My internship began with coding ED charts. There are special forms used for ED coding. There is space on the form for the admission diagnosis, the reason for the visit and then the principal diagnosis. On the right side of this form is a space for CPT codes; however, the first CPT code is always 9929_, the coder assigns the last digit. The next column is for modifier 25, (significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management [E/M] service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure or other service). I completed seven ED charts.
After completion of the ED charts I began ambulatory surgery coding. Ambulatory surgery had its own form also. This form asked for a final diagnosis, and a secondary diagnosis and space for CPT codes. I also completed seven ambulatory surgery charts.
At 60 hours I began inpatient coding. I began first with the paper charts then I started using Epic and the charts were in PDF form. At first I was worried because my coding was not as …show more content…
The coders has a quota to meet so my interaction with them was very limited. All the coders are NCC graduates from the HIM program. There are two remote coders, also graduates from NCC, Roshi is in Texas and Nichole moved to Boston. Of course, most of my interaction was with Linda, Medical Technician I. Linda is there for the interns. She is very helpful and gracious. She is also responsible for making sure the charts are complete so they can be passed on to the HIM Department for timely coding. I did have a bit more interaction with Ann, she is also a Medical Technician I. She uses a software program called STAR. She corrects and adds missing charges. She receives emails daily from Melville containing error reports. I believe Melville is where the billing is done. She seldom uses EPIC, but if a charge is denied from a carrier she will access EPIC to print a report to justify a procedure that is being