In the Beginning of Medical Billing: Medical Coding

Many people assume that medical billing and medical coding are one in the same procedure. However as you in the industry know, they are part of the same process, but very different.

Medical coding is where medical billing begins and couldn’t be processed without it. When a physician or hospital renders services, a code is assigned to that procedure or procedures. The more services that are performed for a patient, the more medical billing codes there will be. Those codes are recorded on a medical billing form.

The tricky part is keeping up with the ever-changing nature of the medical billing codes. These codes can be changed/added to/or removed many times in one year and if an outdated code is used, it can cause your medical billing claim to be rejected. If incorrect coding or under/over coding is used, you can be setting yourself up for an audit.

This is a very positive reason to consider outsourcing your medical billing claims to a medical billing partner that is well versed and keeps up with the past paced world of medical coding. Not only do they keep up with current and future coding changes, periodically, your medical billing partner will analyze your medical records and previous coding to make sure you are on the right track and to help you avoid an audit of your practice and coding procedures. This proactive measure by your medical billing partner can save you a lot of time and grief.

Keeping up with the rapid fire coding changes can be a strain on any office, if you’re not already outsourcing your coding, think about it and see the benefits it can give your practice.

View all Articles by: Melissa Clark, CCS-P