Saturday, May 7, 2011

Starting With The Basics

Having worked with an insurance company for over ten years, I thought that I had an idea what the insurance game involved.  However, I realized that the areas in which I worked in primarily involved the agents and their managing general agents, contracts and commissions.  Rarely did I find myself involved with the policyholders except to assign them a new agent of record. But I did get involved with the LOMA classes that the company had offered which I discovered, has been most useful with the legal aspects of the medical field. 


Some of the classes that you would need to focus (initially) include computer applications, interpersonal and intrapersonal communications, English (loads of that) and a refresher of college math (algebra).  Before you work yourself up in a tizzy, it really is not all that bad.  For the most part, you can probably take these basic classes are your nearby community college or watch for them through online classes which are pretty neat.


The college algebra - if you're like me - is a new math to me.  The one good thing about the online class was the website lab which presented problems for you to work out and then if you somehow managed to get it incorrect - would show you step by step how to achieve the correct answer.  I really enjoyed the lab.  A shame that I do not have access to it throughout my course terms.


Once the menial classes are out of the way, then you focus on anatomy and pyschology.  The anatomy is pretty heavy especially if you do not recall all that you learned in school but go figure -- it is a necessary for the medical field.  And just for those who are wondering - there is no dissecting of animals or critters of any kind!


Once you've passed all those courses you move into medical terminology.  This is a most useful class especially for those who are not medical minded.  Anatomy and medical terminology go hand in hand.  A medical term is often made up of what is considered as compounded words.  The root word most often gives the site.  The suffix (that at the end) identifies the problem or a procedure.


I will complete a list of common medical terminology and have it available in a couple of days.  It should prove to be interesting reading.  It will also give you insight for the next time you need to make a visit to your physician aka doctor.


Until next time -- take a look at the requirements that one needs in order to become a certified MOS.  It might seem like a heavy workload to return to school for but something to consider here -- this is ONE industry that simply will not be sent overseas!  Health care is something we all need!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Welcome To The World Of Medical Coding

What I perceived to be a quick and easy course is anything but that!  Of course there were the grand illusions of being able to work at home, provide a better living for yourself and family, make lots of money, and the list goes on.

What they failed to really tell you is the amount of schooling that is required or the fact that you simply cannot graduate with your coding certificate and start working from home, all decked out in your pajamas.

Not only does this course take time -- it takes a toll on your sanity.  Especially if you have been out of school for awhile and have family which constantly require your attentions.

Should you ask me whether or not it is worth it -- I'd have to answer yes!