Step-by-Step Medical Coding 2012 Edition, 1e

Take your first step toward a successful career in medical coding with comprehensive coverage from the most trusted source in the field! Step-by-Step Medical Coding 2012 Edition is the practical, easy-to-use resource that shows you exactly how to code using all of today's coding systems by providing an in-depth introduction to essential coding concepts followed by practice exercises that reinforce your understanding. In addition to coverage of reimbursement, ICD-9-CM, CPT, HCPCS, and inpatient coding, the 2012 edition offers complete coverage of the ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding system in preparation for the transition in 2013. No other text on the market so thoroughly prepares you for all coding systems in one source!

• Complete coverage of the new ICD-10 code set prepares you for the upcoming transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 in October 2013.
• Dual coding in Units 4 and 5 (where both ICD-10 and ICD-9 answers are provided for every exercise, chapter review, and workbook question) ensures you can code using the systems of both today and tomorrow.
• Consistent, full-color design provides easy navigation and presents material in a unique, compelling way.

• In-text exercises throughout each chapter reinforce coding rules and concepts and follow the book's step-by-step approach.

• Quick Check features immediately reinforce key concepts and test your retention and understanding.
• Concrete "real-life" coding examples help you apply important coding principles and practices to actual scenarios from the field.

• Toolbox features provide additional real-world cases for analyzing and applying your coding knowledge.

• Over 450 total illustrations of medical procedures or conditions help you understand the services being coded.
• Answer formats develop your coding ability by using a format that includes one of four response variations:

• One answer blank for coding questions that require a one-code answer
• Multiple answer blanks for coding questions that require a multiple-code answer
• Identifiers next to the answer blank(s) to guide you through the most difficult coding scenarios
• Answer blanks with a preceding symbol (3 interlocking circles) indicates that the user must decide the number of codes necessary to correctly answer the question

• From the Trenches quotes offer valuable, up-to-date insights from instructors and professionals in the medical coding field.

• Coding Shots provide tips for complicated coding scenarios and advice for entering the job market.
• Stop! notes summarize recent material to aid your retention and help transition into the next topic.
• Caution! notes warn of common coding mistakes and reinforce the concept of coding as an exact science.
• Check This Out! boxes offer notes on accessing reference information, primarily via the Internet.
• Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting boxes in Units 3 and 5 present the official outpatient and inpatient guidelines alongside text discussions.
• Practice activities and Coding Guidelines available on the companion Evolve website reinforce key concepts from the text and provide fast, easy access to the most up-to-date content.
• Coder's Index makes it easy to instantly locate specific codes.

• Updated content presents the latest coding information so you can practice with the most current information available.
• Primary focus on ICD-10 features color coded units and chapters that are easy to identify.