9. Medical Coding Conventions

In this video I discuss "Conventions" in medical coding. These conventions help give directions when using the codes.

[@exquisitelowe]

God bless you for making these videos. You're a blessing for those of us that are not able to take an actual course, and can only study and take the exam.

[@codemastercoach6636]

You are exactly who I am looking for. I am teaching the very same classes I taught on the college level in hopes that people that are not able to actually go to class can take them from home. Stay on this journey with me and I will do my best to prepare you for your exam. Thanks again for your comment.

[@exquisitelowe]

Again thank you very much. I will definitely be sticking with you. Your instruction is so clear, I'm not finding it difficult to follow you. If I come across anyone seeking training, i'll be sure to send them to your channel.

[@leubic]

This is true!

[@lorraineconejo4143]

Question, we don't actually need to take a course to work in this field? We can sit for the exam without o e?

[@yahonlyhephzibahbahtzion8814]

Lorraine Conejo While a course would be obviously be helpful, it isn’t necessary to sit for the exam.

[@christinabarquero1315]

I just discovered you and younger amazing I’m taking a college class on this and without your videos I’d be lost You are an amazing teacher

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you Christina Barquero.

[@earthasmith5900]

And thank you for these I am in school but its mainly reading and my own pace, and no instructional examples or teaching, I am a hands on person and visual learner. These videos are helpful for me. It took me a while to find videos and Im glad i came across them. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@sholeybrooks8966]

I am definitely behind in viewing all of your videos but I have to say your videos are a great help. I am currently enrolled in a medical and billing coding program and your videos are helping me to stay ahead of the class. I appreciate the time you have taken out of your day to share your knowledge.

[@jillzee00]

I could not have gotten through this part without you. You are direct and you explain things so well. Not only do you explain them in easy terms, but you show us--I have a visual. Thank you.

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you jillzee00.

[@MrsBG-bb8om]

I love your way of explaining this information !!! You are the best! Thank you and please I hope you keep it up! I look for your sessions always!!!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you.

[@dantina777]

Wow, just a gifted teacher. thanks for making these things clear. God bless you for your time and dedication!

[@codemastercoach6636]

You're very welcome Dantina I.

[@wendybabula1150]

Thank you so much for these!! You are helping me immensely , Your style of teaching is excellent. I can't thank you enough.

[@taraharpermba4688]

You have really blessed me so much! I've been teaching Medical coding and billing since 2003 and the way you explain things helps me see it differently. I'm thinking you have to hear someone else outside you (me) just so I can get more confident in what I do and that is pass the CPC. I get test anxiety and have gotten it so bad in the past taking license exam (RHIA). So I'll be going for the CPC. Pray for me to pass. I really love, love billing and coding. Thank you for all that you do.

[@codemastercoach6636]

So glad to hear that Tara Harper. The CPC exam is strong in the CPT book so make sure you know that book cover to cover.

[@erinlame2500]

I was reading this chapter in my book for my coding classes and the chapter totally confused me, I then found your video and watched this video as I read the chapter and it now finally makes sense!! Thank you so much for explaining things so great and taking time out to make these videos!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your welcome Erin Szippl.

[@jeanninestoute3907]

You are a fantastic instructor! As promised you are presenting step-by-step. The courses I have taken in the past did not drill down about conventions to the level of clarity that you have delivered. Thank you!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you so much Jeannine Stoute.

[@lashuntaystevens5901]

Even though these videos are from 1 year ago... they are truly a blessing to me.. you are helping me get a better understanding of what these lessons are asking. Thank you for your time and patience. I’m watching them in order.

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you LaShuntay Stevens.

[@amberleinhos7322]

So thankful for these videos. I had enrolled in a Billing and Coding online program, and was SO confused and overwhelmed. These videos are a life saver, you make everything clear and easy to understand. Thank you so much, I'm so grateful!!

[@SabaliBGDC]

thank God for the code master.. u just don't know how much help u r.. I just started medical billing and coding

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you angel5240

[@evew8532]

I so appreciate you making these tutorials on the Conventions. They are a valuable asset to me today. Codemaster Coach you ROCK!!!! :-)

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you Evelyn Williams.

[@roxannegore6471]

I am so happy I found your channel, You are such a great teacher. I started school in June and I am in my 3rd week of medical coding 1 and I was a little confused but you explained it wonderfully. Thank you so much for what you do and may God continue to bless you.

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you Roxanne Gore.

[@simplyme7711]

I know I am late to the party, but WHAT A BLESSING you are!!! You are so unselfish to do these videos. They are so full of great information. I hope and pray that you have been abundantly blessed in your life. Thank you!!!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you so much D. Lisa del Rosario.

[@LadieBjj]

Thank you so much! I am a visual learner. Keep the video coming. I hope your channel keeps growing

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you @LadieBjj.

[@LaceRosesIamspecial]

Excellent teacher! I'm in coding class. Much help.

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you.

[@michellb9897]

I keep searching youtube vids to fully understand those convention and omg, I totally understand everything and you made it easy for me. Thank you so much and bless your heart Master Coach!😊

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you Michell B.

[@Mantepara]

So happy I found your channel! I'm not going to school, so this is wonderful. Thank you!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your welcome Mantepara.

[@ponyabouttown4981]

I'm watching your videos to help fulfill practicum hours. You just get cuter and cuter. Thank you so much for making these.

[@heyheyitsD]

Searched KZbin for "conventions" after week two of her class and whataya know! My favorite teacher , teaching conventons...CLICK! :D

[@codemastercoach6636]

I see you Daleana M.

[@tanadees]

I've been enjoying your videos and just wanted to take a minute to thank you for doing them. I'm sure that they are going to help me tremendously as I get further in the program. I can't imagine that you get much of anything back for taking the time to do this, which means that you must just be a very nice person. I like that!!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you so much Tana Shellhart.

[@helenabera6255]

Thank God I found your channel! I'm about to take the CCA exam this year, so this is wonderful. Thank you so much and God bless you.

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you Helen Abera.

[@sandramcclain4748]

Thanks again. It is becoming clearer now that I am listening to you.

[@codemastercoach6636]

You can do this Sandra McClain.

[@donnaspearman3409]

Hi, I am taking my RHIT in 2 months and been out of school 1.5 yr because it was not accredited. You are very helpful in refreshing how to code. You are AWESOME....!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you Donna spearman.

[@delorespinderdsrocks9179]

still with you, thanks again for giving me a life changing chance XOXO

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your welcome Dee Pinder.

[@lauriehiler5696]

I wish that I took your class. Mine no instruction. I thank you so, so much ! You are great !

[@codemastercoach6636]

You are welcome.

[@aurahijleh7323]

I feel the same way, I will tell all of my classmates to look up her videos, I have been lost, and now I'm hooked.

[@piyushsoniccc]

Exclude 1 Codes: Condition cannot occur at same time and cannot be coded together Exclude 2 Codes:Conditions can occur at same time and can be coded together

[@erichammett8812]

I am new in my class with no background in medical field you are awesome! Thanks.

[@brendawhiteside4779]

I am excited to learn as much as I can. Thank you so much for your help. I really love learning the conventions and guidelines.

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your welcome Brenda Whiteside.

[@Lizzy_3739]

Thank you for sharing. I came across your video’s today, and the information you share is helpful, I can see the mistakes I’m making in terms of not paying attention to detail. Thank you, again you’re truly a blessing. I’m studying now to take my CPC soon.

[@codemastercoach6636]

Detail is key to coding. You can do this!

[@heatherdodd7403]

Thank you so much for making these videos. Very helpful. I will be taking classes soon. You make it so much easier to understand.

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you. You are welcome.

[@stefanie4232]

yes, these videos are truly a blessing. i wish, i would have known about this class prior to getting into the class, but none the less this is greatly helpful. i am a little older and absorbing and holding information is really hard for me now. so this is so helpful when i return to class come next week from vaca. have a blessed day

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you Ya'akova Ni'san Yisraela.

[@brendawhiteside4779]

Hello, I am learning some much coding. You know I have absorb so much in such a short length of time. I am so eager to learn as much as I can. While I am asleep I can hear your voice giving me guidance and the encouragement you share with your viewer. I

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you Brenda Whiteside.

[@Nonasdaughter-Annette]

You help me understand! You inspire me! Thank you!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thanks Annette Embler.

[@shadow52343]

Thank you so much for this video. My class is online only so there is no instructor or lecture and this is helping me out so much! I appreciate you!!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Glad I can help Sierra Conley.

[@tonyapugh7251]

Thank you so much for these videos. I am enrolled in billing and coding online and these videos are so much helpful. You are an awesome teacher.

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you Latonnia Pugh.

[@tamekaw]

Hi Coach! This video helps A Lot! Conventions overwhelmed me at first. Thank you for sharing your Knowledge!!!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your welcome Tameka White.

[@devinedarkdiva]

Very informative and easy to understand.

[@krissyy2913]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I been a medical assistant for 11yrs at a hospital but I don't have the time to back to school with a busy family.

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your welcome Krissy y.

[@annparsons9375]

Thanks sooooooo much Prayers for you and your family

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you Ann Parsons.

[@dragonflyj]

You are the best and you have a unique gift for teaching! thank you so much!

[@codemastercoach6636]

You made my day dragonflyj. Thank you!

[@ThePai2tony]

Thank you!! Thank you!! I was having the hardest time figuring this ok. Now I understand it.

[@codemastercoach6636]

Glad I can help Pai89.

[@KristenEwan]

Hello, I have just begun an online course but am new to the field. You make this really simple to understand.Thank you!!!

[@codemastercoach6636]

You are welcome Kristen Ewan.

[@beverlybashwinger9225]

Thank you for your thorough explanations.

[@asteward1201]

I am in classes now going over this subject. your video so much better than jist reading the text books. thank you

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you asteward1201.

[@StarrPack]

a these code books are so informative and even helpful. I really like it and like you advised...I will love my code book.

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your coding will tell on you. If you love your books and get to know them, they will help you find everything you need. (hahaha! -I mean that too.)

[@emmanuelojekhoa1]

you are a blessing Ma'am.

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you so much Emmanuel Ojekhoa.

[@Mygalshirl]

I am so excited to have found you... Thank you....

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your welcome Shirley Green,

[@lafielding]

Thank you ! I thought I understood the conventions, but you've helped tremendously :)

[@navegar-reparar]

She is very helpful, God bless you!!!

[@tashapersaud5295]

This is super helpful! Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@Carmen-ps1zo]

I love the way you explain , tank youuuuu!!!!

[@irmaworld65]

Will be going to school for this thank you, your videos helps a lot

[@ekramfayed11]

You are amazing!!!!!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you.

[@leubic]

So glad I found your channel!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Welcome aboard Leovic Rapirap.

[@Als1822]

perfect explanation. thank you

[@codemastercoach6636]

You're welcome Als.

[@INEZ0712]

love your videos you really have help me understanding the guidelines .I just e-mail you hope you can help me have better understanding with lots of examples . Again thanks

[@yolandayoung2619]

Thank you for these videos..I take my test my in April CPC

[@codemastercoach6636]

You are so welcome Yolanda Young. Set up your study schedule and stick to it. You can do this!!!

[@mariahplassmeyer7259]

Hello, I was wondering, for coding Nephropathy, sickle-cell, which code would be primary? The D57 Sickle-cell or the N08?

[@purpleice7277]

You are awesome! This is soooooo helpful!!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you Krissy Hamilton.

[@uhtyyuuiirfffjsafajmarwa3041]

U r da best tutor

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thankn you uhtyyuuiirfffjSafa jMarwa.

[@redblend14]

Thank you!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your welcome Pamela Landers.

[@michellemurrell8290]

Excellent .. thank you

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your welcome Michelle Murrell.

[@Blue-fr1os]

great video thank you so much!

[@virginiayoung9710]

Could you please break this down for me? I want to make sure I have this correctly. If its in the brackets-I will need that code also. If its in parenthesis-thats just a nonessential. Right? The exclude1-that should not be assigned at the same time of the code listed above that exclusion, but exclude2-its ok to use that code and the exclude2 codes at the same time?

[@codemastercoach6636]

Virginia Young, the code in brackets usually applies to the condition, however if it does not apply to you case, don't code it. You are correct with nonessential modifiers and Excludes 1 and 2.

[@Z11annie]

You help me sooooo much!

[@CH-so3zt]

this is soooo helpful. thank you!!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your welcome Natalie M.

[@piyushsoniccc]

thank you

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your welcome Piyush Soni.

[@sprydo7113]

Hi Ms. CM Coach...new subscriber to your channel, actually 2 months now. Love your videos, your information are so helpful. May God richly bless you in ALL you do. As you very much are helping those in the community of this wonderful channel. By the way...where can I purchase those pretty "little Rainbow Tabs" to bookmark the different pages?? And it is SO wonderful you have taken NOTES on the side other than referencing from the books. Thank you SO very much,...Ms. CodeMaster Coach in advance!

[@codemastercoach6636]

Thank you Sprydo7.

[@darellejeff]

Thank you for this video! :)

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your welcome Jeff Salarda.

[@tripletsmacy]

Very helpful!

[@NM-qy7bd]

Thank you so much

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your welcome Nancy Manoj.

[@patriciafoster2519]

Can you ask your dr to specify further in his documentation so that you can code further?

[@tlotlisomokhachane7861]

Thank you that was really helpfull mam

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your welcome Tlotliso Mokhachane. Glad I can help.

[@pandayrk955]

Hello Ma'am, Please upload human anatomy and physiology video

[@cocoreed1]

I'm just now seeing your videos, how can I follow them in order? from the very first video till your current.

[@codemastercoach6636]

In the search box on KZbin, type in CodeMasterCoach. Go to my channel box. From there, click on "Videos" and it will bring up all my videos with the newest one on top. View from oldest to newest.

[@farhanakhatoon1247]

There is so much in the course like Anatomy and pharmacology in details, do I have to know this much?

[@sekiriadriver4018]

So anything that is in a square bracket is to be coded as well?

[@codemastercoach6636]

Not sure what you are referring to.

[@carmenokereafor1163]

Will you please explain include and exclude to me I didn’t get that? Do you code the NOS And NEC codes or do you confirm with the physician first

[@codemastercoach6636]

"Include" means the diagnoses is included in the code. "Exclude" means the diagnoses is excluded in the code. Yes, you code the NEC and if the physician does not give more information, yes you code the NOS.

[@rasheedibraheem5513]

please ma, based on your explanation regarding EXCLUDE1, IF a provider document indicates CONGENITAL HYDROCEPHALUS AND ACQUIRED HYDROCEPHALUS, CAN WE CODE BOTH TOGETHER?

[@codemastercoach6636]

No Ma'am. You cannot.

[@rebeccajaeger8619]

So with the excludes2 did I understand correctly in that we could code it with the main code if the patient has both the main code and the code in the excludes2 ? I know the exludes1 means it has nothing to do with it and I need to go somewhere else if I am needing to code something mentioned in the exludes1 but still a little confused on exludes2. And thank you again for all your hard work in helping us!

[@codemastercoach6636]

That is correct Rebecca Jaeger.

[@crystalthomas1192]

Do you have any tips on how to get employment as a medical coder after you get certified? Some places want experience. Also do you have any advice for the novice coder once the can get there foot in the door? Thank you :)

[@codemastercoach6636]

Crystal I always tell my students to challenge the requirements. For coding jobs, most require that you test in. Ask the employer to allow you to test and should you do well on the test, allow you the opportunity to do the job. What I have found is that new student coders are up to date with the new coding guidelines. So, try testing into a job.

[@crystalthomas1192]

Ok thank you :)

[@farhanakhatoon1247]

To pass final exam, which part of the course should I put more effort into??

[@codemastercoach6636]

Farhana Khatoon, your instructor will have to answer that about their course.

[@earthasmith5900]

Just a quick question would you, or should you go back to the physician to get a clarification for the NOS? Would that be the best way so the code is clarified?

[@codemastercoach6636]

That's where a "Physician Query" comes in. It is a form used to ask the physician questions. Sometimes, the physician is not available to ask questions and you have to code what you have. Good Question!!!

[@illegalmonkey]

are the instructional notes and everything universal between all CM/PCS books? like if I had books from PMIC would I see the same kinda of info? i'm currently looking for books to get that wont cost too much.

[@codemastercoach6636]

illegalmonkey, excellent question. The conventions are the same in ALL code books but one code book might have pictures or definitions of terms that another code book may not.

[@samanthapenamon9170]

Hi, on the brain (traumatic) diagnosis if I couldn't find the subterm "traumatic" further down anywhere could I have used the first one in parenthesis next to brain?

[@codemastercoach6636]

Yes Ma'am. That is what is considered a "non-essential modifier". Its there if you need it to let you know that the code at that spot is the correct code.

[@currycreations4895]

Coach, I am a little confused. If the patient has Diabetes and a sore, would I code it like this E11.1, E11.62?

[@codemastercoach6636]

No. Because you have captured the category in Ell.xx, you bring the specificity with the Ell.62x. So, you will only need one of those codes

[@jcoleadvice1385]

Hello- Do we need to take any classes to take the exam and get certified? I know you may have said it already, but I have to watch the videos over again.

[@codemastercoach6636]

Its not mandatory to take classes but recommended to make sure you cover everything required for the certification exam.

[@paularuffini1872]

What is the main term for breast Mass right side lower outer quadrant

[@codemastercoach6636]

"MASS" is the main term.

[@amsterdammoi2240]

Your video is great help. Thank you. I'm still confuse difference between excludes1 and excludes 2. In excludes1 i cant use the exclude code? How about in exclude2. Please further explain. Thank you.

[@codemastercoach6636]

Exclude 1 means the two cannot be used together. Exclude 2, you can use two separate codes.

[@rachaelpadilla3884]

hello.. question. So with NEC & NOS can we go back to the doctor and ask them to be more descriptive so we are not coding in NOS. or should we leave it as is. Sorry might be going to extreme

[@codemastercoach6636]

Rachael Padilla, with NEC, the physician was specific but the code book does not list the specificity. With the NOS, it depends. Some NOS do require asking the physician.

[@sameer05ahmed]

Hi, Good videos, good way of explanation. One query regarding "traumatic brain injury". Is the right code is S06.9 or just S06, Thanks for your answer...

[@codemastercoach6636]

Sameer ahmed, thank you. If a code extends beyond the category digits, you MUST extend the code and not stop at the category code.

[@sameer05ahmed]

Thank you Mam...Understood!!!

[@StarrPack]

interesting...do let's go to your pmemonia example. let's say those parenthesis were not there and the diagnosis was acute pneumonia...if I don't see acute, how would I know if this is an example of NOS as opposed to just coding it with that main term code?

[@codemastercoach6636]

Because NOS means "Not Otherwise Specified". The physician did not give you any more information to be any more specific, so your coding cannot be more specific. Had the physician been more specific, your coding could have been more specific. So you code just plain "Pneumonia".

[@StarrPack]

+CodeMaster Coach ahhhh ok, gotcha gotcha.

[@ericaredding5376]

Hello do you have your own school or class

[@codemastercoach6636]

I sure do Erica Redding. Email me at [e-mail] for more information.

[@angelfire402]

Thank you very much. Can you looking into helping RHIT students to take the State Board Exam. I don't agree that Rhit should have a Stateboard exam. I think it is just a money maker..

[@nkechiodukwe492]

What credentials do you hold? thanks

[@codemastercoach6636]

Hi Nkechi Ka. I have my RHIA, CCS and CPC.

[@misthwahkp381]

Wht is the difference between exclude1 and exclude2

[@codemastercoach6636]

Exclude 1 is a clear NOT CODED HERE note. It indicates that the two conditions should not be coded together. Exclude 2 means that the two conditions are not related, but a patient may have both at the same time.

[@misthwahkp381]

@@codemastercoach6636 thank you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooomuch Dr Code Master

[@codemastercoach6636]

Your welcome. (hahahaha!!!)