Health Information Management

Trivia winner

JustCoding News: Outpatient, June 27, 2012

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Congratulations to this week’s winner, Kimberly Farley, CPC, an outpatient coder for Memorial Health System in Marietta, Ohio. Kimberly correctly answered this question:

What is the correct CPT® code for colonoscopy through stoma with multiple biopsies?
a.  44388
b.  44389
c.  44390
d.  44391
 
Answer: B
 
Here’s a little bit about Kimberly:
 
What are your current job responsibilities?
My title is outpatient coder, but what I actually do is audit charges for coding accuracy and appropriate reimbursement for a specific area and make corrections when needed. I also work denials, appeals, and pre-insurance rejection edits for medical necessity, CCI edits, etc.
 
Why did you decide to pursue a career in health information management?
I had worked in a physicians’ clinic for more than 13 years and enjoyed coding and decided I wanted to go further in that area. I took a position in the health information management department of our local hospital a little over a year and a half ago and have continued to learn so much. I’m now working toward my second certification. 
 
What do you like most about your job?
What I like most about my job is that it is challenging, not tedious, and also that I get to see the end result of all the hard work, so it makes it worthwhile.
 
What is your favorite area of coding?
My favorite area of coding is actually what I’m doing now, auditing.  Reviewing claims for accuracy is interesting like solving a mystery or completing a puzzle. It’s very rewarding.
 
What is your least favorite area of coding?
I don’t really have a least favorite area of coding, but if I had to choose one, it would probably be vascular surgery. I haven’t done a lot of it, so I find it to be difficult.
 
What are some of your hobbies?
My favorite hobbies are listening to music, reading, cross-stitching, quilting, watching NASCAR races, and researching my family’s genealogy. Genealogy is a lot like coding/auditing—solving a mystery and completing a puzzle.
 
Do you have a personal motto that you live by?
The motto I live by is my life verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 and recently a saying that I read that really summed up how I want to be: “Live honestly, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly and Leave the rest to God.” (author unknown).



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