How to Become a Certified Rheumatology Coder
A rheumatology coder must know how to properly bill for procedures performed in rheumatology practices. In order to become a certified rheumatology coder, one must have extensive knowledge of the field. Becoming a certified rheumatology coder offers opportunities for advancement and an increase in income.
- Take courses on ICD-9-CM, CPT and HCPCS Level II codes. These can be taken at a school that teaches medical billing or a technical school in your local area. If you are not able to find a school, search online or in the phonebook for an allied health school.
- Take courses in anatomy, physiology and medical terminology, as these will be on the exam. These can be taken at a local university or technical college.
- Study the rules and regulations of Medicare and Medicaid billing. Be sure to know things such as shared visits, consultations and global surgery. Know how to correctly code for common surgical procedures performed by rheumatologist. These are things you would need to know for the certification examination. In order to further prepare for the exam, check out the American Academy of Professional Coders website. It will give you all the information you need to know about the exam and even offers a practice test.
- Sign up for the exam online; however, you will take the exam on site at a location near you. The application has to be submitted four weeks before the exam is to take place. After passing the exam, you will be certified as rheumetology coder.