{"id":7867,"date":"2021-06-09T13:26:56","date_gmt":"2021-06-09T13:26:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dean-vaughn.local\/?p=7867"},"modified":"2023-03-10T09:00:44","modified_gmt":"2023-03-10T09:00:44","slug":"is-medical-coding-an-art-or-a-science","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deanvaughn.com\/blog\/is-medical-coding-an-art-or-a-science\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Medical Coding An Art Or A Science?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Medical coding is a very technical field within the healthcare industry. Yet mastering it demands that you think of it as an art. Is it more of an art than a science? In this article, we will discuss reasons why medical coding is an art, as well as why it is a science.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Art of Coding<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Art is full of interpretation, thought, contemplation, and going beyond the confines of linear, methodological thinking. Coding is similar in that respect. Not only are you presented with large amounts of scientific data, but you are also piecing together a patient, a person.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead of focusing too narrowly on codes themselves, the art of coding is based on a whole-person philosophy.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is no single way of parsing through a patient chart or deciphering a set of codes. The outcome is dependent on accuracy, but the path and routes of interpretation are unique to every medical coder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example,<\/span> Angela Lima<\/span><\/a>, an AAPC certified instructor states, \u201cThe process involves discussion and contemplation to bring the documentation and the codes together in a manner that makes sense.\u201d The process relies heavily on balancing differing interpretations, and piecing each person\u2019s contributions into a singular, larger puzzle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Using a complete picture of the patient\u2019s circumstances can also add as a check and balance feature to self-audit one\u2019s work:<\/span><\/p>\n