Why Medical Providers use Medical Coding Support Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 2, 2010 -- The Problem: The ICD-9, CPT® and HCPCS Coding Initiatives Are Complex and Constantly Changing.

Medical coding is the process of assigning diagnostic and procedural codes to represent patient conditions and care. The accuracy and completeness of medical coding is essential for achieving proper physician reimbursement and providing quality patient treatment. Coding is one of the most important and complex processes of a medical practices revenue cycle and is often an area that is least understood by physicians and billing staff.

Many medical providers do not have coders in their front office staff. Instead, the provider will do the coding and pass it along to the medical billing staff. While medical providers are trained in ICD-9 and CPT coding, these codes are frequently modified and the requirements to assign specific codes to encounters are changed. Incorrectly assigning a diagnosis code or procedure code could result in decreased revenue (under coding), denied claims because the diagnosis and procedure do not match and over payment for services (over-coding) which in turn could lead to problems for the medical provider if CMS or private insurance companies audit their medical charts/records. The CMS is doing just that with their Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) Program. Thus, incorrect coding results in underpayment, no payment or overpayment with possible legal action taken by the payers against the medical provider.

The Solution: Outsourcing Your Coding To an Extensive Network of Certified Professional Coders.

How much time do you spend coding your patient encounters daily? What if you could have someone else do the coding for you? Having a certified coder on staff can not only be costly, as many certified coders can command a higher salary than other staff. It can also be difficult as there can be a shortage of qualified coders in your area. "Remote coding", or out-sourcing, is the perfect answer to this dilemma.

Payment Automation Network is a leading provider of medical coding services to physician practices for every medical specialty. Whatever your needs are, we have an extensive network of certified professional coders that are experienced in your specialty and can provide you with the appropriate coding services to ensure your practice is achieving maximum reimbursement and that your coding is fully compliant with all of the Correct Coding Initiatives (CCI) and Local Medical Review Policies (LMRP).

About Payment Automation Network:

Payment Automation Network Full-Service Billing and Receivable Collection company specializing in collecting your receivables faster and for less than it would cost on your own. Call toll free 800-813-3740 or visit us on the web www.PaymentAutomation.net

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