When you need to begin coding for your medical service, you may hire staff and train them yourself on how to handle coding services, or you may hire a third-party coding service. Regardless of what you do, you will need to make sure that the medical codes are accurate.

Use the Right Diagnosis Codes

To make sure that you determine the right diagnosis codes, always use both Volumes 1 and 2 in tandem. Volume 1 refers to the tabular list of diseases and will cover particular diseases and conditions. Volume 2, on the other hand, is an alphabetic list of diseases that will provide you with the information necessary to identify specific conditions. Make sure to always start with Volume 2. You should then use Volume 1 for additional guidance.

For example, you'll want to use Volume 1 if you need to use alternative codes and additional digits. In some cases, you may need extra codes if the diagnosis is not enough on its own. Make sure to also understand the reasons for using diagnosis codes, which are used to make sure that medical claims are accurately paid. 

Only Code What is Documented

Make sure to only code what is documented. It is the job of a physician to document a medical record that has an accurate list of all of the tests, services, and procedures. All of these must be perfectly detailed along with any complaints, injuries, or illnesses. 

Don't Confuse Medicare with Medicaid

Understand the differences in regulations between Medicare and Medicaid. Both have differences regarding how they handle coding regulations. This allows you to avoid billing multiple procedures that should not be billed together. The main issue is that one procedure often includes another, and multiple procedures are often not performed on the same day. 

Hire a Medical Coding Service

If you are not certain about the ability of your medical practice to engage in medical coding effectively, your best choice is to hire a medical billing and coding service that will make sure that your codes are accurate and that will allow you to devote more attention to core parts of your practice. 

Medical coding can sometimes be difficult and is sometimes described as being like learning a foreign language. Also, it can be like learning three different languages since there are three primary coding standards. However, those who attend medical coding school often find that their schooling is more rigorous than the medical coding that they perform every day. 

For more information, contact a medical coding service such as Secure Healthcare Services.