If you need to have a strong understanding of how ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes are determined, then you have chosen the right book, ICD-9-CM Inpatient Coding Reference and Study Guide. The author designed a book that goes beyond the fundamentals, that gets into the details of ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure code assignment as would be experienced on the job. This user-friendly reference teaches coders how to handle many coding situations, while also being comprehensive enough to teach someone with a basic knowledge of medical coding how to move to the next level of advanced inpatient coding. Updated every year to reflect the annual ICD-9-CM coding changes, the text enables HIM professionals to master the concepts of medical coding while also gaining critical knowledge to pass the CCS exam administered by AHIMA and the CPC-H exam from the AAPC. The book also serves as an excellent desk reference and resource for coders who need to refresh their ICD-9-CM coding skills. Among the topics covered in Volume 1 are inpatient coding guidelines, coding conventions, coding tables, and a drug reference. However, the heart of this manual is the body system analysis, based on chapters 1 - 17 of the Tabular list in Volume I of the ICD-9-CM Official Coding Guidelines. The chapters are categorized by body system such as respiratory, digestive, et al. The chapters in this study guide follow the same sequence as the Official Coding Guidelines. All chapters, in addition to highlighting basic coding guidelines, contain situation-based coding tips and coding examples. A quiz follows each chapter reinforcing concepts in a rigorous manner that applies directly to the professional coding environment. The book also contains a selective discussion of invasive procedures that the coder will most likely encounter on the job and on the exam.

At the end of ICD-9-CM Inpatient Coding Reference and Study Guide are 15 case studies, providing the reader with an opportunity to assess their ICD-9-CM coding skill set and speed at coding inpatient medical records. Each record contains a face sheet, history & physical, progress notes, and answer sheet. Some of the case studies contain ER reports, consultations, as well as operative and pathology reports. The answer key at the end of this study guide contains a rationale for all code assignments.

456 short answer questions
116 multiple choice questions
15 full medical record case studies

Each question is highly relevant and reflects a coding situation most hospital-based inpatient 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.

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.