Medical Coding Blog Archives

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What Is Medical Billing?

May 2, 2017 by Laureen Jandroep

How I Got Started in Medical Billing

Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to accidentally discover something called “medical billing” because I happened to be in the right place at the right time. Little did I know, the accidental discovery would lead me to my true employment passion medical billing and coding. My prior employment history involved openings in food service and later retail. I felt both of these industries could be my calling and means of helping support my family. The problem I continued to be faced with was boredom and usually, after about a year at a position, I would begin looking for another place of employment.

Medical Coding vs Medical Billing: Do I Need to Learn Both?

May 18, 2018April 28, 2017 by Laureen Jandroep

Alicia: I take calls that come in for people wanting to know “what’s the best path for me” and after I ask a few questions, then you get a feel for a good fit. This is a very common question, …

Medical Coding: Do You Need a Medical Terminology and Anatomy Course?

August 3, 2017April 15, 2017 by Laureen Jandroep

Laureen: A related question to that is: Do I need to take a medical terminology and anatomy course? You don’t have to, it’s highly recommended because basically, just like we said, if you’re going to be that translator and you’re …

ICD-10 Guidelines: How to Read Section References

August 3, 2017March 20, 2017 by Laureen Jandroep

Q: This first question came in on ICD-10 guidelines: How to Read Section References. Specifically the person asked: “I’m finding it hard to understand the references to ‘sections’ in the guidelines in the ICD-10-CM. Example: Hypertension, transient, Section 1.C.9.a.7. or …

Tips for Staying Healthy at Your Desk

September 23, 2022March 14, 2017 by Laureen Jandroep

Laureen: For our last question: Tips for Staying Healthy at Your Desk. We had a student ask, “I want to make some changes in 2017, all I do is sit all day coding or studying. What tips do you have to …

Benefits to Becoming a Certified Professional Coding Instructor (CPC-I)

February 28, 2017February 10, 2017 by Laureen Jandroep

Okay, so the next question is benefits to becoming a CPC-I. CPC-I stands for Certified Professional Coding Instructor. That’s with the AAPC, of course. Way back in the day they started this PMCC (Professional Medical Coding Curriculum) and they would …

Remote Medical Coding With No Experience

July 23, 2017February 6, 2017 by Laureen Jandroep

I have noticed many newly certified coders posting frustrated messages due to not being able to immediately find work in remote medical coding with no experience. Many are discouraged and ready to give up on their dream. My personality is …

ICD-10 Coding Manuals: AAPC vs Elsevier vs Optum360

December 28, 2018February 1, 2017 by Laureen Jandroep

Laureen: Which of the ICD-10 Coding Manuals is better? AAPC, Elsevier, or Optum360? I’ll let Alicia talk about ICD because that’s her favorite. Alicia: Actually, the ICD manual is the easiest to get and has the biggest variety of …