I have been a certified coder for the past 6 years, however, I have been coding/billing for the past 12-13 years. I was lucky to be in a job that basically trained me somewhat on billing for the Department of Mental Health, which in turn helped me learn coding.
I then took a job with the University of Mo. in which required me to become a certified coder. They sent me to a "boot camp" for coders to prepare for the certification test. The boot camp is basically a week long, 8 hour a day, class that teaches you how to code and how to prepare for the certification test which is a 5 hour test. It is an open book test in which you may use the CPT book (procedure codes), ICD-9 (diagnosis book) and the HICPS book. It is a very intense test and I have to admit, I was completely drained when I walked out, but I passed.
You can also prepare by going on-line and researching questions for the certification tests. There are some websites out there to help (can't think of the names right now, but I am sure you can find them).
I love what I do. I personally am responsible for coding and billing outpatient Cardiology, Gastroenterology and Nephrology. I have also billed EKG's, colonoscopies, EGD's and ER services.
Our system works that the doctor will dictate a note that comes into our electronic Powerchart system which in turn feeds into our Code Ryte billing system. We go in that system and review the note and review what codes the code ryte system assigned and we either agree and release to be billed or we change the codes (level of service and diagnosis codes) and then release for a bill to be extracted.
Like I said, I love what I do and I hope this helps you and you in turn decide to stick with this and become a certified coder. The money helps too!!
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