Medical Coding...

it's kinda ironic actually. even before all this health stuff came about i've always been interested in medicine and how the body works.

last august i decided to take courses to become a nationally certified medical coder. here's a very basic description:

The Important Role of a Medical Coder
In order to streamline medical insurance claims, every symptom, diagnosis, procedure, and treatment is assigned a universal numeric code. This code tells the payor exactly what service was performed in a hospital, doctor’s office, clinic, etc. A numeric language is used to discern the different types of services. As a medical coding specialist, it's important that you determine these codes in a fast and accurate manner. You select them based on notes and information provided by a physician.

the course i'm taking is through a place called TechSkills. there is a local campus here in san antonio. the greatest benefit is that its a work as you go type of program meaning i set my own pace. i have 9 months to complete all the courses (9 courses total ranging from medical law and ethics to anatomy/physiology and medical terminology as well as coding fundamentals). it is also web based so i can do alot of the work at home on my own computer. this give me alot of flexibility to keep my current job and study when i'm not working there.

I should finish by May, if not a little earlier. then i have to take the national certification test. many places currently do not have certified coders employed, but by 2010 the law says employers must hier those who are certified.

Its very fascinating to have studied some of the medical stuff that i'm actually dealing with or that those around me are dealing with. i cant wait to put it into pactice!