If you are a medical billing and coder that will need to ready themselves for the ICD-9 to ICD-10 transition. If you are currently working as a busy medical biller and/or coder then finding the time to go back into training for the new ICD-10 coding system, and are looking for a training course that will offer you with enough flexibility, then have you considered taking an online ICD-10 training course?
Why Do I Need Further Education?
The entire coding systems that you are currently using (ICD-9-CM) will transition to the new and improved ICD-10-CM coding system as of October 13, 2013. The new International Statistical Classifications of Diseases (ICD-10) will be the adopted set of codes by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act used to code procedures and diagnoses. As mentioned in a previous article the flaw in the current system is that there is not enough room for new codes. ICD-10-CM will make is possible for better record keeping and specificity.
In order to continue your career in the medical coding field you will need better knowledge of how to use the codes and when to use them which will go from a mere 13,000 codes to well over 68,000 codes. It should be noted that any of the ICD-9 codes that are continued to be used in various transaction services after the October 1st, 2013 date will not be accepted. They will not be processed due to being non-compliant with the new coding system thus resulting in the rejection of reimbursements.
How will online ICD-10 training benefit me?
Those that have received billing and coding training online will be able to tell you that online education provides the flexibility and convenience that may with a schedule too demanding to allow them to attend a traditional medical billing and coding program. In an online course you will be able to maintain your current job while learning about the new ICD-10 code from home. To start many medical coders will need to brush up on the anatomy and physiology courses.
What Will I learn in an Online ICD-10 Course?
In an online course the ICD-10-CM books will offer you a wealth of information needed for extensive training to prepare you for the ICD-10. You will also be made aware of the similarities and of the differences. You can find a copy of the ICD-10 guidelines via the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) website.
Your coding course will cover not just new codes but how the codes will relate to:
- Diseases
- Symptoms
- Conditions
You will be trained to recognize and understand the codes, then apply the correct codes based upon the doctor’s records that will note the patient’s procedures and their diagnosis. You will also need to know the coding format for the ICD-10 codes has changed from the original a maximum of 5 digits all of the way to 7 digits. The code will begin with a letter and then include a mix of numbers and of letters.
You will have the option to take the steps to learn in a setting that will support how you live your life. An online ICD-10 training program will provide you with just as in-depth training and knowledge that a traditional course will allow you to have. It is important to note for current coder through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), you will need to earn a passing score in an online test just to maintain your current medical coding credentials.
