CCO.us Podcast | Medical Coding, Billing, Auditing & Risk Adjustment

Not sure whether to take your AAPC exam at home or at a testing center? In this episode, we compare at-home vs testing center AAPC exams, covering pros, cons, common issues, and what to expect on exam day. Learn how online proctoring works, the risks of testing from home, and when a testing center may be the better option. Perfect for CPC®, CRC®, and other AAPC exam candidates who want to choose the best testing setup and avoid last-minute surprises.

Ready to pass the AAPC CRC® certification with confidence? In this episode, we break down a powerful CRC Exam Game Plan that helps you study smarter, not longer. From structuring your study schedule to mastering key practice strategies, we guide you through practical tips that have helped countless learners succeed. Whether you’re just starting your prep or feeling stuck in a rut, this conversation gives you the clarity and tools to improve your retention and test performance. Tune in for actionable steps, mindset tips, and the proven plan that turns overwhelm into achievement! 

In this episode of the CCO.us Podcast, we’re diving deep into the world of healthcare audits, uncovering how you can turn compliance challenges into powerful growth opportunities for your practice. Whether you’re a seasoned auditor or just starting out, this episode has something for everyone. Here's what we cover: Understanding the Essentials: Explore the most common healthcare audits, including Surgical & Procedural Audits, HCC & Risk-Based Services, and Evaluation & Management Services.Specialized Focus Areas: Learn about audits for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs), Emergency Departments, and Behavioral Health Services.Practical Insights: Discover actionable tips for optimizing your revenue cycle management, reducing claim denials, and staying ahead of industry trends.Expert Guidance: Gain insider knowledge on how to leverage audits as a tool for improving operations, educating staff, and enhancing client trust. By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how audits can empower your practice and ensure compliance while driving success. 👉 Ready to take your audit strategy to the next level? Schedule a consultation with the experts at CCO.us today and start turning compliance into your competitive edge. Visit CCO.us for more resources and insights. https://www.cco.us/auditing-services-chart-reviews-2/ Subscribe now and don’t miss this chance to transform your auditing approach!

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S0C5msFG0k Struggling with time management for medical coding? Join our podcast as we dive into practical strategies to help you take control of your hours and productivity. Learn insider tips from veteran coders on optimizing your daily schedule, avoiding distractions, and improving your coding speed. We’ll break down reasonable coding production rates so you can set realistic goals across specialties. Discover how to balance coding requirements with self-care to boost your performance. Whether you need advice on managing a remote work schedule or just need accountability to avoid procrastination, this podcast provides easy-to-implement tips to help you code efficiently while avoiding burnout!

Watch on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iQVypZKCwo Get the inside scoop on the future of medical coding in this can't-miss episode! Coding expert Alicia Scott walks through everything you need to know to launch a successful coding career in 2024 and beyond. She covers crucial topics like emerging technologies, compliance regulations, soft skills, career opportunities, testing changes, and more. You'll learn why coding roles will be in high demand, how artificial intelligence can complement human coders, tips for developing your professional network remotely, and what to expect from ICD-11. Alicia tackles your most pressing questions about getting real-world experience, passing job interviews, and transitioning from other healthcare roles. Her practical advice will prepare you to embrace the bright future ahead and adapt to ongoing changes in the industry. Whether you're new to coding or a seasoned pro, you can't afford to miss these valuable insights. Tune in now to get a step ahead on building the coding career of your dreams in 2024 and succeeding for years to come!

Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak9zFDkfqMI Get the inside scoop on acing your next medical coding job interview! Join coding expert Alicia Scott as she shares the top 5 things you need to say to stand out from the competition. You'll learn tips for crafting the perfect elevator pitch, highlighting accomplishments that fit the role, showing passion for coding, addressing weaknesses positively, and asking smart questions. Whether you're a newcomer or a veteran coder, this info will give you the confidence to impress hiring managers. Alicia also discusses how to research the company beforehand and tailor your responses. With her 30+ years in healthcare, she knows what interviewers want to hear. Take notes as she provides word-for-word examples to use in your next interview. Land your dream coding job with this valuable advice! Tune in and be prepared to ace any medical coding interview.

Medical Coding Online Course. Looking to start a career in medical coding? We answer common questions on how to break into this exciting industry. Get actionable tips from coding experts on the basics of getting started, like networking with professionals, building on existing skills, and choosing the right educational program. Learn about various coding credentials, the skills needed to succeed, expected job duties, and more. Whether you’re switching careers or just starting out, this info-packed episode has motivational advice and key insights to launch your medical coding journey. We’ll explain the typical day-to-day and work settings so you can decide if it’s a good career fit. Join us for real talk on how to gain resilience, take feedback, and problem solve – critical abilities for aspiring coders. Plus, find out why a positive attitude is crucial in this fast-paced, detail-oriented field. Medical coding offers great earning potential with minimal education requirements. Get pumped up to start your training after hearing this pep talk style episode! Learn Medical Coding at https://www.cco.us/medical-coding-course-online/

Get the full video in the CCO Club at https://www.cco.us/club/. Get an inside look at real-world clinical documentation in this episode as we review physician notes for a patient with multiple neurological conditions. We'll break down two separate patient encounters from different providers, analyzing the medical history, physical exam findings, impression, and more. You'll learn how to identify pertinent positives and negatives, watch out for unclear or missing documentation, and spot opportunities to improve physician documentation. We'll compare how clinical documentation is used for pro-fee coding versus risk adjustment coding, noting key differences in how codes are selected based on the coding purpose. Expect to come away with a deeper understanding of how to abstract accurate diagnoses from physician notes across specialties. Whether you're a new medical coder looking to sharpen your documentation analysis skills or a seasoned pro seeking examples and tips, this episode will enhance your ability to translate clinical jargon into codes!

Heads up! This podcast is also available on YouTube at https://youtube.com/live/MPCAlTchdRE Get the inside scoop on all the new, revised, and deleted ICD-10 codes for 2024! In this code-packed episode, we walk through the key changes in a fun and engaging way. Learn what the new codes for sepsis, Parkinson's disease, sickle cell disease, and more really mean. We'll explain challenging concepts like "microvascular dysfunction" and "uncertain behavior" in clear terms. You'll also get examples of the weird and wacky expanded foreign body codes. Whether you're studying for an exam or just want to stay on top of annual updates, this episode delivers easy-to-remember tips for the new codes. Tune in and get ready to master ICD-10 changes for 2024 and beyond!

Find the best medical coding education for you! This info-packed episode reveals the top 15 questions you MUST ask any coding school or program before enrolling. We dive into crucial details like coaching access, certification exam prep, teaching styles, manual markup techniques, course updates, and more. You'll learn red flags to watch out for and understand exactly how a top-notch coding course should support your success. Whether you're just exploring schools or ready to sign up, this episode helps you make the smartest decision for your time, money and coding career goals. Don't get stranded with a dud of a course! Tune in and get equipped to find the perfect coding education fit.

Imagine expanding your medical coding career beyond just coding - this episode opens your eyes to 5 amazing new directions for medical coders! Learn about roles like Compliance Officer, Clinical Research Coordinator, Revenue Cycle Analyst, and more. We break down what each job entails, key skills needed, education/certification requirements, and how your coding background prepares you for success. Whether you want to step up into leadership, specialize, or try something new in healthcare, this info-packed episode provides insider tips to point your career where YOU want it to go. Tune in and get inspired about all the places your coding credential can take you! The possibilities are endless.

Thinking of starting a career in medical coding? Get the insider scoop in this info-packed episode. We break down exactly what medical coding entails, the various code sets you need to learn, and what medical documentation experience you need to have. You'll get pros and cons of different training options like online courses, community colleges, and self-study. We also share what to look for in a top-notch coding course, like engaging lectures, coaching access, and community support. Whether you're a total newbie or looking to switch careers into healthcare, this episode will help you determine if medical coding is the right fit. Tune in and get guided on the first steps to begin your medical coding journey!

Get the full video, transcripts, slide deck and more at https://www.cco.us/club/ In this episode of the CCO Club webinar series, we delve into the complex world of medical coding for vaccinations. With over 122 webinars under our belt, we continue to answer questions from our diverse club members, ranging from newcomers to coding veterans. Today, we explore a common query: the differences between coding for pediatric and adult vaccinations. Join us as we unpack the intricacies of vaccination coding and provide you with essential insights. Segment 1: Understanding Pediatric Vaccination Codes Pediatric vaccination codes are age-specific, with descriptions indicating age ranges.Series of vaccines or codes are administered based on specific intervals.Combination vaccines are common, and it's crucial to understand their components.Counseling often accompanies pediatric vaccinations.Tracking a child's vaccination history is vital for accurate coding. Segment 2: Deciphering Adult Vaccination Codes Adult vaccination codes are age-neutral, with emphasis on vaccine type in code descriptions.High-risk category codes account for patients with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems.Booster shots and revaccination are common in adult vaccinations.Travel vaccinations are location-specific and can be coded accordingly. Segment 3: The Importance of Documentation Accurate coding relies on comprehensive documentation.Pediatric vaccination codes consider age, series, combination vaccines, and counseling.Administration codes (the "stick") and substance codes (the vaccine) are essential for each vaccination.Staying updated on coding guidelines and regulations is crucial for proper reimbursement. Segment 4: Case Example and Recap A detailed case example illustrates the complexity of vaccination coding.The documentation should cover vaccine components, administration details, and counseling.Always remember to code for both the vaccine substance and the administration.Utilize resources like the CPT Assistant archives for guidance and education. Conclusion: Vaccination coding can be a challenging puzzle, but with proper documentation and a clear understanding of the codes, you can ensure accurate billing and reimbursement. Stay informed, join the CCO Club for ongoing discussions, and keep coding with confidence. Thank you for tuning in, and we'll see you in the next episode.

Get the full video, transcripts, slide deck and more at https://www.cco.us/club/ Join us for an insightful breakdown of the neoplasm table and accurate cancer coding. We'll explore the importance of statistical tracking, how to use the neoplasm table as a tool, and key details for achieving proper specificity. You'll learn critical aspects like the difference between primary, secondary, and in situ cancers, as well as benign, malignant, uncertain, and unspecified behavior. We'll share tips for understanding medical documentation, the disease process, and the impact accurate coding has on research, treatment, and reimbursement. Whether you're a student just learning or a seasoned coder looking to stay updated, this episode delivers a thorough overview you won't want to miss!

Get the full video, transcripts, slide deck and more at https://www.cco.us/club/ Get ready to dive deep into wound debridement coding fundamentals in this information-packed episode! We'll start with an overview of what debridement is and why it's performed, including key goals like preventing infection and promoting healing. Next, we'll break down the various techniques - surgical, sharp, mechanical, enzymatic and more.  Then we'll tackle how to code debridement accurately based on type, wound size and location. You'll get crucial coding details like: - The difference between selective and non-selective debridement codes  - Why you can't separately bill for dressings or whirlpool with debridement - How documentation and diagnosis coding directly impact reimbursement - When certain codes are inpatient only  Expect real-world examples and scenarios illustrating proper debridement coding in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Whether you're new to coding or an experienced pro, this episode delivers an incredible learning opportunity you won't want to miss!

Get the full video, transcripts, slide deck and more at https://www.cco.us/club/ Get ready to master using the table of drugs and chemicals for poisonings, adverse effects, and more! We'll start with an overview of what this supplemental tool is, when to use it, and how it makes coding more accurate. Next, we'll walk through a step-by-step example looking up a poisoning code. You'll learn the critical difference between poisonings, toxic effects, adverse reactions, and underdosing. We'll also cover key details like: The table's alphabetical organizationJumping from the table to the tabular for full code specificsFollowing coding guidelines to capture additional manifestations Expect clear explanations of poisoning vs toxic effect, how to identify the causative substance, choosing the right intent code, and real-world coding examples. Whether you're new to using this table or need a refresher, this info-packed episode delivers easy-to-understand guidance you don't want to miss!

Get the full video, transcripts, slide deck and more at https://www.cco.us/club/ Get ready to master accurate coding for tobacco use, smoking, and related conditions! We’ll clarify the critical differences between exposure to tobacco smoke versus a history of dependence. You’ll learn how to code for remission, withdrawal, and associated disorders. Expect examples illustrating how to code for environmental exposure, occupational exposure, and personal tobacco use. We’ll cover specifics like: The difference between Z codes and F codesWhen to use “unspecified” vs named tobacco productsProper coding for nicotine dependence and comorbid conditionsFollowing coding guidelines to achieve maximal specificity Whether you’re new to coding tobacco and smoking or need a refresher, this info-packed episode delivers the key details you need for accurate capture and optimal reimbursement.

Get the full video, transcripts, slide deck and more at https://www.cco.us/club/ Get the inside scoop on MIPS - the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System - in this info-packed episode! We’ll explain what MIPS is, who’s required to participate, and how it impacts reimbursement. Learn the four performance categories: quality, cost, promoting interoperability, and improvement activities. Expect real-world examples illustrating how MIPS aims to enhance value-based care and streamline reporting. We’ll also cover the new proposed MIPS Value Pathways, including: Specialty/condition specific frameworksReduced reporting burdenGreater focus on outcomes and high value care Whether you're new to MIPS or need a refresher on the latest changes, this episode delivers key details you need to understand this critical quality program.

Get the full video, transcripts, slide deck and more at https://www.cco.us/club/ Get ready to master the nuances between 99213 and 99214 E/M codes! We’ll clarify the key differences between low and moderate medical decision making. You’ll learn how to evaluate complexity of problems, data reviewed, and risk to determine the right level. Expect real-world examples straight from Coding Clinic illuminating proper application. We’ll also include scenarios you can code along with to test your understanding. Whether you’re a student or experienced coder, this episode delivers the expert insights you need to confidently assign 99213 vs 99214. Join us to take your E/M coding skills to the next level!

Get the full video, transcripts, slide deck and more at https://www.cco.us/club/ Get the inside scoop on critical updates to ICD-10 social determinants of health codes for 2024! We’ll break down new and revised Z55-Z65 codes related to problems with upbringing, primary support group, and psychosocial circumstances. Learn what’s changed in coding for issues like parent-child conflict, absence of family member, and more. Expect clear explanations and examples for new codes like “at risk for feeling loneliness” and “runaway from current living environment.” Whether you code SDOH regularly or need an introduction to these codes, this episode delivers the details you need to start preparing now. Stay up-to-date and capture social factors influencing health with maximum specificity.