Step-by-Step Medical Coding 2011 Edition

Take your first step toward a successful career in medical coding with comprehensive coverage from the most trusted source in the field! Step-by-Step Medical Coding is the practical, easy-to-use resource that shows you exactly how to code using all of today's coding systems, providing an in-depth introduction to essential coding concepts followed by practice exercises that reinforce your understanding. In addition to coverage of reimbursement, ICD-9-CM, CPT, HCPCS, and inpatient coding, the 2011 edition now provides full coverage of the ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding system in preparation for the transition in 2013. No other text on the market so thoroughly prepares you for all coding systems in one source!

• Carol J. Buck's proven step-by-step approach guides you through difficult concepts in the most direct, straightforward manner to ensure complete understanding.
• Dual coding prepares you for the switch to ICD-10. In Units 3-5, for every exercise and chapter review question with an ICD-9 answer, you are provided with the matching ICD-10 code.
• In-text exercises throughout each chapter reinforce coding rules and concepts and follow the book's step-by-step approach.
• Quick Check features immediately reinforce key concepts and test your retention and understanding.
• Toolbox features provide additional real world cases for analysis and applying knowledge to specific case elements.
• Concrete "real-life" coding examples allow you to apply important coding principles and practices to actual scenarios from the field.
• Full-color design with over 450 illustrations ensures easy navigation and presents material in a unique, compelling way.
• Coding Shots provide tips for complicated coding scenarios and advice for entering the job market.
• From the Trenches quotes provide valuable, up-to-date insights from instructors and professionals in the medical coding field.
• Stop! notes offer a brief summary of material just covered to help ensure retention and understanding and provide a transition into the next topic.
• Caution! notes warn of common coding mistakes and reinforce the concept of coding as an exact science.
• Check This Out! boxes offer notes on accessing reference information, primarily via the Internet.
• Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting boxes in Units 2 and 5 present the official outpatient and inpatient guidelines alongside text discussions.
• Coder's Index makes it easy to instantly locate specific codes.
• Practice activities and Coding Guidelines are available on the companion Evolve Resources website to help reinforce key concepts from the text and provide fast, easy access to the most up-to-date content.
• A free 30-day demo of SpeedECoder lets you complete cases using an actual online encoder.

• Updated content reflects the latest coding developments so you can practice with the most current information available.
• New ICD-10-CM chapters prepare you for the upcoming 2013 transition.
• ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting boxes contain excerpts of the actual guidelines, presenting the official wording alongside in-text discussions to help you better understand upcoming changes.