Importance of Billing and Coding Education in Residency Training Programs

Abstract

Residency training across specialties is based on gaining clinical knowledge in the field, developing diagnostic acumen, mastering appropriate use of therapeutic options, and increasing surgical experience. Traditionally, residency programs are evaluated on their ability to ensure specific numbers of patient encounters and minimum surgical volumes, a formal schedule of didactic sessions, and clinical exposures to related subspecialties. A resident’s competency is confirmed based on measurable outcomes. However, a successful transition to clinical practice requires various other skills. These skills include the ability to lead a team of support staff and allied health professionals, provide high-quality health care at an economical price while following government regulations and private insurance policies, and do all of this in an environment that fosters teamwork, efficiency, and collaboration, and economic security. This is a vital component of proper billing and coding to comply with Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payer regulations. These skills should be considered part of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) terms systems-based learning.