Comparing AAPC and AHIMA Certifications: Which Path Should You Take?

Have you ever caught yourself wondering if you should pursue an AAPC or AHIMA certification—and, more importantly, which one is the right fit? I've talked with so many aspiring coders…

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AI Tools Used in Medical Coding

In today’s data-driven world, accurate and efficient medical coding is essential for patient care, insurance claims, and regulatory compliance within the healthcare system. However, manual medical coding can be time-consuming,…

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Best Practices for Handling AMA Discharges and Coding Accuracy

When a patient leaves the hospital against medical advice (AMA), the discharge is not only a clinical concern, but it can also create coding and compliance challenges. Ensuring the process…

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ICD-10 Code for Weight Loss

Weight loss can indicate a variety of health conditions, from minor nutritional changes to serious medical disorders. For healthcare providers, accurately documenting this symptom isn’t just important for clinical care;…

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AMA releases CPT 2026 code set

The American Medical Association (AMA) announced the release of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) 2026 code set adding 288 new codes designating the latest advances in medical, surgical, and diagnostic services available…

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The Devil’s in the Diagnosis Details

I think it is important to challenge one portion of an article that was widely distributed two weeks ago. The article included a statement that, while accurately characterizing the way…

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The Expanding Role of Medical Billers and Coders

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve in 2025, the demand for skilled medical billers and coders has reached unprecedented levels. This growth is fueled by ongoing changes in healthcare…

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What a medical coder looks for in an AI platform

Dawson Ballard, a coding auditor and educator for Chicago-based Rush University Medical Center who has more than 20 years experience in the profession, sees artificial intelligence coding platforms as beneficial. …

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Understanding the Finer Points of the Two-Midnight Rule

Few topics crop up in our articles more often than the Two-Midnight Rule. While it is frequently discussed and debated, I would posit that few regulations are easier to explain.…

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HIPAA Changes Providers Need to Heed

Here are some important Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) reminders and updates. First, on the Security Rule side of things: this past Thursday, the U.S. Department of Health and…

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2025 ICD-10-CM Codes Are Now in Effect: Key Updates You Need to Know

The 2025 updates to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) are now in effect, running from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. While perhaps not…

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OIG – What Were You Thinking?

While many of you are used to me aiming my wrath at payers, today I have a different target: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of…

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