Take your first step toward a successful career in medical coding with comprehensive coverage from the most trusted source in the field! Step-by-Step Medical Coding is the practical, easy-to-use resource that shows you exactly how to code using all of today's coding systems, providing an in-depth introduction to essential coding concepts followed by practice exercises that reinforce your understanding. In addition to coverage of reimbursement, ICD-9-CM, CPT, HCPCS, and inpatient coding, the 2011 edition now provides full coverage of the ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding system in preparation for the transition in 2013. No other text on the market so thoroughly prepares you for all coding systems in one source! Carol J. Buck's proven step-by-step approach guides you through difficult concepts in the most direct, straightforward manner to ensure complete understanding. Dual coding prepares you for the switch to ICD-10. In Units 3-5, for every exercise and chapter review question with an ICD-9 answer, you are provided with the matching ICD-10 code. In-text exercises throughout each chapter reinforce coding rules and concepts and follow the book's step-by-step approach. Quick Check features immediately reinforce key concepts and test your retention and understanding. Toolbox features provide additional real world cases for analysis and applying knowledge to specific case elements. Concrete "real-life" coding examples allow you to apply important coding principles and practices to actual scenarios from the field. Full-color design with over 450 illustrations ensures easy navigation and presents material in a unique, compelling way. Coding Shots provide tips for complicated coding scenarios and advice for entering the job market. From the Trenches quotes provide valuable, up-to-date insights from instructors and professionals in the medical coding field. Stop! notes offer a brief summary of material just covered to help ensure retention and understanding and provide a transition into the next topic. Caution! notes warn of common coding mistakes and reinforce the concept of coding as an exact science. Check This Out! boxes offer notes on accessing reference information, primarily via the Internet. Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting boxes in Units 2 and 5 present the official outpatient and inpatient guidelines alongside text discussions. Coder's Index makes it easy to instantly locate specific codes. Practice activities and Coding Guidelines are available on the companion Evolve Resources website to help reinforce key concepts from the text and provide fast, easy access to the most up-to-date content. A free 30-day demo of SpeedECoder lets you complete cases using an actual online encoder. Updated content reflects the latest coding developments so you can practice with the most current information available. New ICD-10-CM chapters prepare you for the upcoming 2013 transition. ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting boxes contain excerpts of the actual guidelines, presenting the official wording alongside in-text discussions to help you better understand upcoming changes.