STUDY TIPS TO HELP YOU MEMORIZE MEDICAL CODING

 

Medical Coding is one of the crucial areas in the healthcare sector. Why? It’s because of the huge deal of memorizing medical codes, which are in plenty and keeps getting updated to evolving demands. Ask any successful medical coder, they will say that reaching this position is not easy and this is true to a certain extent.

 

A medical coder must have a solid understanding of the various medical terminologies, anatomy, and codes used in medical billing. If you are pursuing a medical coding career, memorizing these codes can be overwhelming but we have listed some useful tips below, which you can follow.

 

Following The Tips

 

Study Regularly

 

This is pretty obvious but it's one of the most important tips to follow. Developing a routine and studying regularly, even if it's just for a few minutes a day helps retain information much better compared to cramming them all at once. Apart from regular studying, repeating the information to learn multiple times until it sticks in your memory also helps.

 

Use Mnemonics

 

Mnemonics can be defined as memory aids or learning techniques that use humour, and creativity to help you learn and memorise information. In the case of medical coding that consists of a long list of medical jargon, mnemonics will prove useful. For eg, you can use the mnemonic "Never Eat Soggy Waffles" to remember the four primary muscles in the shoulder.

 

Leverage Flashcards

 

Flashcards are an excellent tool to help you memorize codes, medical terminology, and anatomy. You can create flashcards with the codes and definitions on one side and quiz yourself regularly.

 

Do combine studies

 

Studying as a group not only helps us learn and master more concepts easier but it offers a fun way to learn and share. If you feel bored studying solo, try a combined study session, it will work great. What’s more, you can quiz each other and help each other understand difficult concepts.

 

Ask questions if you are in doubt

 

There is no such thing as a perfect medical coder in the world. After all, we are humans, not machines. We will have our doubts when pursuing this career. And the best way to clear doubts and understand is to ask. Even experienced medical coders will have doubts. So, remember that next time you’re feeling overwhelmed on a topic, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

 

Don’t neglect sleep

 

Getting adequate sleep is an absolute must for memory retention. As your brain is processing a lot of information over a specified time, it’s normal to get mentally drained. This is where getting a good night's sleep will help. Sleeping on time helps you retain information better and avoid burnout.

 

Conclusion

 

If you thought that learning the codes can be done in a crash course, it doesn’t work that way. Memorizing medical coding requires dedication, patience, and consistent effort from your side. Following and implementing these study tips will prove helpful while pursuing your medical coding career. With time and practice, you'll be able to master the various medical codes and excel in your career.