Medical Coding for Dummies?

by Barbara Davis
(Wasilla, Alaska)

I"m taking a medical billing and coding classes on line. I have no idea what I'm doing. My instructor is really nice but, I'm the type I have to be shown HOW TO DO IT, and I can't get this across to her. I've gotten through with all the other classes they have thrown in with this course. Like how to trouble shoot your computer. Now, after a year, I've gotten to the classes I wanted and I have no idea where to start to even find the answer. My question is, Is there any simple instructions on how to do coding? I need Medical Coding for DUMMIES.

Barbara,

Great question(s). I know coding can seem overwhelming as there are so many facets and specialties.

One of the books that helped me - and I still refer to it a lot - is "Understanding Health Insurance" by Michelle Green. It's available on Amazon. You can usually get a used copy for reasonable. Just do a search on Amazon and you'll find it quickly. I think she does a good job of explaining coding without making it too overwhelming.

Some helpful coding sites are:

Just My Passion. It's a site jam packed full of coding links and information.

American Association of Professional Coders Resources page is also a good reference.

Hope these help some and don't overwhelm you even more. Good Luck.

Thanks,

Gina