Coders should take a class in medical terminology.
Properly trained medical insurance billers and coders are valuable assets to physician offices, clinics, hospitals and government facilities. In order to excel at medical billing and coding, individuals need a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology, be proficient in medical terminology, have excellent word processing skills and have an understanding of laws and regulations pertaining to medical claims. Courses are available at local schools and online by numerous colleges and vocational schools.
Anatomy and Physiology
An understanding of anatomy is vital for medical billers.
Medical insurance billers and coders need an understanding of the human body and the body's systems, such as the cardiovascular and reproductive systems. A course in anatomy and physiology gives coders the basic knowledge, enabling them to read and comprehend a physician's report and assign the correct procedure codes to the insurance claim form.
Medical Terminology
Coders must be able to understand physician notes and procedures.
Professional billers and coders need to complete a class designed to teach the skills required to pronounce, spell and understand the meaning of medical terms. Successful completion of a medical terminology class will enable a coder to read a term such as cardiology, and determine that cardi(a) means of or pertaining to the heart and logy means the study of; therefore, cardiology is the study of the heart.
Word Processing
Typing and 10-key skills are required.
A course in typing and 10-key skills will help the student gain the proficiency and speed required of medical billers and coders. Insurance claim forms must be completed correctly, with the exact code for each diagnosis and procedure. Keying errors will result in claim rejections, thus negatively impacting both time and financial resources. Students need proper keystroke technique and hours of practice to perfect word processing skills.
Tags: billers coders, medical terminology, 10-key skills, anatomy physiology, billers coders need, coders need
