It’s hard to believe it’s only week 3 in this course for me as it sure feels like I’ve been at it for much longer than that. And yet, I will soon be at the end of Module 1, with only three more to go! I have one test left to complete, and as soon as I get some clarification from my instructor, that one will be done.

This week has gone through more of the body systems. I have found that pretty easy to do since the actual medical terminology comes easy. What is a bit more challenging is to be sure you slow down and not make any wrong assumptions about what you’re being asked to code. In the real world, you would have access to the entire record so you could do a bit more research. No so when you’re asked to just code one diagnosis.

The toughest thing this last week, and what has me stuck right now, has been understanding E codes. Who would have known there is an actual code in the ICD-9 system for milking an animal! Or that there’s a special code for every kind of sport imaginable, but which one you pick depends on whether you are playing that sport or watching it. Perhaps my biggest challenge in this section is that while the book says clearly you will use more than one code, we are only to have one answer on exams. That has totally stumped me this week and I have completely shut down trying to figure it out. So if any of you has coding background, give me a shout with something I can read to better get that one!

All in all, it’s interesting so far. I am taking a couple of weeks off the next two weeks because I have some travel coming up, but expect we’ll be back to talking about coding again soon!

A Great New Resource for MTs

Today I also want to tell you about a great new resource that’s out there. It’s hot off the press since it really is “open” today if you want to register! There’s a new section at MT Desk called the Medical Transcription Desk (MT Desk) Style Guide and Reference. It’s full of great information about our profession. What I really want to point out to you is the medical terminology section, which is now open for subscriptions. It is one of the tools we are using for our Specialty Standards in Clinical Documentation series. If you’re looking for a one-stop place to find all of those answers to “how do I do this..,” this is a great tool and one I highly recommend. The site is operated by Julie Weight, who many of you know and who is also a friend of mine. While MT Desk isn’t new, nor is Julie in operating it, this new subscription based style reference is! She is well known for putting together quality information. I love that Julie has set this up on a subscription basis because sometimes we just can’t afford $50 or $60, but almost everyone can do $5.95! Please do take a minute today and check out the Medical Transcription Desk Style Guide and Reference. You’ll be glad you did!