. Readers will learn how to accurately assign diagnosis codes, procedure codes, and modifiers, ensuring compliance with industry standards and facilitating proper reimbursement. Furthermore, this resource delves into the billing process, including insurance claims submission, reimbursement procedures, and navigating the complexities of insurance systems. It covers essential topics such as medical billing software, medical claim forms, and dealing with common billing errors and denials. In addition, the guide provides an overview of medical ethics, patient privacy regulations (HIPAA), and the importance of maintaining accurate and confidential patient records. It emphasizes the significance of professionalism, ethical conduct, and ongoing professional development in the medical billing and coding profession. Whether individuals are considering a career in medical billing and coding or seeking to expand their knowledge in the field, the "Medical Billing and Coding Beginner's Guide" is an invaluable resource. By equipping beginners with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in this field, this guide sets them on the path to a rewarding career in healthcare administration.

Today’s fast-paced and constantly changing health-care environment demands that you find the answers you need quickly and easily. This brand-new approach to billing and coding teaches you the who, what, why, when, and how of proper diagnostic and procedural coding, claim form completion, and medical recordkeeping.

"Become a Medical Coder on Your Own Without Experience" is a comprehensive guide that empowers individuals to enter the field of medical coding and build a successful career without formal experience or training. This guide serves as a step-by-step roadmap, providing essential knowledge, practical resources, and insider tips to help aspiring coders break into the industry and thrive. Inside this guide, readers will discover an introduction to medical coding, including an overview of the profession, its importance in healthcare, and the demand for skilled coders. It covers the basics of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, providing a foundation for understanding medical documentation and coding principles. The guide delves into the major coding systems, such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS, explaining the fundamentals of code assignment and the rules and conventions associated with each system. Readers will learn how to navigate coding manuals, accurately assign codes, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Furthermore, this resource offers practical advice on self-study and learning resources, including recommended books, online courses, and coding practice exercises. It provides guidance on building a strong knowledge base, developing coding skills, and staying up-to-date with the latest coding guidelines and regulations. In addition, the guide explores strategies for gaining practical experience and building a professional network, even without formal work experience. It offers tips on volunteering, networking with industry professionals, and preparing for coding interviews, empowering individuals to showcase their skills and stand out in the job market. Whether individuals are career changers, self-learners, or those seeking to enter the field of medical coding independently, "Become a Medical Coder on Your Own Without Experience" is a valuable resource. By providing the essential knowledge, practical resources, and guidance, this guide enables individuals to break into the field of medical coding, develop their skills, and pursue a rewarding career in healthcare administration.