Comments for Coding Career Wire

Comment on CPC Exam Prep: Your Roots Are Showing by Kristy

Kristy — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:01:44 +0000

Nice article! I am a coding instructor and I cannot tell you how much I stress to my students the importance of knowing there medical terminology for the exam.It is so true, it helps in every aspect and is the gift that keeps on giving. Long after the exam is over it helps in every day coding scenarios and when comunicating with physicians.

Comment on Rev Up Your Coding Career: Know What’s Next by Editor

Editor — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:34:46 +0000

Hi, Cindy: Thanks for writing in. We have a “sister” site that regularly posts specialty coding advice, including radiation oncology: http://codingnews.inhealthcare.com/. Like this site, its archives are code and keyword searchable, so I hope you’ll stop by there with your questions. In the meantime, I’ll forward your Dx coding question to our Radiology and Oncology Coding Editor, Deborah Dorton. She loves getting questions from readers, and often contributes to this site.

Best, Erin Lang Masercola, PhD, CPC, Editor

Comment on Rev Up Your Coding Career: Know What’s Next by Cindy Hammerle

Cindy Hammerle — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 20:53:20 +0000

I am a 6 year employee in a radiation oncology practice. Prior to that I had 8 years in a medical oncology practice. I was wondering if your organization would possibly add radiation as a specialty item in the near future. I do all the transcription for 5 facilities and currently the primary diagnosis coder for billing purposes. I would like to find clarification when coding a recurrence as in breast or lung recurrence. I have a clear understanding of metastases. Is recurrence code still as the primary site of original occurance but only specified by the 2 digits after the (.) that would make the difference from original diagnosis? Thank you for your assistance and any information that would understood by a lay person such as myself.

Comment on From Temporary File Clerk to Medical Coding Career by Lynda Atkinson

Lynda Atkinson — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:48:51 +0000

I love this true story. I know Liz and this is such a wonderful “up the ladder” success story about her. Keep up the great job you do, Liz. It makes some of us out here feel like there is hope yet. But, the truth is it is about dedication and wanting to learn.

Thank you, Liz. I am proud of you.

Comment on E/M Coding Skill Sharpener: Hospital Observation Services by Laura Saunders

Laura Saunders — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:31:17 +0000

In the hospital I work for, the E & M for the ED is outsourced and the E & M for the OBS is done by me. Is it fraud for the outsourcing company to bill all ED visits & for me to bill all OBS visits? Is that double billing? If so, how would you suggest we coordinate coders so we don’t have double billing? This has been an issue here for 3 years now.

Thank you,
Laura

Comment on Average Medical Coder Salaries By Specialty by » Average Medical Coder Salaries, By Workplace

» Average Medical Coder Salaries, By Workplace — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:24:20 +0000

[...] in mind: Factors such as education level, specialty, certifications and experience also affect medical coders’ salaries, and this survey only [...]

Comment on Medical Coding Career Path: Cancer Registrar by » » ICD-O?! Meet a Cancer Registrar

» » ICD-O?! Meet a Cancer Registrar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:05:29 +0000

[...] possibilities are practically endless. Today, let’s meet Jennifer McBride, who works as a cancer registrar at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, [...]