Among the topics covered in Codebuster's CPT-4 Outpatient Coding Reference and Study Guide are outpatient guidelines, CPT format and conventions, plus terminology. New for 2012 are a new section on Skin Replacement Surgery found in the chapter on the Integumentary System, and significant updates to chapters on the Musculoskeletal, Respiratory, Digestive, and Nervous Systems. This study guide assists HIM professionals prepare for professional coding exams such as the CCS, CCS-P, and CPC exams. The text serves as an excellent resource for coders who need to refresh or expand their CPT-4 coding skills. Coders can look up various diagnoses and procedures for the applicable coding guideline, while having access realistic coding scenarios that are likely to be similar to the coding problems experienced on the job. The book covers the surgery section of CPT-4 and Anesthesiology. Each chapter stands on its own; thus, the reader can go through the chapters in any order. There is a chapter-by-chapter analysis of the various body systems based on the surgery section of the CPT coding book. All chapters contain, in addition to the basic coding guidelines, critical coding questions, coding tips, coding examples, as well as a quiz at the end of each chapter. There is also a section on coding from operative reports. The operative reports are categorized by body system. The book is written in a step-by-step format and is very easy to follow. The content has been chosen to for two purposes: 1. Target the most frequently encountered coding situations in the outpatient setting. 2. Provide the knowledge base to master the outpatient coding concepts tested on the CCS Exam. The text has 236 case scenario short answer questions (CPT codes), 38 operative reports (ICD-9 and CPT codes), and 23 full medical record case studies (ICD-9 and CPT codes). Each question is highly relevant and reflects a coding situation most hospital-based outpatient coders will face. The text strives to ensure the reader understands every diagnosis and procedure discussed: thorough discussion of symptoms, standard treatment protocols, and medications.Coding examples and quizzes help clarify the information presented. 23 Case Studies have been constructed to mimic real-life outpatient medical records. Apply your knowledge from Chapters 1-15 and the Operative Reports to master coding from medical records. Each Case Study presents a complete medical record with associated ancillary documents. The records will test your ability to code in a live setting. Coders can assess their coding efficiency based on their accuracy and speed, critical for on the job practice and exam preparation. The Answer Key contains the rationale for how all codes were determined for the Case Studies. The text is updated every year to reflect the annual CPT coding changes. Linda Kobayashi, BA, RHIT, CCS, has been a coder and coding manager for almost 20 years. Since 1998, Ms. Kobayashi has owned and operated Codebusters, Inc., a nationwide coding consulting company. Widely regarded as a medical coding and auditing expert, she has conducted workshops on a variety of coding topics, including CCS Exam preparation workshops. Throughout her career the author has remained professionally active, as an AHIMA member as well as a member of her state association, CHIA (California health Information Association). Her formal training includes a teaching credential from California State University Los Angeles, a B.A. degree in English Literature from University of California Los Angeles, an RHIT from AHIMA after completing the RHIT program at East Los Angeles College, and a CCS certificate from AHIMA. Extensive experience as a hands-on coder, auditor and educator, and has given the author the expertise to help coders prepare for the professional coding environment.