Learn About Medical Coding Services

By Author: Outsource Strategies International
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Medical coding is the process in which descriptions of medical diagnoses, procedures and services rendered to patients are converted into universal bits of numbers, known as "codes". These codes are either numeric or alphanumeric and represent the descriptions of injuries, diseases and various healthcare procedures used in the medical field.

Purpose and Application of Medical Coding

Medical coding services have become an integral part of healthcare services because medical coding is a process that needs expert handling. The main purpose of coding is for insurance purposes. An accurately coded medical document speeds up the billing process and results in quick medical reimbursement payment to the health sectors.

Classification of Medical Codes

Medical codes can be classified into four types:

• Diagnosis codes: Diagnostic codes are used to represent diseases, disorders, symptoms, human response patterns, and medical signs. Diagnosis codes are governed by the rules established in the International Classification of Diseases-9th Edition-Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM). ICD-9 is the coding ...
... system currently used in the United States.

• Procedural codes: The procedural codes are numeric or alphanumeric codes that are used to identify specific medical procedures provided by medical professionals. Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) is a procedural coding system that includes Level I and Level II codes. The Level I HCPCS codes are the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes managed by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Level II HCPCS codes are managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The use of HCPCS for all medical transactions was mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA).

• Pharmaceutical codes: Pharmaceutical codes are assigned to identify medications.

• Topographical codes: In medicine, topographical codes are used to indicate a specific location in the human body.

The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains several sets of international coding systems that help in facilitating comparing of health related data.

Medical Coding Services Available

Medical coding services provided by medical coding and billing firms include:

• Hospital / in-patient coding
• Emergency room e-code evaluation
• Medical coding audits
• Backlog coding resolution services
• DRG/ICD-9-CM coding validations
• CPT medical coding
• ASCs – Ambulatory Surgical Centers Coding
• ICD-9 coding based on AMA and CMS guidelines

To get comprehensive and quality medical coding services, it is necessary to seek the help of an experienced and reliable medical coding company. Medical coding firms are equipped with a team of highly skilled and experienced workforce that will carefully assign the codes and expedite the medical reimbursement process.

About Author
Outsource Strategies International (OSI) is committed to providing fast and efficient medical coding services, assuring accuracy and client satisfaction. Our medical coding company provides services to a range of healthcare clients including medical groups, clinics, and independent physicians in the US. For more details, visit: http://www.outsourcestrategies.com/medical-coding/medical-coding-services.htm

Outsource Strategies International (OSI) provides medical billing & coding, dental billing & coding, insurance & eligibility verifications to medical and dental practices.