Codebusters Coding Connection: A Documentation Guide for Compliant Coding

Julie Hosley

This small, spiral-bound reference is designed for quick use by both coders and those responsible for the documentation that assists in assigning ICD-9-CM and CPT codes. The author proposes to help the communication process between physicians and coders by outlining guidelines for concise and accurate documentation for data collection, billing and reimbursement, and research and quality improvement. Her brief, focused overview of coding objectives will be a valuable resource for healthcare professionals just beginning the coding process, and should serve as a resource for those who need a quick reminder. I know of no other coding reference guide so portable and so easily accessible. The author's audience should include either new or established coders and any healthcare professional whose documentation will result in coding designations. The text is simply and briefly written and the author presumes at least entry-level knowledge of coding. It will serve best as a reference or reminder, and not as an initial text for the novice. The author is sufficiently knowledgeable to communicate in her field in an easy to understand, very readable manner. The book is easy to access and properly arranged to guide the reader through the process of coding. The responsibility of the coder is briefly outlined, followed by general rules for coding. The bulk of the text is a refresher for coding by ICD-9-CM diagnosis, and then provides a progression to CPT coding. For the reader who understands the concepts of coding, the progressions and suggestions should be informative and easy to follow. There appears to be no superfluous information; the topics included are adequately covered. The tips andappendixes are particularly helpful. The artwork is simple and is limited to small illustrations to open chapters. Other coding texts available are generally designed either as curriculum textbooks or as massive references. This pocket-sized, portable guide fills a need not otherwise covered at this time.

From The Critics

Reviewer:Julie Hosley, RN, CMA(Carteret Community College)
Description:This small, spiral-bound reference is designed for quick use by both coders and those responsible for the documentation that assists in assigning ICD-9-CM and CPT codes.
Purpose:The author proposes to help the communication process between physicians and coders by outlining guidelines for concise and accurate documentation for data collection, billing and reimbursement, and research and quality improvement. Her brief, focused overview of coding objectives will be a valuable resource for healthcare professionals just beginning the coding process, and should serve as a resource for those who need a quick reminder. I know of no other coding reference guide so portable and so easily accessible.
Audience:The author's audience should include either new or established coders and any healthcare professional whose documentation will result in coding designations. The text is simply and briefly written and the author presumes at least entry-level knowledge of coding. It will serve best as a reference or reminder, and not as an initial text for the novice. The author is sufficiently knowledgeable to communicate in her field in an easy to understand, very readable manner.
Features:The book is easy to access and properly arranged to guide the reader through the process of coding. The responsibility of the coder is briefly outlined, followed by general rules for coding. The bulk of the text is a refresher for coding by ICD-9-CM diagnosis, and then provides a progression to CPT coding. For the reader who understands the concepts of coding, the progressionsand suggestions should be informative and easy to follow. There appears to be no superfluous information; the topics included are adequately covered. The tips and appendixes are particularly helpful. The artwork is simple and is limited to small illustrations to open chapters.
Assessment:Other coding texts available are generally designed either as curriculum textbooks or as massive references. This pocket-sized, portable guide fills a need not otherwise covered at this time.

3 Stars from Doody