What is Clinical Coding
Clinical coding translates the medical terminology written by clinicians to describe a patient’s reason for seeking medical attention or illness, diagnosis and treatment. It is an internationally recognised coded format. By using codes to represent patient data, information becomes comparable and standardised.
Carried out by qualified specialists, clinical coding jobs are more than just about data entry. Trained clinical coders should be either fully accredited or working towards a qualification or have years of experience in clinical coding.
Qualified candidates looking for clinical coding jobs should hold one the following:
ICD-10 International classification of disease 10th revision
This covers patients’ reasons for being admitted to hospital. Devised by the World Health Organisation these codes are used through the world.
OPCS4
Office of Population Censuses and Survey’s Classification of Surgical Operations and Procedure. This covers all procedures and operations have been conducted throughout a patient’s stay in hospital. These codes are only used in the UK.
Why is it Clinical Coding important?
Correctly inputted patient records and details are essential for a number of reasons.
One is to ensure that patient details are correct and that their medical history, drugs and any operation details are accessible. These may be audited and used to check how effectively patient treatment and care has been carried out.
Secondly it is through this evidence of loaded patient details that the NHS can evidence drugs and operations (which they pay for) have been administered and can therefore access government funding. In addition data then can be used to provide statistical information for costing purposes, medical studies and health trends.
CBSbutler offers Clinical Coding jobs for qualified professionals
CBSbutler are constantly looking for experienced Clinical Coders to contract for a number of healthcare trusts.
Clinical coding jobs are available for candidates that ideally have a good understanding of anatomy, drugs and medical procedures. Training usually takes about two years and a background in the NHS is beneficial.
Although typically training is provided for permanent employees by the trust they work for, CBSbutler offers free ongoing training to their contract clinical coders – via TAP and CfH approved trainers.
As part of our contractor care package, we also offer contractors free revision sessions before classification upgrades are due.
Our clients
CBSbutler works with a number of NHS trusts throughout London and the Home Counties.
