Bechtel Corporation SWOT Analysis - Essay Example

?Becoming a r Introduction In medicine, coding refers to the application of s to represent clinical information. In simple terms, it is the changing of narrative description of injuries, diseases and medical procedures into alphabetical or numeric designations. Coding providers give coding that can be used to describe diagnostic information that is in line with the patient’s condition, services offered and procedures followed. These codes are so detailed that they can provide an accurate description of the medical diagnoses and medical procedures performed. They can also correct diagnoses made. The profession of medical coding does not involve the practice of medicine. Instead, it is a simply the application of coding rules to a set of medical or clinical facts. Coder Credential Organizations One of the key necessities in the coding profession is credentialing. This is because the government recommends that only those coders who have the necessary credentials should be allowed to provide coding for Medicare patients. At the same time, credentialing validates the knowledge and skills of the coders to the world. In the US, two national organizations certify persons as having medical coding expertise. The two coder credential organizations are, the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). AAPC targets experienced coders and as such offers specialist credentials that enable medical coders to portray very high levels of expertise in their various specialty disciplines. Their 20 specialty credentials are independent or stand-alone certifications that do not have requirements for holding of the CPC credential. AAPC allows coders to validate the knowledge they have gained in a specialty with compliance challenges, unique coding and reimbursement (AAPC, 2005). AHIMA is a professional organization that deals with the management of medical records. The organization gives professionals dealing with medical records educational resources and programs. AHIMA certification distinguishes a person as knowledgeable, competent and committed to quality healthcare through quality information. As compared to AAPC, a specialist credential offered through AHIMA focuses more on facility coding. Facility coding refers to the kind of medical coding done for hospitals in in-patient settings (Michelle and Jo, 2004). Credential requirements and exams. Examples of credentials offered by AHIMA include RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CCA, CCS-P and CHPS (AHIMAa, 2010). A Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) functions as a critical link between patients, care providers and payers. Professionals holding RHIA are experts in managing patient medical records and health information, collecting and analyzing patient information and administering computer information systems. One of the initial requirements for RHIA is a degree from a CAHIIM-accredited program. The pattern of its examination changes annually in response to organization demand or market trends. On the other hand, a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a health information technician who ensures that medical records are of good quality by verifying their accuracy, completeness and correct entry into computer systems. They often specialize in coding procedures and diagnoses in patient records for purposes of reimbursement and research. Just like the RHIA, a degree from a CAHIIM-accredited program is one of the initial requirements for an RHIT. In addition, one must pass an AHIMA-administered written examination. According to AHIMAa (2010), 30% of RHIT exam tests on the knowledgeability in the management of health data. Thirteen percent of it tests on biomedical research, health statistics and quality management. Twenty five percent of this exam tests on information technology and systems. According to AHIMAb (2010), professionals with a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification credential are skilled in classifying medical data from the medical records of the patient in a hospital setting. They review patients’ medical records and assign numeric codes for all procedures and diagnoses. CCS certified professionals possess expertise in the CPT and ICD-9-CM and coding systems. They are also knowledgeable about pharmacology, disease processes and medical terminology. In order to sit CCS exam, candidates are have a General Educational Diploma (GED) or a high school diploma from a US high school. Its examinations tests on mastery of coding proficiency and a practitioner's integrity skills and data quality (McCoy, 2009). Examples of credentials offered by AAPC are Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional Coder-Hospital Outpatient (CPC-H), CPC-C and CIRCC (AAPC, 2005). AAPC’s CPC credential is the gold standard for medical coding in physician office settings. Professionals with CPC are experts in reviewing and assigning the correct medical coding for diagnoses services and procedures in physician-office settings. They are knowledgeable in coding rules and regulations, medical terminologies, anatomy and physiology. Requirements for a CPC-H credential are a GED or a high school diploma from a US high school. Its examinations tests the correct application of CPT, HCPCS Level II procedure and ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes and supply codes used for billing medical services for professional to insurance companies. Professionals with a CPC-H credential can review and code diagnoses, services and procedures on medical claims in the outpatient setting. This way, they help in improving the operational efficiency and finances of the facility (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2011). CPC-H has the same requirements and examinations as CPC only that the ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes are important in coding and billing hospital services/outpatient facility, and not professionals, to insurance companies. AAPC membership is compulsory before sitting for these examinations. CE Maintenance and educational programs Once professional associations have been certified, they require continuous maintenance of their credentials. This is normally achieved this through continuing education (CE) maintenance. AHIMA requires 10 CE hours for one credential and a total of 20 hours if the person is as a CCS-P and a CCS. On the other hand, AAPC requires 18 CE hours per credential and 24 CE hours for both CPC-H and CPC credentials (Michelle, 2004). In order to obtain RHIT and RHIA, one needs to go through an HIM program that is CAHIM-accredited. An example of a credential program is Phoenix College, an AHIMA Approved Coding Certificate Program. Examples of programs that offer CPC training are MyCAA. OCEWD LCC Certified Professional Code- Hospital (CPC-H) AAPC Program provides both CPC and CPC-H. Conclusion The coding of health-related data allows access to patient’s health records according to the correct clinical care diagnoses and medical procedures, research, and education. Of all these credentials, CCS and CPC are the two most recognized and mostly sought after coding. Coding in medical field is very important but is has to be done with a lot of care. This is because the highest levels of accuracy are required in the profession in order to avoid errors that could risk the profession of the practitioners and the lives of patients. References AAPC (2005). Specialty Medical Coding Certification: Online: http://www.aapc.com/certification/specialty-credentials.aspx. Viewed on 9th July, 2011. AHIMA (2010 a). Types of Credentials. Online. http://www.ahima.org/certification/aboutcchiim.aspx. Viewed on 9th July, 2011. AHIMA (2010 b). Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). Online http://www.ahima.org/certification/ccs.aspx. Viewed on 9th July, 2011. Becoming a coder. Online: http://www.justcoding.com/become-a-coder. Viewed on 9th July, 2011. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (2011). Occupational Outlook Handbook ( 2010-11 Ed). Medical Records and Health Information Technicians. Online at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos103.htm. Viewed on 9th July, 2011. McCoy, K. (2009). Best Practices: Why Your Practice Needs a Master Coder. Online: http://www.articleslash.net/Health-and-Fitness/Medicine/598439__Best-Practices-Why-Your-Practice-Needs-a-Master-Coder.html. Viewed on 9th July, 2011. Medical billing and coding. Online: :http://www.medicalbillingandmedicalcoding.com/medicalcodingcertification.html#whatisthedifferencebetweenallofthecredentials. Viewed on 9th July, 2011. Michelle, G. and Jo, A. (2004). Rowell. Understanding Health Insurance: A Guide to Billing and Reimbursement. New York. Thomson/Delmar Learning. Read More