Medical billing and coding is highly detailed and meticulous work. The information is vital and must be accurate – the patient’s well-being and the medical facility’s financial health depend upon it. But, as with any other complex technical task, the opportunities for mistakes are everywhere. Medical billing and coding professionals who excel at their jobs know that creating a methodical and workable process is key to staying accurate and meeting deadlines. Some time and process management tips can make the job a lot easier.
If at all possible, make sure that the record is complete before you start coding. A medical bill is not just a series of numbers; it is an integrated document of one patient’s and one medical facility’s experience. Having all the information together allows the coder to see the complete picture and code more effectively.
Keep your medical billing and coding resources with you as you work and use a format that is comfortable for you. Coding is a complex process that depends upon absolute accuracy. Having a code source nearby allows you to build a reliable document. If you are more comfortable with a web-based resource than a hard copy, use it.
Come to the task well-rested and alert. This sounds obvious and for the first few months as a coder, you will probably be diligent about coming to the job ready to perform. It’s when you get more comfortable with the medical billing and coding process that it becomes easier to be casual about the job. Don’t do it. Your work is important; take it seriously.
Eliminate distractions. Turn the sound down on your answering machine. Close your office door. Turn off your cell phone. If you have to, put a Do Not Disturb sign on your office door. Do what it takes to create a professional workspace that lets you concentrate on the task at hand.
Focus on the task. Some days, this is a very hard goal. It can take discipline and dedication to turn away from every other interesting thing in your life and focus completely on turning notes into code. Being able to do this, consistently, is what separates the amateur from the medical billing and coding pro.
Stop and take a break when you need to. Get out of your chair. Walk around. Leave the office; leave the building. Get some fresh air. You will be more effective when you are ready to work again and your document will show it.
If possible, do the bulk of your work the day before your deadline, or earlier. Having time to set it aside and then review it again before submitting can help you really perfect your work.
Know when to delegate. Producing accurate and comprehensive medical billing and coding is not an Olympic sport; it’s a service. The goal is to provide solid support to the patient and the medical facility. If your work load is heavy, offload some of it to someone else in your office. If you’d like a second set of eyes on a finished document, ask for it. Your department is a team; share the work.
Mitchell is a freelance writer covering health care, education, and fitness.
