We live in a data-driven world, and that’s critically important in healthcare. Coding symptoms, diagnoses and procedures, and sending reports to an insurance company to request reimbursement is a complicated – but necessary – part of the healthcare process. There’s a considerable amount of documentation required, and someone has to do it. That’s where the medical coder and biller comes in.
Medical coding is the heart of the healthcare industry. It keeps doctors and nurses on track and organized, and it shows in clear terms a patient’s medical history. A requirement for a medical coding job is receiving ICD-10-CM/PCS certification. The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) is an organized way of telling the entire story of a patient’s care and encounter with a doctor and/or hospital.
There are thousands of ICD-10 codes to become familiar with, and one slip-up with an improper code could spell big trouble for a patient. Utilizing a medical coding app can aid in familiarizing oneself with the plethora of ICD-10 codes, reducing the risk of errors that could adversely affect patient care. It’s impossible to know every code every time, but there are a few apps for your tablet or smartphone that can keep them at your fingertips – and keep you from dragging around a huge written volume of codes. Mobile medical coding software ensures quick access to codes, eliminating the need to carry bulky codebooks and facilitating efficient coding on-the-go.
Here are five inexpensive (or free) apps that can help you study for your ICD-10-CM/PCS exam, refresh information or have codes available when you need to reference them for work. Alongside these apps, there are various medical coding learning apps designed to assist in exam preparation, information review, and real-time code referencing in professional settings.
AAPC® CPC Exam Prep (pocket prep)
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is highest standard for medical coding, and the pocket prep app helps you prepare for the exam. You can choose a practice mode (simulation or study), content area and the number of questions you want to answer. You can customize your practice exams, even targeting weak subject areas, and view detailed answer rationales. Save your history and review your results. Pocket prep is an Academics’ Choice “Smart Media” and Ed Tech Digest “Cool Tool” award winner.
ICD10 Consult 2018
The app, available for both iPhone and Android, offers a flexible search option for current ICD10-CM codes. It also provides instant ICD9 to ICD10 conversion. Its deep code analysis function allows you to handle laterality, encounter and staging codes, and helps you find medical acronyms and synonyms that are cross-referenced by abbreviation and full name. You can also browse through diagnoses and add codes to your favorites list.
STAT ICD-10 Coder
From Austin Physician Productivity, LLC, this app allows you to search from among more than 60,000 ICD-10 diagnosis codes and descriptions easily. This comprehensive medical coding software, STAT ICD-10 Coder, developed by Austin Physician Productivity, LLC, provides effortless access to over 60,000 ICD-10 diagnosis codes and their corresponding descriptions. All codes are downloaded automatically to your iPhone or iPad. The basic app is free, but you must upgrade if you want searching functions.
ICD 10 On the Go Mobile
The database on this app, developed by VLR Software, has been updated with the ICD-10-CM 2019 codes. With its recent update featuring the ICD-10-CM 2019 codes, the medical coding software by VLR Software ensures users have access to the latest code revisions for accurate documentation. It helps you easily choose the diagnosis code you need with a search-as-you-type feature. There’s an optional feature that allows you to tag codes and folders as favorites, and you can browse codes by chapters and subgroups. Additionally, you can print codes through AirPrint and share information by email.
Medical Billing Coding Flashcard 2018
Choose from thousands of questions to prep you for the MBCC exam. Use this app to practice on your lunch hour, between classes or even on the bus. Billing and coding experts have prepared the training materials that use proven study and test-taking strategies. Engage in effective learning through interactive medical coding learning apps, curated by billing and coding experts to employ successful study and test-taking methodologies. There are even games to vary your learning opportunities. After a practice session, track your progress and watch yourself improve.
How to become a medical biller and coder
Partially because of a rapidly aging U.S. population, healthcare jobs are in demand. As people age, they usually need more medical care, and medical billers and coders are needed to handle insurance and patient claims. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for medical records and health information technicians (billers and coders) is growing much faster than the average for other occupations.
Note: The data provided above are from a source unaffiliated with Campus, formerly known as MTI College, are for informational purposes only and represent the employment field as a whole. They are not solely specific to Campus graduates and, by providing the above information, Campus makes no representation, direct or implied, or opinion regarding employability.
Begin a Career in Medical Billing and Coding
Our classes teach you what you need to know to land the perfect medical billing and coding job. Whether you want to spend your time in a traditional medical office or you want to work from home, billers and coders have many options.
Campus offers a Medical Billing and Coding Certification Program that can prepare you to enter this in-demand field. Although the medical biller is not responsible for patient care, you should have a good understanding of medical terminology to be able to discuss medical bills with both insurance carriers and patients. Campus provides you with the background you need to enter the busy, exciting world of healthcare. You’ll become proficient in:
- Insurance billing
- Medical coding of records
- Administrative office duties
- Using Medisoft practice management software
- Electronic Health Records (EHR)
- Computer skills
- Problem‐solving and organizational skills
When you complete your studies, you should be prepared to take the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) exam and the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam, industry-recognized credentials that will help you get that important entry-level position.
Does this sound like a job you would enjoy? Contact Campus Sacramento today to jump start your medical billing and coding career.