CNA

Medical coders update patient records with standardized information needed for data management and billing purposes. Every time a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider performs a service, a code needs to be assigned to each diagnosis and procedure.

The Coder must interpret the care provided for patients into codes a computer system can understand. There are a few primary types of medical codes, including Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes. Assigning the correct diagnosis and procedure codes requires sound knowledge of medical terminology and adherence to CPT coding guidelines / standards.

Medical coders may be known by different job titles. Other names for medical coding jobs include:

• Medical coding specialist
• Diagnostic coder
• Medical coding analyst
• Clinical coding officer
• Medical coding auditor

Basic certification required:

• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from the National Healthcare Association (NHA). The eligible certification for medical billers and billing & coding specialists.

https://www.ultimatemedical.edu/blog/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-medical-coder/#:~:text=What%20Is%20a%20Medical%20Coder,to%20each%20diagnosis%20and%20procedure.
https://www.herzing.edu/difference/medical-billing-vs-coding

Medical billing is the process by which healthcare
organizations submit claims to payers and bill patients for their own financial responsibility. While coders are busy translating medical records, the front-end billing process has already started.

FRONT-END MEDICAL BILLING

Medical billing begins when a patient registers at the office or hospital and schedules an appointment. During the front-end medical billing process, staff informs patients of any costs they are responsible for. Ideally, the office can collect any copayments from the patient at the appointment.

BACK-END MEDICAL BILLING

Together, medical coders and back-end medical billers use codes and patient information to create a “superbill,” according to AAPC. The superbill is an itemized form that providers use to create claims.

Basic certification required:

• Certified Coding Associate (CCA) from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The desired certification for medical coders.

https://revcycleintelligence.com/features/exploring-the-fundamentals-of-medical-billing-and-coding#:~:text=Medical%20coding%20involves%20extracting%20billable,of%20the%20healthcare%20revenue%20cycle.

https://www.herzing.edu/difference/medical-billing-vs-coding