What Is Medical Coding And Why Is It Important?
|
Posted By: Anica Oaks on October 10, 2022 In the most basic terms, medical coding is the process of translating medical records into a universal language that can be understood by everyone in the healthcare industry. This translation is important because it allows doctors and other healthcare providers to share patient information with each other easily and accurately. Without medical coding, patient records would be scrambled and unreadable, which would make it very difficult for doctors to provide the best possible care. Medical coding also helps to ensure that patients receive the correct treatments and billings by verifying that the insurance companies have the correct diagnosis codes. The History Of Medical CodingMedical coding dates back to the early 1950s when Dr. Robert Goldenson developed the first classification system for diseases, which was later known as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The ICD was created in order to standardize disease reporting so that different hospitals could share patient information with each other. In 1966, Dr. Edward Huth developed another classification system called the Standard Nomenclature of Disease (SNOD). The SNOD was created in order to standardize medical procedures so that different insurance companies could share patient information with each other. In 1978, these two systems were combined to create the ICD-9, which is still used today. In 2015, the ICD-9 was replaced by the ICD-10, which is a more comprehensive system that includes over 70,000 codes for diagnoses and over 4,000 codes for procedures. The ICD-10 is used by everyone in the healthcare industry, from doctors and nurses to insurance companies and hospitals. Why Is Medical Coding Important?Medical coding is important because it ensures that all stakeholders in the healthcare industry are using the same language when it comes to patient care. By standardizing disease reporting and medical procedures, medical coding makes it easier for everyone from doctors to insurance companies to communicate with each other about a patient's care. Become a Medical Coding ProfessionalMedical coding is a great career choice for anyone who wants to be a part of the healthcare industry. Medical coders are in high demand, and the job outlook for medical coding is very positive. With the right training, you can become a medical coder in as little as 6-12 months. There are many online and offline schools that offer medical coding training such as Coding Clarified. Once you complete your training, you will need to pass a certification exam in order to become a certified medical coder. After you become certified, you will be able to find jobs in hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, and insurance companies. If you're looking for a rewarding career in the healthcare industry, then consider becoming a medical coder. Medical coding is a vital part of the healthcare industry that ensures everyone is using the same language when it comes to patient care. Without medical coding, patient records would be unreadable and there would be no way to verify that patients are receiving the correct treatments and billings. If you're interested in a career in healthcare, then learning how to code should be at the top of your list! If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Anica Oaks
Freelance Writer, Freelance University of San Francisco class of 2012 Member Since November 2016 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Work
 |
🚀 Opportunity for African American Participants — Join Our Audio Project We’re Still Recruiting🎯 We’re continuing to expand our audio project and are looking for more African American participants who’d like to take part in a simple, flexible opportunity from home. If you’re interested ...more
Yazmín Müller • 50 Views • December 10th, 2025 |
 |
Calling All Gig Workers! Join Our Audio Project & Help Improve AI for EveryoneWhy This Audio Project Focuses on African American and African Participants
In recent years, voice technology has become part of everyday life—whether we are asking a virtual assistant for directio ...more
Yazmín Müller • 115 Views • November 19th, 2025 |
 |
Cozy weather makes for a great time to do the Cookie ChallengeTurn to Sherri Sheperd Shows taped during OCTOBER of 2024
It's a good time with fun guests from Al Roker to chef Eddie Jackson
🍪https://www.sherrishowtv.com/
...more
How May I Help You NC • 143 Views • October 30th, 2025 |
 |
Beyond relaxation: Why sharing your weekend joy can transform othersI adore cooking "Minestrone," an Italian vegetable soup, every weekend. Photo credit: Freepik.
Everybody gets two days, Saturday and Sunday, to rest after a long weekend of labor. On the other ...more
Joel Savage • 404 Views • July 12th, 2025 |
 |
How to Get Free MoneyToday I’ll be sharing offers from companies that are giving away free money. You could receive 1000 bucks or more.
Rakuten (formerly ebates) – $10
Rakuten is a cashback website. You get cash bac ...more
Jason Butler • 459 Views • April 15th, 2025 |
Popular Work
 |
Still Not a Player, How to overcome getting firedStill Not a Player, How to overcome getting fired ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 9,337 Views • September 22nd, 2008 |
 |
Protect Ya Neck, How to deal with conflict at workProtect Ya Neck, How to deal with conflict at work ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 9,076 Views • September 22nd, 2008 |
 |
Who Got da Props, How to get paid what you’re really worthWho Got da Props, How to get paid what you’re really worth ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 9,013 Views • September 22nd, 2008 |
 |
How Teachers Can Easily Communicate With Their StudentsTeachers know how important communication is, but nothing has made this more clear than the current pandemic. The following are some effective and safe ways to communicate with students.
LMS
One exc ...more
Amy Sloane • 7,788 Views • September 21st, 2020 |
 |
5 Helpful Careers That People Need EverydayDeciding what kind of career is right for you requires lots of thought and deep consideration. While it isn't as if you'll be permanently committed to your decision, it can still feel like a monumenta ...more
Anica Oaks • 5,742 Views • February 2nd, 2022 |
