Medical Billing / Coding is a job that (high-level) involves turning procedure notes about diseases and interventions into ICD and CPT codes (respectively).
The ICD-10 system was created by the WHO and modified by the CDC. The CPT code system was created by the AMA. HIPAA (1996) mandates the use of both code systems.
There are a few certification routes to get certified in billing. The certification is not mandated, but expected for many jobs. Russell is pursuing certification. There are a few commonly accepted certifications, but the most recommended first step is CPC ("Certified Professional Coder"). Here are his steps:
Buy Exam Book Bundle
https://www.aapc.com/medical-coding-books/certification-exam-bundle
(optional) enroll in a course with either AAPC or AMMI (or others...). Russell is probably not going to enroll because he thinks he can self study (see below).
Watch Youtube videos below to self-study.
Do practice tests available within above Exam Bundle.
Sign up for a test and pass. Pass rate is pretty high, and average caliber of person who takes the test is community-college educated.
I think studying for this will take ~40 hours. Will update.
CPT Videos
ICD-10 Videos
Applied Billing: Fraud with Numbers
A novice mistake in billing is thinking that medical billing is inefficient because of low automation. Somehow, if someone figured out how to automate part of billing, then we would immediately solve the problem of high admin costs in healthcare.
We have high admin costs in healthcare because both providers and payers insist on playing a game where they lie with numbers.
This takes several different forms.
Upcoding
Risk Adjustment
Upside only VBC risk
... to be continued. I will keep posting resources here!