🧠 Medical Coding Study Guide
📘 Understanding Coding Guidelines and Conventions
➤ ICD-10-CM (Diagnosis Coding)
● Governed by: Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
● Key Concepts:
○ Code sequencing rules
○ Selection of the principal diagnosis
○ Use of additional codes to fully describe the patient’s condition
○ Coding must reflect clinical documentation accurately
➤ CPT (Procedure Coding)
● Managed by: American Medical Association (AMA)
● Key Guidelines:
○ Proper code selection for procedures
○ Use of modifiers to provide additional details
○ Coding of multiple procedures
➤ HCPCS Level II (Supplies/Services Not in CPT)
● Managed by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
● Purpose:
○ Codes for medical supplies, DME, drugs, and non-physician services
○ Used when services/supplies are not included in CPT
○ Ensures reimbursement accuracy
📚 Medical Terminology and Anatomy
➤ Why It Matters:
● Medical terminology helps decode complex terms in documentation
● Anatomy knowledge helps pinpoint body systems, organs, and procedures
➤ Focus Areas:
● Prefixes (e.g., "hyper-", "brady-")
● Suffixes (e.g., "-itis", "-ectomy")
● Root words (e.g., "cardi-", "neuro-")
● Structure and function of:
○ Cardiovascular system
○ Musculoskeletal system
○ Digestive system, etc.
📄 Coding from Medical Records
➤ Essential Steps:
1. Read the complete medical record
○ Understand the patient's condition and treatment
2. Identify the principal diagnosis
○ Main reason for the encounter → First listed
3. Identify secondary diagnoses
○ Additional conditions treated or affecting care → Listed next in order of
significance
4. Assign procedure codes
○ Use CPT guidelines and modifiers when needed
5. Assign HCPCS Level II codes
○ For supplies, equipment, or other services not captured in CPT
6. Review and verify
○ Ensure code selections are accurate, complete, and follow official guidelines