Coding as a NP

Trauma Columnist · Aug 24, 2009

I thought this was a deficit in my program as well. However, what I found out when I got out was that once I chart (and you get hints on what/how to chart from the office folks), then the actual coding is done electronically and/or by a coding person who knows the ropes. That is how its handled in the nephrology practice where I work.

Where I work prn in the ER, we use T-charting (already pre-printed, check off box) charting. So, depending on how in-depth my assessment is, what I order and the diagnosis, the coding is done that way.

core0 · Aug 25, 2009

Hallo all,
As I've been doing my clinicals, I have realized that I don't know a lot about coding or charges for patients. I have one more semester to go in the Spring for my Adult NP, and I'm not really sure how much I will be learning about this before getting out into the real world.
Has anyone ever taken a coding class? Any recommendations for coding / billing books?
Thank ya!
~Christen

I've taken a number of coding classes. I take the AAPA coding class at the AAPA convention every 2-3 years to reinforce things or pick up on changes. The Georgia PA association also has a coding class (and the conference also has CEs if you need them). Both of these are worthwhile (the AAPA class is six hours so it goes into more depth). The MPECS classes are also good. Unfortunately the founder Jim Meeks died earlier this year after a long battle with Sarcoma. I don't think they are selling their coding guide any more.

University of Phoenix also has classes. Unfortunately most of these online classes tend to be more for coders than practitioners. The difference is that coders are concerned whether you document properly while providers are more concerned with properly coding the encounter and documentation (a subtle but important difference).

If you know some of the basics of billing the FP notebook has a nice website:

http://www.fpnotebook.com/Manage/Billing/index.htm

Also Family Practice Management magazine has some nice articles that can be found here:

http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/journals/fpm/fpmtoolbox.html#Parsys1990

David Carpenter, PA-C

Christen, ANP · Aug 28, 2009

Thank you for the replies!