Wiki Surgical coding

[Coder90]

Does anyone have recommendations on what's a good specialty if I'm new to surgical coding? Thanks!

 

[Pam Warren]

This early in the game, maybe don't limit yourself to one specialty. If you have the opportunity to learn a variety of surgical specialties, do so. That will make you more valuable, and will allow you to make a more informed choice should you later decide to specialize. What sounds fun now may become tedious as time goes on, and there are so many choices out there.

 

[Coder90]

Thanks, Pam. If I had a choice of specialty to start out with, is there a good one for beginners?

 

[amyjph]

I would think about what interests you and what you would like to learn more about instead of trying to find one "good for beginners". There really is no answer to this. It's all different. Where are you in your coding career, brand new totally, or have you done office or other coding but now trying to learn surgery?
Do you enjoy orthopedics, learning about bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, etc.?
Are you interested in general surgery?
Do you think neurology would be interesting?
Each specialty is so different and has nuances.

 

[Coder90]

I have done E/M coding. I can't really say I have a specific interest in any surgical specialties. That's why I asked if there's a good starting point.

 

[amyjph]

I have done E/M coding. I can't really say I have a specific interest in any surgical specialties. That's why I asked if there's a good starting point.

If you are working somewhere that you have the opportunity to shadow surgical coders, you could ask to do that. Otherwise, maybe take a look through the CPT book at the different sections and anatomical diagrams. This channel may have some tips or give you an idea:

Some folks may just look at it in numerical order by code, such as starting by reviewing the 1000_ and going up.