Click here for more sample CPC practice exam questions with Full Rationale Answers

Practice Exam

Click here for more sample CPC practice exam questions and answers with full rationale

Practice Exam

CPC Practice Exam and Study Guide Package

Practice Exam

What makes a good CPC Practice Exam? Questions and Answers with Full Rationale

CPC Exam Review Video

Laureen shows you her proprietary “Bubbling and Highlighting Technique”

Download your Free copy of my "Medical Coding From Home Ebook" at the top right corner of this page

Practice Exam

2018 CPC Practice Exam Answer Key 150 Questions With Full Rationale (HCPCS, ICD-9-CM, ICD-10, CPT Codes) Click here for more sample CPC practice exam questions with Full Rationale Answers

Practice Exam

Click here for more sample CPC practice exam questions and answers with full rationale

COVID Tests Worth Less in 2021

Labs soon will have to work harder to merit the maximum allowed Medicare payment for high-throughput tests used to detect SARS-CoV-2. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been paying labs $ 100 per test — up from $ 51 — since a public health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 was declared on March 18, 2020. […]

The post COVID Tests Worth Less in 2021 appeared first on AAPC Knowledge Center.

AAPC Knowledge Center

Get Paid What You’re Worth

Can your employer require you to work overtime without additional pay? The following was posted on AAPC’s Facebook page by a member: I work as a coder for a great company, the pay is good, I like what I do. My only issue is that they want us to work overtime every day, I’m talking […]

The post Get Paid What You’re Worth appeared first on AAPC Knowledge Center.

AAPC Knowledge Center

CPC-A in Ft. Worth, TX

Hi, I’m Sabrina. I’m a recent CPC-A certified coder and I’m looking for a full time job in the Midcities/Ft. Worth, TX area; either on site or remote. I’ve been searching for jobs online but I’m finding many positions requiring 1+ years of coding experience, which I do not yet have.

What I will bring to the table is someone that is genuinely interested in medical coding instead of someone that just wants a job. I’m very detail oriented, I take notes when I have questions so I make sure I cain retain the knowledge. I find being on time incredibly important and as such you will find I have no attendance issues. My previous employer was so impressed with my dedication and hard work that I was hired out of a temp position within 2 months whereas others stayed temp for more than a year.

I am ready to take the first steps in a new career and make myself, my family, and my new employer proud of me! If you have room for someone that’s always smiling, a team player, and that has the desire to become your next best employee then please let me know. I’d love to talk to you about new opportunities. 😀

Attached Files

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Risk Assessment – Are Medical Treatments Overseas Worth It?

When it comes to medical treatments, one doesn’t typically think of traveling halfway across the world to have a surgery, but these days it’s definitely becoming a popular choice for many.

There are numerous associated risks with any kind of surgery, even in the best hospitals in the United States. However, when it comes to making a decision to have medical treatments abroad, one must take careful consideration of specific risks. These are just some of the drawbacks/risks of having surgeries abroad:

A lack of standard regulations around professional licensing and certification, which is common in the United States and Canada. Make sure you check the credentials of any doctor you would like to work with and ask to review patient testimonies. Once in the country, make sure to take a tour of the hospital facilities.
Most foreign countries have little or no legal system for pursuing a lawsuit, should malpractice or other problems occur.
The risk of traveling too soon after the surgery can cause possible complications such as swelling, infections, blood clots, or pulmonary embolisms; it is recommended that you allow for at least 1-2 weeks post-surgery recovery time before flying back home.
It’s your responsibility to be persistent and diligent in receiving follow-up care (post-operative care) for your treatment once you return home, whether at your local hospital or to return to the hospital overseas. Check with your existing healthcare provider or physician about the costs of follow-up visits.
You are more prone to getting infections while abroad because your body lacks the immunity to bacteria and other diseases native to those areas
It’s easy to get carried away in the festivities after your surgery and over enjoy your post-surgery/ vacation time by drinking, over exposure to the sun, and not resting enough. Be sure your recovery time is relaxing and don’t try to do too much sight-seeing.
Remember to give yourself more than adequate recovery time once you’re back at home. Even though you might think you’re feeling 100%, make sure you have a professional confirm the status of your health.

Despite some of the risks, many patients have very good experiences at hospitals overseas, see this article from the Chicago Tribune.

However, if you’re seriously considering a medical vacation, it’s important you are completely aware of any possible risks. Even if the price tag seems right, do your homework and don’t be easily fooled. Ask for everything in writing and ask for an estimate upfront; avoid hidden fees that can be associated with your treatment. Here’s more on checking hospital credentials.

It’s your body and you know it best!

Meghana Kamdar writes articles on current healthcare issues, examining debate over quality, affordability and access to healthcare around the world. She is a regular contributor of World of Medical Tourism. For the latest in travel requirements, u.s. passports, travel health, and more please visit OneEasyVisa. OneEasyVisa helps you stay focused on your trip and not the paperwork.

Find More Medical Coding Articles

What is My Illinois Medical Malpractice Case Worth?

Please note that this article is exclusive to Illinois as all 50 states have different laws on medical malpractice including damage caps and limits on attorney’s fees.

Every Illinois medical negligence case is different. Depending on the facts of your case, you can be compensated for pain and suffering, economic damages, such as loss of income as well as loss of consortium. Loss of consortium refers to the loss of a family relationship and usually relates to married couples, where the injury causes decreased sexual activity or diminished care, companionship and/or affection.

In addition, your age, health, type of injury, amount of suffering and economic losses will each contribute to what you may be able to recover.

Another factor is location of the case. Cases in Cook County, Illinois will more likely yield a higher reward for a plaintiff than cases in smaller southern counties in the state. There are some rural counties in Illinois that haven’t had a successful medical malpractice case in several years. In many of those areas, it is difficult to find an impartial jury. Someone usually knows the defendant doctor or nurse.

Most medical malpractice cases settle out of the court and the ones that do go to trial, usually find in favor of the doctor. Even in Cook County, which is the most favorable toward plaintiffs compared to other counties in the state, has only about a 20% success rate for cases that go to trial.

Choosing the right attorney will also greatly influence the value of your case. There are certain law firms that have the track record as well as the resources to maximize the presentation of your case. For example, depending on the facts of your case, the right attorney will know which expert witnesses to retain or where to file your case to maximize your chances of getting the best result.

Certain law firms also have the respect – and even sometimes fear – of the insurance companies. Hiring the wrong firm cannot only be the difference between winning and losing but also between hundreds of thousands of dollars if you win and millions. We recommend hiring a medical malpractice attorney with a solid reputation and proven track record. It can make all the difference.

Most medical malpractice attorneys’ work on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay unless you “win.” In Illinois, attorneys’ fees are limited to 33-1/3% of the first $ 150,000.00 recovered, 25% of the next $ 850,000.00 recovered, and 20% of any amount recovered over $ 1 million. Still, the amount is subject to review by the court, and may be increased in certain cases where the attorneys’ work involved more than the usual time and effort.

To learn more visit http://www.findgreatlawyers.com/MedicalMalpractice.htm
Michael Helfand has been an Illinois attorney since 1997 and is founder of http://www.findgreatlawyers.com/0Examples.htm the leading resource for Illinois lawyer referrals and legal guidance.

CSI Dallas/Fort Worth Texas Coders (HCC)

CSI Healthcare IT is actively seeking Traveling HCC Coders for a Large Project in the following cities:

Fort Worth, TX
Dallas, TX

*If you are close by to these cities and are willing to fly or drive, travel will be covered within the project. ALL Travel will be reimbursed (gas, etc)

Remote work unless you are have appointments onsite with clients
Certified Coder through AAPC
3 years of Risk Adjusting experience
Will be Educating, Auditing and Coding onsite
ICD-10 & HCC experience

If you are interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please reach out to directly with a copy of your resume to Meredith Smith, [email protected]

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Is Getting the Flu Shot Worth It?

Flu Shot: Is it woth getting?

As a public health nurse my answer to this question is a resounding and exuberant “YES! It is worth getting a flu shot!” And I would quickly follow that up with “Do you want the shot in your right or left arm?” with an alcohol pad at the ready to disinfect my injection site.

With so much misinformation about what a flu shot does or doesn’t provide, it’s no wonder people get confused.

“Prevention” is every public health nurse’s mantra and getting a flu shot is the first step in preventing the flu.

With few exceptions, flu shots are recommended for anyone 6 months old or older, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  Here are three good reasons the flu shot is worth it:

REASON #1: The flu shot can actually prevent you from getting the flu.

Reap the benefits of all the research done to predict the flu viruses that will be most common during the flu season! Influenza is a serious and contagious respiratory illness that can lead to complications, hospitalizations, even death.

The bonus to getting yourself vaccinated for flu is that you also protect your loved ones and others in your community from getting the flu as well. You may not have a newborn or grandma living with you at home, but I promise you, the people behind you in the checkout lane who are about to touch the same flat surface or keypad that you just coughed on, do.

So do your part in preventing illness and its spread and get your flu shot.

REASON #2: The flu shot can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalizations.

There are studies that indicate a reduced risk for flu-related hospitalizations for both children and older adults. Of the thousands of flu-related deaths Fight the Fluevery year, 80-90% of them occur with people 65 years old or older. The flu shot has been associated with preventing hospitalizations among people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease.

In case your aversion to hospitals is greater than your aversion to getting the flu, allow me to remind you that a visit to the hospital is no joy ride.  There is no dignity in those backless gowns, there’s no real privacy with aides, nurses, respiratory therapists, and doctors coming in and out of your room. Oh and let’s not forget the tab that is racked up whilst providing you that memorable experience. Need I say more?

REASON #3: The flu shot can make your illness milder if you do get sick.

Let’s be clear, a flu shot does not guarantee protection against the flu. However, a flu shot does initiate the production of antibodies in your body.

Your immune protection begins two weeks after immunization. So if you do end up getting the flu, the fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, and fatigue can be milder than if you went without the flu shot. If you have milder symptoms you are also less likely to suffer complications that can lead to hospitalization and we have already established why we want to avoid that.

Which leads me to another important point…The flu shot does NOT cause you to have flu.

Viruses that cause the common cold produce similar symptoms as the flu and they are just as contagious and ubiquitous during flu season. This is where good old fashioned hand washing with soap, water, and vigorous scrubbing action play an important role in decreasing or getting rid of the viruses you have picked up from the light switch, door handles, gas pumps, elevator buttons, keyboards etc.

Have a cough? Don’t share! Contain those germs in a tissue and toss it immediately! Hand sanitizers are a good substitute if you are not able to some water and soap.

Is getting the flu shot worth it?  You don’t have to take my word for it, talk to your healthcare provider or check out more over at the CDC’s website.

Wishing all of you a healthy, safe, and flu vaccinated holiday season!

— This post Is Getting the Flu Shot Worth It? was written by Ivonne Rivera-Newberry BS RN and first appeared on Capture Billing. Capture Billing is a medical billing company helping medical practices get their insurance claims paid faster, easier and with less stress allowing doctors to focus on their patients.

Capture Billing