📘 Medical Coding Full Course – Beginner to Job
Ready (For Optum Surgery Coder Role)
📍 Course Overview
This course is designed for Life Science or Allied Medicine graduates preparing for roles like Surgical
Medical Coder at Optum, Noida. It covers essential coding systems, real-world chart practices, and
certification guidance.
📑 Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Medical Coding & Certifications
2. Medical Terminology
3. Human Anatomy & Physiology (with Diagrams)
4. ICD-10-CM (Diagnosis Coding)
5. CPT (Procedure Coding)
6. HCPCS Level II (Supplies & Equipment)
7. Modifiers, NCCI Edits, LCD/NCD Guidelines
8. Surgery Chart Practice + CPC Exam Prep
🧩 MODULE 1: Introduction to Medical Coding
What is Medical Coding?
Medical coding is the process of converting medical diagnoses, procedures, services, and equipment
into universal alphanumeric codes used for documentation and billing.
Key Coding Systems:
• ICD-10-CM: Diagnosis codes
• CPT: Procedure codes
• HCPCS Level II: Equipment/supplies
• Modifiers: Indicate procedural variations
Required Certifications:
• AAPC CPC: Certified Professional Coder
• AHIMA CCS: Certified Coding Specialist
📘 MODULE 2: Medical Terminology
Medical terms are made up of prefixes, root words, and suffixes.
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Common Roots: - Cardio- = Heart - Neuro- = Nerve - Gastro- = Stomach - Osteo- = Bone
Common Suffixes: - -itis = Inflammation - -ectomy = Surgical removal - -logy = Study of
Common Prefixes: - Hyper- = Excessive - Hypo- = Below normal - Pre- = Before
Example Words: - Appendectomy = Surgical removal of appendix - Dermatitis = Inflammation of skin -
Cardiology = Study of the heart
🫀 MODULE 3: Human Anatomy & Physiology (with Diagrams)
Understanding body systems is key to coding surgeries accurately. Here's a brief overview:
1. Musculoskeletal System (Orthopaedics)
• Bones, joints, muscles
• Common procedures: Fracture repair, joint replacements
📌 Example: - Femur = Thigh bone - Humerus = Upper arm bone
2. Cardiovascular System (Cardiology)
• Heart and blood vessels
• Common procedures: Angioplasty, stent insertion
📌 Example: - Aorta = Main artery from the heart - Myocardium = Heart muscle
3. Digestive System (Gastroenterology)
• Stomach, intestines, liver
• Common procedures: Colonoscopy, appendectomy
📌 Example: - Colon = Large intestine - Esophagus = Tube connecting throat to stomach
4. Female Reproductive System (OBGYN)
• Uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes
• Common procedures: Hysterectomy, C-section
5. Eye and ENT Systems
• Eye, ears, nose, throat
• Common procedures: Cataract surgery, tonsillectomy, sinus surgery
📊 [Insert simple labeled diagrams here for Musculoskeletal and Cardiovascular Systems]
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🧾 MODULE 4: ICD-10-CM (Diagnosis Coding)
Structure:
• Codes are alphanumeric and 3–7 characters long.
• Example: M16.11 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right hip
Guidelines:
• Code confirmed diagnoses only.
• Use most specific code available.
• Always code main condition first.
📌 Examples: - K35.80 – Acute appendicitis - I25.10 – Atherosclerotic heart disease
🛠 MODULE 5: CPT (Procedure Coding)
CPT codes are numeric and grouped by specialties.
Key Sections for Surgery:
• 20000–29999: Musculoskeletal
• 30000–32999: Respiratory (ENT)
• 40000–49999: Digestive
• 50000–59999: Urinary/Reproductive
Example Codes:
• 27447 – Total knee arthroplasty (joint replacement)
• 44950 – Appendectomy
• 66984 – Cataract extraction with lens insertion
🩺 MODULE 6: HCPCS Level II
HCPCS codes cover: - Medical supplies - Ambulance services - Prosthetics and durable equipment
📌 Example Codes: - A4550 – Surgical tray - E0110 – Crutches, underarm
Format: Letter (A-V) + 4 digits
🧮 MODULE 7: Modifiers, NCCI Edits, LCD/NCD
Modifiers:
• -LT = Left side
• -RT = Right side
• -59 = Distinct procedural service
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• -25 = Separate E/M service on same day
NCCI Edits:
• Prevent inappropriate code combinations
• Require modifiers to override when valid
LCD/NCD:
• Coverage decisions from Medicare
• Ensure medical necessity
📋 MODULE 8: Surgery Chart Practice + CPC Prep
Sample Chart Coding Exercise:
1. Procedure: Appendectomy
2. CPT: 44950
3. ICD-10: K35.80
4. Procedure: Cataract surgery
5. CPT: 66984
6. ICD-10: H25.9
7. Procedure: Left knee replacement
8. CPT: 27447
9. ICD-10: M17.12
10. Modifier: -LT
CPC Prep Tips:
• Learn code ranges and guidelines
• Practice 30–40 mock charts
• Time yourself for chart speed
🧠 Memory Tip: - CPT for Procedures, ICD for Diagnoses, HCPCS for Supplies
🏁 Final Checklist to Be Job Ready:
• [x] Complete study of all modules
• [x] Get AAPC student membership
• [x] Buy 2024 coding books (CPT, ICD, HCPCS)
• [x] Practice 30 sample surgery charts
• [x] Pass CPC certification exam
Prepared by ChatGPT for Tushar's Medical Coding preparation – Optum, Noida
