Credentialing is very important for coders, because the codes change yearly, and the guidelines are constantly being expanding, says Johnson, but most importantly, having a CRHC coder in the office is beneficial to providers; it lets them know they have a trained professional on staff to help with lowering coding error rates and maximizing reimbursement.
The Review Course & Exam
The CRHC review course teaches the fundamentals of medical coding, prepares the participant for certification (https://www.aapc.com/certification) and helps them establish a career in the medical coding industry.
The CRHC’s coding abilities include:
- Expertise in reviewing and assigning accurate medical coding for diagnoses, procedures and services in rheumatology practices;
- Proficiency in evaluation and management of documentation coding;
- Knowledge of coding guidelines and regulations, including compliance and reimbursement;
- Knowing how to integrate medical coding and reimbursement rule changes into a practice’s reimbursement processes; and
- Expert knowledge of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology necessary to correctly code provider diagnoses and services.
Medical coding is on the verge of change; rheumatologists and their staff should educate themselves with the coding principles now to prevent decreases in reimbursement and coding productivity.
Understanding the coding, billing and claims process is crucial to keeping rheumatology practices running smoothly and profitably. The ACR can help you reach that goal through training and education. Contact the ACR certified course instructors, Antanya Chung, CPC, CPC-I, CRHC, CCP, and Melesia Tillman, CPC, CRHC, CHA, at 404-633-3777 to set up a course in your area, or visit the ACR website for additional information.
