Hi everyone!
I used to think that coding's main purpose was for billing, but the more I learn, the more I'm thinking of it as a tool for data analysis, especially after learning external causes. I mean, I don't think it makes much difference to a biller whether you were bitten by a raccoon or an orca; all those minute distinctions have to be for someone to keep track of information.
So I'm throwing out some questions to you-who-know-a-lot-more-than-me out of, well, curiosity. First of all, who analyzes all this data we are coding? Is that part of Health Informatics?
Secondly, what is done about things grouped in "unspecified" groups that have significance to a local area? For example, there are no specific codes for bear or moose injuries, but up here in Alaska we would definitely want to keep track of them. In other places, the animal to watch for may be an alligator or a hippopotamus or a water buffalo-- so how are local conditions handled?
Finally, since there is room built into the code for expansion, will there be changes if a new condition comes along? I'm thinking something like Zika-- will they create a code to track that?
Sorry for geeking out, I was just curious!
I'll start you out and let others add to and/or expand on it:
This is what I think of in my own words when I consider all that the codes are used for, but there are authoritative descriptions that you'll find elsewhere, (Hint: probably in your books): Codes are used to classify morbidity and mortality statistics for
reimbursement, utilization review (when a hospital sees a trend in a certain
area and needs to expand their hospital accordingly), epidemiology, and
research.
There is ALREADY a code for the Zika virus. I've seen it but don't have it at the tip of my fingers. Maybe someone else will find it for us just for (fun?!) --- not with that virus, which is absolutely horrible. Nothing fun about it. IMPORTANT though. Let's just hope the researchers are right on it finding ways to get rid of it.
I think your question also is, what are examples of PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS for these codes. Interesting question!
Hi Tracey, I think I can help with the first part of your question.
Not all coders are employed by hospitals, physicians and various healthcare facilities. I know coders who are employed by companies who perform contract work for CMS. They review medical records in CMS systems to identify fraud, waste and abuse, to aid them in investigating individuals who commit insurance fraud. Just another very exciting avenue in healthcare that coders can explore. Hope that helps!
Yes, there is a code for the Zika virus.
http://www.icd10monitor.com/enews/item/1565-icd-10-and-the-zika-virus-another-public-health-crisis
http://www.icd10monitor.com/enews/item/1574-zika-we-have-a-code-and-other-updates
Thank you!
I think it's great to know that as coders we have a lot of diverse options for how we can use our skills. The articles posted about coding for Zika were really interesting-- shows me the need to regularly check coding journals for the latest developments.