This may have already been discussed but need to ask. I am a new Medical Coding student (in my 50's) in Section 4 of Module 1. Last night while doing some exercises, I thought why isn't this huge cumbersome book not digital/downloadable? I understand it would be a large file but how easy would it be to do searches for your codes that way instead of by pages? At least have either the Alphabetized Index or Tabular on-line? Has anyone looked into the CodeLink download? Or is it best to start out learning coding with a book? :)
Hello new student. It seems like sometime back someone mentioned online coding such as you mention here and it seems like it was said that we need to learn to code from the books. Seems like something was said if you can't code it from the book you certainly can't code if from the computer link. Now mind you, that is not a direct quote, just something that has stuck in my memory.
You are so right about the weight of that ICD-10 book, good for weight-lifting training and upper body strength build up, keeps the back of the upper arms toned. Have you put it on the scale to weigh it yet?
When I get a coding job, even if the company provides an digital look up, I still plan to keep my treasured ICD-10 and PCS books handy because I have made so many valuable notes in them.
Oh, yes, Linda is gonna get you on this, :} she got me on it, too, so passing it on. NEVER mention your age. It's nobody's business says she, young or old or middle, you are who you are without mention of age.
Best wishes to you during your process through this course. It's tough, but thorough. When you graduate you will know how to code and will be a fine asset to a company or hospital.
Donna G
The CDC website has an online ICD-10 book. I've used it when I was somewhere where I wanted to do my homework but didn't have my big book. I found it easy to use. However, it is harder to see the indents and I also found there was missing information that was important to the code. I used it as kind of a first go through and then would go home and check my answers with the actual book.
Donna - Thank you for the reply! Oh and yeah, not sure why I mention my age - I don't do that with anything else! Again, thanks for the input!
Ginny
Thanks!
Hi Virginia, another reason to learn how to code using the books is that all the certification exams are done strictly with the books, so it is critical to be very comfortable coding using them.
Good reason! Thank you!
If by mentioning your age you mean that you are too feeble to wrangle that book . . . the exercise will be good for you, lol! Just be sure to use safe lifting practices. Both hands, not just one! (Not kidding there . . . I pulled my shoulder trying to move the mega-ICD-10-CM with one hand last fall.)
ICD can be downloaded as a file, but it is not useful. That is not an idea you should pursue.
There are electronic code books called "encoders." They usually allow code entry as well as looking them up. If you can't use the book, though, you'll sometimes end up in the wrong place. You'll still need to use a book some of the time.
As noted above, you need to be able to use that book proficiently for a certification exam. You should absolutely NOT NOT NOT be using an encoder or ANY online code-lookup in this course.
Don't be concerned that some courses advertise that they provide encoders for their students. You don't need it now. If you can use the books, you can pick up on an encoder in about 15 minutes.
I'm sure your instructor will weigh in shortly, but I saw this in passing and felt compelled to say my piece!
Hi Peggy. Thank you so much for the info!! I am holding off using my books as weights but still, very tempting! :) What I am finding I need is a book stand! My neck is sore from looking down.