Emergency Room Coding

The ER record serves as a good teaching tool for new coders because ER records do not require as much clinical background to code as inpatient records. However, some of the injury cases may present a challenge for new coders. Also, unlike most coding textbooks, this study guide contains a complete ER report with a full explanation, not just thumbnail sketches. Therefore, Emergency Room Coding is more realistic than the one-to-two line diagnostic statements encountered in most coding textbooks. Finally, the Answer Key for the case studies contains a rationale for all code assignments, as well as directions for locating the correct diagnostic and procedure codes.

A multiple choice final review quiz is included at the end of this study guide as an opportunity for coders to test their coding skill set. Emergency Room Coding is updated annually to reflect the annual coding changes.

Who is this book for?

Coders needing to develop ER coding skills
Students/Beginning coders trying to get their first job
Anyone needing to understand ER code assignment
Coding supervisors
HIM Directors
Auditors/Compliance Officers
Case Managers

What's Inside?

32 Case Studies
Dictated ER Reports
Answer Key Rationale
Instructions on how to locate codes in ICD-9 Coding Book
Final Exam

Linda Kobayashi, BA, RHIT, CCS, has been a coder and coding manager for almost 20 years. Since 1998, Ms. Kobayashi has owned and operated Codebusters, Inc., a nationwide coding consulting company. Widely regarded as a medical coding and auditing expert, she has conducted workshops on a variety of coding topics, including CCS Exam preparation workshops. Throughout her career the author has remained professionally active, as an AHIMA member as well as a member of her state association, CHIA (California health Information Association).

Her formal training includes a teaching credential from California State University Los Angeles, a B.A. degree in English Literature from University of California Los Angeles, an RHIT from AHIMA after completing the RHIT program at East Los Angeles College, and a CCS certificate from AHIMA. Extensive experience as a hands-on coder, auditor and educator, and has given the author the expertise to help coders prepare for the professional coding environment.