Overview: What is a Brain Aneurysm? A brain aneurysm (also known as a cerebral or intracranial aneurysm) is a weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain that bulges or balloons out. It most commonly occurs at arterial branch points (e.g., at the base of...
What makes a great medical coder, both professionally and personally? It goes far beyond memorizing CPT or ICD-10 codes. The coders who truly stand out combine professional skill with personal qualities that make them invaluable to employers, providers, and peers....
💡 Why Asking the Right Questions Matters Choosing the right medical coding training program is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your healthcare career. With so many schools offering online programs, it’s critical to know what to look for — and what...
The Gold Standard in the Medical Coding Profession When it comes to establishing credibility in the field of medical coding, few credentials carry as much weight as those from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). For decades, AAPC certifications like...
In ICD-10-CM, Excludes Notes play a vital role in helping coders choose the correct diagnosis codes. While Excludes 1 notes indicate that two conditions cannot be coded together, medical coding ICD-10-CM Excludes 2 notes have a completely different meaning — one that...
Understanding ICD-10-CM Excludes 1 Notes What Is an Excludes 1 Note? In ICD-10-CM, an Excludes 1 note is a pure exclusion note. It means that the two conditions cannot be reported together because they cannot occur at the same time or are mutually exclusive. When you...
AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS: Which Credential Is Best for a New Coder and Why When you’re starting out in medical coding, choosing between the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) can feel overwhelming. Both are respected...
Understanding AHIMA The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is a professional organization that represents health information (HI) professionals across the healthcare industry. Founded in 1928, AHIMA plays a vital role in advancing health...
Understanding Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung disease characterized by the accumulation of surfactant (a lipoprotein material) within the alveoli — the tiny air sacs responsible for oxygen exchange. This buildup...
Medical Coding Deep Infiltrative Endometriosis (DIE): Guidelines & Tips Deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) is a severe form of endometriosis where endometrial-like tissue penetrates more than 5 mm below the peritoneal surface. It often affects multiple pelvic...