How to Write a Report on Medical Billing & Coding

Medical billing and coding is a vital part of the health care industry.

When writing a report on Medical Billing & Coding, it's important to cover: the billing and coding process and the purpose it serves, the required education and training for billers and coders, the organizations that oversee these practices and the overall employment outlook of the profession.

Instructions

1. Define medical billing and coding separately; while they go together, each are made up of distinct tasks. For example, the billing process is centered on creating bills and submitting claims in an effort to collect money that's owed. The specific information regarding a patient or services rendered is assigned during the coding process (this data is then used for reimbursement purposes).

2. Explain the tasks and courses of action that medical billers and coders take. This includes assigning and inputting codes, reviewing and submitting claims to insurance providers and carriers, and collecting any other data that's needed for a claim to be processed.

3. Emphasize the fact that assigned codes must conform to all federal, legal and insurance regulations and identify the definite laws and coding standards employed by organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA), Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) and Joint Commission.

4. Provide an overview of the main coding systems used: CPT (Current Procedural Terminology), HCPS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) and ICD (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems). According to the American Medical Association, CPT is the most widely accepted medical nomenclature used to report medical procedures and services under public and private health insurance programs. HCPCS procedure codes are used to designate the specific procedures, services, equipment and supplies in health care transactions. ICD codes incorporate an extensive alphanumeric system to classify diseases at an international level. The World Health Organization (WHO) is the body that institutes and oversees ICD codes.

5. Make an additional note on the areas or subjects that medical billers and coders need to be proficient in (medical and health insurance terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical diagnosis, procedures, techniques and pharmacology).

6. List the various types of degrees, certifications and programs offered in medical billing and coding. Along those lines, explain the importance of accreditation and identify the recognized organizations, like: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Tips & Warnings

• Looking up the different areas of specialization or occupational titles within the field can provide you with additional insight.

References

• American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC): Medical Coding & Medical Billing
• U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Resources

• AllAlliedHealthSchools.com: Medical Billing and Coding Career
• MedicalBillingCareer.org: Medical Billing and Coding
• American Medical Association (AMA): About CPT