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In coding program...question - am

Posted: Dec 11, 2014

I am getting a little overwhelmed with the manual side of coding. The beginning part of the course was a breeze because it was all medical terms and anatomy. The coding part just seems overwhelming. Is working in real life easier with the encoder than it is manually looking up a code?

Breezy - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
I've never taken a course, but I have a couple years in coding. It's easy. I loved it. You will memorize so much of that and it just comes. Once in awhile, you will run across something you have to look up, but mostly it's fast.

It gets better and better - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
No matter what you learn, it is always more difficult in the beginning. Think back to driving a car or riding a bike -- surely you were not an expert the first day! Looking up codes is no different. Sure, it is tedious, but you'll get better with time. You'll remember more and more, too.

Also, no matter what you learn, there is going to be more to it than you see at first. Coding is no different. Right now, you are learning a basic skill for coding. That isn't ALL of coding, though. There is a LOT more to coding than you see now. There are other things to do than just looking up codes.

Are you an MT? If so, that is why the beginning was a breeze.

My advice is to avoid making a premature decision about coding based on student experiences. Once you are beyond that, your view of coding will change.

I like using both kinds of encoder packages, both e-book and decision tree like 3M. They don't code for you, but you can avoid page flapping. That being said, I still prefer the book for some things.

What brand and edition of code book do you have? That can have a lot to do with disliking looking up codes.

Thanks for the reply! - am

[ In Reply To ..]
Yes, Ive been a MT for about 7 years and needed a change.

I am using the code book the school sent me, it says Optum ICD9-CM expert for hospitals volume 1, 2 and 3. 2015 expert

ex-MT and new coder here - ex-Nuance

[ In Reply To ..]
I just wanted to give you some encouragement. When you are learning in school, you are learning ALL of the diagnosis codes and procedure codes with all of the guidelines. Once working, that scope will narrow quite a bit depending on what you do. Hospital coding of course has more diversity, but even so there are many common diagnoses you will code over and over and it will get easier. I just started in June and honestly the first few months were some of the most challenging ever, but it gets easier! I am so glad I made the change, especially at the holidays when I actually get the day off with pay!! Good luck!

That is a great book! - Hang in there!

[ In Reply To ..]
That is a great book, so no worries there!

The more you look up, the better things will get. You WANT to look up as much as possible to get really good at it. You will need to be fast and efficient to pass certification exams. Those require using a code book.

Thank you everyone! - am

[ In Reply To ..]
I feel a lot better now reading your comments. I was just filling myself with anxiety.

MT to Coding - kt16

[ In Reply To ..]
Once you get the hang of how to look up the term and use both indices, it will get easier.. Remember not to get dependent on an encoder; all certification is done with the books.

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