Final answer:
Certified medical assistants should attend classes on ICD and CPT coding regularly, ideally aligning with annual updates to the coding systems to ensure accuracy in patient records and billing. This training is essential for maintaining certification and efficient healthcare management.
Step-by-step explanation:
To maintain their skills relevant and up-to-date, certified medical assistants should engage in continuing education on ICD and CPT coding regularly. The healthcare industry recommends that this training should coincide with updates to the coding systems, which typically occur annually. Proper understanding of ICD-9, ICD-10, and CPT codes ensures accurate patient records, appropriate laboratory test ordering, and efficient insurance claim processing.
Certified medical assistants must stay current with these changes to avoid errors in medical billing and coding. Training may include classes, webinars, or workshops, and it can be crucial for maintaining certification credentials. It is important to consult with the certifying organization to determine specific requirements for recertification and the frequency of needed training.
ICD codes are used in various settings in the healthcare industry. Two locations where you would likely find an ICD code include medical laboratories, for identifying necessary tests to confirm a diagnosis, and in the health-care management system, to verify that all treatments and laboratory work are suitable for the patient's condition.