CPC Practice Exam - Medical Coding Study Guide

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Medical Coding Guidelines For V Codes

Submitted by: Steven Guptha

codes-- Supplementary classification of factors influencing health status and contact with health services [V01-V86]

V01-v06 Persons with potential health hazards related to communicable diseases

V07-v09 Persons with need for isolation, Other potential health hazards and Prophylactic measures

V10-v19 Persons with potential health hazards related to personal and family history

V20-v29 Persons encountering health services in Circumstances related to Reproduction and development

V30-v39 Live-born infants according to type of birth

V40-v49 Persons with a condition influencing their health status

V50-v59 Persons encountering health services for specific procedures and aftercare

V60-v69 Persons encountering health services in other circumstances

V70-v82 Persons without reported diagnosis encountered during examination and investigation of individuals and populations

V83 Genetics

V84-v85 Body mass index

V86 Estrogen receptor Status

INTRODUCTION: ICD-9-CM :Provides codes to deal with encounters for circumstances other than a disease or injury. The Supplementary classification of factors
influencing health status and contact with Health Services [V01-V86] is provided to deal with occasions when circumstances other than a disease or injury are recorded
as a diagnosis or problem.

There are 4 primary circumstances for the use of V codes:

1. A person who is not currently sick encounters the health services for some specific reason, such as to act as an organ donor. to receive prophylactic
care, such as inoculations or health screenings, or to receive counseling on health related issues.

2. A person with a resolving disease or injury, or a chronic, long-term condition requiring continuous care, encounters the health care system for specific
aftercare of that disease or injury [e.g dialysis for renal disease, chemotherapy for malignancy]. A diagnosis/ symptoms code should be used whenever a
current, acute diagnosis is being treated or a sign or symptom is being studied.

3. Circumstances or problems influence a person's health status but are not in themselves a current illness or injury.

4. Newborns, to indicate birth status.

History of: There are two types of history of V codes, personal and family. Personal history codes explain a patient's past medical condition that no longer
exists and is not receiving any treatment but that has the potential for recurrence, ad therefore may require continued monitoring.
Family history codes are for use when a patient has a family member's who has had a particular disease that cause the patient to be at higer risk of
contracting the disease.

The History V codes categories are:

V10 : personal history of malignant neoplasm.

V12 : personal history of certain other diseases.

V13 : personal history of other disease, except V13.4 personal history of aarthritis. and

V13.6 personal history of congenital malformation. These conditions

are life-long so are not true history codes.

V14 : personal history of allergy to medicinal agents.

V15 : other personal history presenting hazards to health

except V15.7 personal history of contraception

V16 : Family history of malignant neoplasm

V17 : Family history of certain chronic disabling diseases

V19 : Family history of other conditions.

Examples: Diabetes on Lantus [insulin]

250.00, V58.67

Examples: CKD [chronic kidney disease] with hemodialaysis

585.9,V45.11

Examples: pregnancy with history of abortion

V23.2

Examples: encounter for emergency contraceptive counseling and perscription

V25.03

Examples: Transplant of heart, liver,lung

V42.1, V42.7, V42.6

Examples: Encounter for respirator dependence during power failure

V46.12

Examples: Aftercare for healing traumatic fracture of lower leg

V54.16

Examples: Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] counsellings

V65.44

Examples: Development handicapsin early childhood

V79.3

Examples: pregnancy examination or test of positive result

V72.42

About the Author: Dr Guptha faculty for | medical billing training online | Online Medical coding Training

Source: www.isnare.com

Saturday, November 26, 2016

A Look Within The Human Body Thru Anatomical Charts


Submitted by: Gary Gordon

Human anatomical charts have been used since the 18th century for many purposes in the healthcare profession. Whether you’re a surgeon, chiropractor, physical therapist, or masseuse, it doesn’t matter what distinct care you provide, anatomical charts offer quick and specific information to both patient and healthcare professional. Anatomical charts are wonderful reference tools when describing a diagnosis, disease, injury, and disorder. Anatomical charts serve to educate and inform patients, providing them a visual reference to what’s going on inside their bodies.

Anatomical charts are also used in the classroom, offering students and apprentices a detailed look into multiple human systems. Below are brief descriptions of a few of the anatomical charts currently available in the market place:

The Muscular System chart shows anterior and posterior views of the muscular system. It also illustrates the musculature of the right hand, right foot, posterior abdominal wall, and the right half of the diaphragm.

The Skeletal System chart shows anterior, posterior, and lateral views of the skeletal system. There are also close-ups of the ligaments in the right hand, ligaments of the right foot, right knee joint, the bones of the inner ear, and more inset in the chart.

The Vertebral Column anatomical chart shows the right side of the vertebral column with markings to show the location of the axis and atlas, the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae, the sacrum, and coccyx. It also includes various close-ups of the second lumbar vertebra, fifth cervical vertebra, seventh and eleventh thoracic vertebrae, the atlas, axis, sacrum, and coccyx.

The Shoulder and Elbow chart shows the general anatomy of both shoulder and elbow. It illustrates the anterior, posterior, lateral, and superior views of the shoulder. It shows the shoulder joint socket and location of the humerus where it articulates with the scapula. It also provides multiple views of the elbow including fractures and tennis elbow.

The Arthritis-Joint Inflammation chart details the main joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It gives examples of swelling, bone spurs, the narrowing of joint spaces, and the erosion of cartilage. Along with describing the symptoms of arthritis, it also describes other types of arthritic conditions such as gout, bursitis, tendonitis, and fibromyalgia.

A condition that affects many people today and is projected to affect more in the future is carpal tunnel syndrome. The Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome chart explains the condition and shows the affected areas of the hand and wrist. It lists the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of the syndrome as well as offering management techniques and preventive measures.

Another useful anatomical chart is The Human Spine – Disorders chart. This diagram explains how a person’s posture can change due to different spinal disorders and how other diseases can cause back pain. It details a herniated disc, vertebrae and sacrum fractures, arthritis of the hip, and the effects of osteoporosis. It also shows the anatomy of a typical vertebra and intervertabral disc.

There is also a chart that details Whiplash Injuries of the Head and Neck. It explains whiplash and shows muscle injury, spinal cord injury, hyperflexion, hyperextension, and ligament damage.

About the Author: To learn more visit our diagnostic equipment & supplies section or read more about use of anatomical charts.

Source: www.isnare.com

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Medical Coding and the NCCI (National Correct Coding Initiative)

By: Ricci Mathew

Medical coding or medical classification is defined as the process of transforming descriptions of medical diagnoses and procedures into universal medical code numbers. 

What is the NCCI and its purpose? NCCI refers to National Correct Coding Initiative. It was the CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) that developed the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) with the objective of promoting National correct coding methodologies and also to control improper coding that leads to wrong payments in Part B claims. There has indeed been a lot of wrong payments made in the medical billing and claim sector in the US and medical claim frauds that run into millions have been reported. Hence having a perfect medical claim demands a well defined medical system and procedures with specific and clear medical codes for every single process. This is obviously the root for all correct medical coding initiatives. 

What are the CMS policies developed from? They include, 

Coding conventions from CPT manual,
National and local policies / edits
Coding guidelines developed by national societies
Analysis of standard medical and surgical practices
Review of current coding practices.

What are CCI (Correct coding Initiative) edits? It refers to pairs of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) or Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II codes that are not separately payable except under specific circumstances. The edits are applied to services billed by the same provider for the same beneficiary on the same date of service. All claims are processed against the CCI tables. National Correct Coding Initiative Edits are categorized separately for various Physicians and also for outpatients. The CCI edits are part of the Outpatient Code Editor (OCE) that determines payment for hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) services. The Outpatient Code Editor (OCE) does not include CCI edits for the following: anesthesiology, evaluation & management, and mental health services.

Every year the CMS updates the Coding Policy Manual for Medicare. It is used as a general reference by the Medicare Carriers and Fiscal Intermediaries (FIs). The CMS Online Manual System is used by CMS program components, partners, contractors, and State Survey Agencies to administer CMS programs. It offers day-to-day operating instructions, policies, and procedures based on statutes and regulations, guidelines, models, and directives. For specific NCCI edits, one may submit comments in writing to:

National Correct Coding Initiative
Correct Coding Solutions LLC
P.O. Box 907
Carmel, IN 46082-0907

The NCCI Edits Manual may also be obtained by purchasing the manual, or sections of the manual, from the official National Technical Information Service (NTIS) website, or by contacting NTIS at 1-800-363-2068 or 703-605-6060.
The author of this article is Ricci Mathew of Outsource Strategies International (OSI), a US based company that offers services in Medical Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Transcription for clients across the US.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Take a Practice Test to Crack Your CPC Coding Exam


Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification affirms a coding professional's experience and knowledge of medical coding. In order to get that certification, you need to have a go at a grueling 5½ hour CPC exam. The eligibility for this exam is that you should have two year of medical coding experience or must have cleared the pre-registration examination.

The exam is a tough one as it challenges even the most experienced coders. However, taking a CPC coding practice test may help make your life easier as this gives you an idea on what to expect in the exam. When you know exactly how to deal with the questions, you'll have the confidence to make a smooth sailing. 

CPC practice exams will prepare you on medical terminology, medical coding (from basics to advance) among a host of other things that you need to know to score well in the exam. These practice exams, just like the real exams, give you 150 coding problems, which you need to solve in five hours. Practicing these tests the right way will help you crack the exam the very first time. 

If need be, go for a Coding Cert's CPC Training Camp where you'll be endowed with expert coding advice as well as CPC practice tests. Here you can discuss complex medical coding situations and get instant solutions from expert AAPC certified instructors. Apart from this, you'll also get to learn effective time management techniques and get to know the ropes of using the open book format. These Training Camps are scheduled all over the United States. 

These practice tests will certainly help you get a comprehensive knowledge about the coding world and allow you to give your best shot at the CPC exam!

codingcert.com provides selected trainers that gives you hands-on training for becoming a coding professional and a medical coder through medical coding certification at our CPC training camp.



Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Get through the CPC Exam Easily with CPC Coding Practice Test

By Celena

Preparing for the CPC exam is not an easy task because that’s the most valuable credential in the medical coding industry. The CPC certification gives you the recognition that every coder desires because it also helps you earn more. With the growth in the healthcare industry and the tightening norms for medical coding, employers now look for certified coders because that helps them stay compliant and away from for fraud allegations. The CPC exam is indeed tough but you can pass it easily if you go through the CPC coding practice test materials. 

The CPC exam is of 5½ hour duration and you have to plan carefully how you can answer the questions correctly and well within the specified time limit. Before you begin with the CPC coding practice test, you need to know the coding basics in and out. For that, the best possible practice you’ll get is through a training camp – that takes you through the coding principles under the guidance of an expert instructor. 

Training camps are worth it because they will refresh all your coding knowledge and at the same time, the instructors will take you through the format of the CPC exam, so that when you have the questions in front of you – you already know what to do. A thorough revision of human anatomy, medical terminology and the some current case studies will feed you with the right amount of knowledge you require before an exam. 

When you have the knowledge of all the aspects of medical coding, plus the solutions to complex coding scenarios, you’ll find it quite easy to analyze the questions you’ll face at the CPC exam. Prepare with the CPC coding practice test and display your credential as a CPC coder.

About the Author

Celena

codingcert.com provides selected trainers that gives you hands-on training for medical billing and coding certification at our CPC training... (show bio)

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

CPC Exam Prep : Medical Terminology Crash Course

By Celena 

Every medical coder realizes the importance of knowing Greek and Latin roots to understand the medical prefixes and suffixes that make up many medical terms.

But in addition to those roots, there are several words that will prove important to your coding efforts. Once you have these mastered, you'll have a clearer picture of exactly what your physician is doing, and you'll be able to code it correctly.

These words include:

• Anterior or ventral -- At or near the front surface of the body.

• Avulsion -- Tearing away or forcible separation.

• Benign -- With regard to neoplasms, being nonmalignant.

• Carcinoma in situ -- A localized cancer that has not spread to adjacent structures.

• Coronal -- Vertical body plane, which divides the body into front and back sections.

• Cystocele -- Hernia of the bladder into the vagina.

• Cytopathology -- Study of disease changes within individual cells or cell types.

• Debridement -- Excision of devitalized tissue and foreign matter to expose healthy tissue.

• Destruction -- Removal or ablation of tissue.

• Distal -- Farthest away from the center.

• Endoscopy -- Examining the interior of a canal or hollow area in the body by using a special instrument.

• Exploration -- An active diagnostic examination, usually involving a surgical procedure, to determine conditions present within a body cavity.

• Inferior -- Below.

• Introduction -- Inserting an instrument, such as a needle or tube, into the body.

• Laparotomy -- A procedure performed through an incision (open procedure).

• Lateral -- Side.

• Ligation -- To bind or tie off.

• Malignant -- With regard to neoplasms, being locally invasive and destructive growth and metastases.

• Medial -- Middle.

• Metastases -- Spread of a disease process from one part of the body to another, such as secondary carcinoma resulting from tumor cells spread to a remote part of the body through the lymph or blood systems.

• Otitis media -- Middle ear infection.

• Posterior or dorsal -- At or near the back surface of the body.

• Primary carcinoma -- Cancer at the origination site with infiltration of that organ.

• Prone -- Face down or palm down.

• Proximal -- Nearest to the center.

• Rectocele -- Hernia of the rectum into the vagina.

• Sagittal -- Vertical body plane, which divides the body into equal right and left sides.

• Secondary carcinoma -- Cancer that appears in a region remote from the origination site through metastases.

• Superior -- Above.

• Supine -- Face up or palm up.

• Transverse -- Horizontal body plane, which divides the body into top and bottom sections.

About the Author

Celena Celena
CodingCert.com is brought to you by The Coding Institute providing selected trainers that gives you hands-on CPC training camps to assist... (show bio)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/cpc-exam-prep-medical-terminology-crash-course-719601.html

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Sunday, November 13, 2016

How to Memorize Anatomy and Physiology Terms

By Callow

You are probably wondering if there any easy way to memorize anatomy and physiology terms. I wish there was some easy way. Back when I started studying the human anatomy I was one of those who had hard time memorizing those terms even in English not to mention Latin terms. I searched high and low for any method that could simplify the process of memorization for me. I have found a few simple tips that I want to share with you if you still have difficulties to memorize anatomy terms.

In my opinion human anatomy and physiology is a visual subject. It is better to learn it visually. If you have the opportunity to go to the lab and spend your time learning there it's the best way to study anatomy. Unfortunately not many of us have to opportunity to go to the lab. Therefore I chose to study anatomy on three dimensional rich-media visualization software. Do not underestimate the power of animation and illustration. This tip alone enabled me to learn human physiology and anatomy very rapidly.

Now back to the anatomy terms. It is not always easy to memorize such terms as fibula tibia. There is a huge list of such terms in anatomy. How do you memorize them? I use a tip they use to learn foreign language. Take number of index cards. Write the Latin term on one side of the card and it's meaning on other side. Start by looking at the word first, then flipping to the definition. Memorize the terms by going through the cards again and again. Alternate back and forth until you can define the term and then look at the definition first and name the term.

And last but not least you need to get a good anatomy and physiology study guide. It is very important to have a guide that holds you by your hand and walks you thorough the heap of information. To learn more techniques to memorize the terms visit How to Memorize Anatomy and Physiology Terms