Question

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services was established by Congress in 1976 to identify and eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse if the Department of Health and Human Services Programs (example: Medicare) and to promote efficiency and economy in department operations. This mission is carried out through a nationwide program of audits, investigations, and inspections. For medical coders whether as a hospital-based coder or as a physician-based coder, adhering do coding guidelines are of the utmost importance. As a coder what will you do to ensure that you are following "best practices" with regard to coding? Please discuss.

Answer 1

Best practices to be followed by a medical coder

            * Accurate coding of patient health information is needed for proper reimbursement so

              the medical coder strictly follow guidelines and policies in coding.

           * Medical coder should focus on small details in the given patient report for effective

             coding.

          * When doing medical coding job coder must be aware that the health informations are

             confidential and do not share to another person to respect privacy of patients.

          * Coded informations used as a legal document when any issues occur with patients

             regarding reimbursement so coder should be work as per protocols.

         * Medical coder must be a knowledgible and updated person about medical diagnoses

           and medical terminologies to analyse patient health informations for accurate coding.

         * Technical skills are necessery for effective coding of health informations.

         * Effective time management skills needed for submission of coded informations in

            correct time period.