A short presentation about me.

1. Debbie Jones – About Me
HCS-D, CCA, AND CPC

2. Why I Chose to Become a Medical Coder/Biller
My name is Debbie, and I have always liked getting down to the nitty-gritty. Peeling away the layers of any
situation in order to find what lies beneath has always been a goal of mine. There is always more than
what appears on the surface.
For instance, when reading a given text, I would tend to zero in on the individual words and syntax and
quickly discover any incorrect grammar, punctuation, or spelling.
Today I still have a need to analyze essential facts. However, now I prefer to use my sleuthing abilities to
uncover and abstract the pertinent information from patient medical records and assign the proper
diagnoses and procedure codes.
I have just begun my career in coding, and my background includes 3 years of medical transcription, a brief
stint as a hospital admitting clerk, and 12 years of administrative/secretarial work.

3. What I Love About Medical Billing/Coding And How I Will Be An Asset
To My Profession
Having always been a rule follower, I would say I like rules. This is probably what initially got me so
interested in medical billing and coding.
I love the challenge of pulling all the pertinent information out of a document and coding it based on rules
and regulations. I also enjoy the challenge of knowing and applying the specific rules for different payers
and understanding how their rules differ from the general guidelines. By knowing and applying the specific
rules, I can ensure that physicians receive proper reimbursement with no denials or less payment than
expected.
My goal is to ensure that providers get paid for their services as quickly as possible, and that accuracy and
completeness of the medical record is always maintained.
I also want to help patients, and I feel I’m doing this by making sure their documentation is coded correctly
and timely. This not only provides quality of care now, but in their futures.

4. How My Medical Transcription Experience Prepared Me
For A Medical Coding Career
Having worked as a remote medical transcriptionist for three years, I started out transcribing for Physical
and Occupational Therapy. After about a year of doing this, I went on to transcribe for various specialties
such as Oncology, Urology, Orthopedics, Endocrinology, Neurology, ENT, and Pulmonology.
I demonstrated my knowledge in procedures and practices, Microsoft Office, and the Internet, as well as a
knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, disease processes, signs and symptoms,
medications, and laboratory tests.
Transcribed reports were provided with 99% accuracy in the required 24-hour turnaround time.
In addition, I set up the necessary software and hardware needed to transfer the data, and I ensured that
all data and patient information was kept secure, encrypted, and strictly confidential.

5. How My Administrative/Secretarial Experience Prepared Me
For A Medical Coding Career
Starting out as a clerk typist working for such government agencies as the Sheriff’s Department, State
Police, and Department of Corrections, I demonstrated excellent administrative/office skills, including
outstanding grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills. Confidentiality and timeliness were of utmost
importance.
From there, I went on to work as an executive secretary in the private sector for an international flight
simulator manufacturer and then a division of Dun & Bradstreet.
As the first person of contact, I was my boss’s eyes and ears and was always pleasant and positive when
dealing with other departments, customers, and guests. I kept my boss informed about important
situations, kept his schedule, and set a motivational example for others. I also transcribed letters and
reports from my boss’s personal dictation, or from tape, and many times I would sign on his behalf.

6. Medical Coding Education, Certifications, And Networking
I graduated with Highest Honors (3.96/4.00) from Colorado Technical University-Online with an Associate’s
Degree in Medical Billing and Coding. From there I went on to take various courses in preparation for
certification exams
Currently I hold 3 credentials: HCS-D through AHCC (BMSC), CCA through AHIMA, and CPC-A through AAPC. I
have attended local AAPC Chapter meetings in both the Raleigh and Durham Chapters.
I maintain my membership in all 3 organizations by earning required CEUs.
Keeping up with the industry as much as possible, I subscribe to Decision Health Coding Center Professional,
Journal of AHIMA, Healthcare Business Monthly, For the Record, JustCoding.com, and BC Advantage.
I also enjoy networking with others in my field and act as co-administrator for 2 medical coding groups on
Facebook, where we discuss relevant issues.

7. Published Article
Over the years, I have had many opportunities to write.
They include drafting letters and reports for my bosses’ signatures and many formal papers for my
medical billing and coding courses.
Most recently, I had the privilege of writing
a blog post for CodingCertification.Org.
I chose the topic of Telehealth since that is
a topic of huge interest to me, and it’s
something that coders need to know how
to correctly code.
http://www.codingcertification.org/telehealth-changes-coming-2015/

8. Thank You For Reading About Me
If you would like to talk to me further, please feel free to contact me at:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/debbiejones0730
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jones0730
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284813205061030/
Email: Debbie.jones0730@gmail.com
Phone: 919-609-1891