My Medical Coding Bridge Journey- Week 2
Posted by Chad Sines on Fri, Feb 17, 2012 @ 04:37 PM
Week 2 was enjoyable. The first two units are a bit of a review. One on anatomy and physiology and the other on medical records. These are the only two units that are not 100% all new material that an MT would not know. They definitely serve a strong purpose. Unit 1 ensures the student is ready with the prerequisites. Unit 2 reviews some things we know and adds material that many MTs do not know.
I think MTs are often deficient in their understanding of the lifecycle of healthcare documentation. We only see what comes up on our screen; therefore, most honestly have no clue what happens to the medical record before or after it leaves their screen. We have no idea how medical coding is used. We have no idea how medical billing works. We really have no idea just how complicated it is for facilities to ensure privacy is maintained while ensuring that those who have a legitimate need for access can get that access.
This unit also dealt with some of the differences between facility and physician office records. A physician normally sees a patient on an “as-needed” basis which are handled through progress notes, mainly. There are some minor procedures, but nothing that in-depth record wise. With hospital records, patients are often seen on an in-patient status. The records get much more complicated. The Joint Commission standards apply to these in-patient facilities. I did not realize that the physician’s office was not accountable to the Joint Commission, so that was a new one for me.
While the medical codes that are added are used for reimbursement, they are also used for statistical purposes. If an ER has enough calls for an orthopedic surgeon, the hospital will consider maintaining one on-call permanently. This is done by analyzing the codes in the patient record. The same can be used to remove services that are not cost effective. On a grander scale, the Department of Health and Human Services can track the number of cases (again identified by medical codes) of STDs, other infectious diseases, gun shots, rapes, etc, and determine where and how to focus their efforts.
This unit went pretty quick having had experience with HIM in the past. I am loving this program. Lots of things to learn. Got another 100. Woohoo.
On to Section Three. You really should consider this program!!