what are the pro's and con's of medical billing and codes?

Answer 1

The biggest pro is that the insurance companies can be programmed to understand the codes, which means claims can be filed electronically and paid without it sitting on someone's desk.

The biggest con is that not all illnesses or treatments match up to the codes.

In 2012 the codes are going to change and there are going to be four times as many as there are now, which will probably end up making things worse. Imagine six different codes for a sprained ankle, depending on how the injury occurred... Doctors won't care, they'll just use the code that pays them the most.

Answer 2

Coding is the same through out the US. All insurance companies use them. It is a more unified way. Also with the codes the dollar amounts are all ready set. So in a way it helps from them over charging. However if the Dr does not write it in the record it can not be coded. So in some cases it cost the Dr office or hospital. because you might get $200 for a broke ankle (closed) but $400 for a broke ankle that has an open break. If the Dr doesn't say that it was open it can not be coded like as an open just a closed fracture. Thus the office looses that other $200. The Doctors need to learn how to record things better. More accurate. A good side is it is the largest grow field in medical if trained and a degree you can earn big money for that. $25 to $50 an hour

Answer 3

I suppose that the pros are that everyone uses the same codes for treatment, billing should be easier, and the records should be more accurate.
One con is that most people receiving the bill have no idea what the codes mean which opens to door to double billing, overbilling, and billing for treatment not received.

Answer 4

essentially a single unified method of categorization and labeling is the big pro. no longer are doc's notes or scribbled charts needed for each patient from each doctor etc. having everything computerized leads to quicker access of records even if you're in another state or elsewhere from your normal caretaker.

cons are simply that people dont' know what the hell all the codes mean. with so many diagnoses or treatments, fees etc. it's hard to figure out what's what. kind of like legal jargon to most people. and it always comes down to asking someone what this means or what that means. there's no real dictionary for coding terms so it's kind of a pain to figure out what you're being charges for. and since medical costs ain't cheap. people like to know what they're being billed $3000 for.

Answer 5

Coding is an easier way for the medical field,Center for Disease Control and other organizations to keep an eye on different medical problems and diseases and their trends, it also saves alot of writing when prepareing medical claims and helps the government maintain an idea of health care costs.