CCO.us Podcast | Medical Coding, Billing, Auditing & Risk Adjustment

Modifiers are only two characters long—but they can determine whether a claim gets paid or denied. In this episode, Laureen Jandroep explains CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM coding conventions, common modifier mistakes, audit risks, and practical strategies to improve coding accuracy and reimbursement. This episode is from the CCO Club Q&A #1737 webinar. Watch the full video here: https://...

The new telehealth CPT® codes 98000–98007 were designed to simplify telemedicine coding—but Medicare isn't paying them. In this episode, Alicia Scott explains the AMA vs CMS conflict, modifier 93 and 95 usage, payer-specific requirements, virtual check-in updates, and common telehealth coding mistakes every medical coder should know.  This episode is from the CCO Community Q&A #1757 webinar. W...

Struggling with integumentary surgery coding? In this episode, Laureen Jandroep reviews the most commonly tested CPC exam concepts, including biopsies, excisions, repairs, debridement, skin grafts, Mohs surgery, breast procedures, coding guidelines, and exam-day strategies to help improve coding accuracy and confidence. This episode is from the CCO Community Q&A #1757 webinar. Watch the full v...

AI is reshaping medical coding workflows, but not in the way many people fear. In this episode, Laureen Jandroep explains the difference between AI hype and real-world adoption in healthcare, including coding automation, NLP tools, agentic AI, 2026 CPT changes, compliance risks, and why human coders remain essential in the AI era. Watch the full video here https://youtu.be/2VcIZrp_u8w

Choosing between the CPC and CCS can shape your entire medical coding career. In this episode, Alicia Scott and Laureen Jandroep explain the differences between AAPC and AHIMA certifications, including outpatient vs inpatient coding, exam difficulty, career growth, specialization paths, remote work opportunities, and which certification may help you get hired faster. Whether you are brand new to c...

Billing case reviews are one of the best ways to build real-world medical billing confidence. In this episode, Laureen Jandroep and Alicia Scott walk through practical CPB-style scenarios covering coordination of benefits, Medicare Secondary Payer rules, claim forms, denials, appeals, patient responsibility, HIPAA, and compliance. You’ll learn how to slow down, identify the real billing issue, and...

Here’s a balanced podcast description (aligned with your preferred format—clear, engaging, not too short or too long): Podcast Description: Anesthesia coding is one of the most misunderstood areas in medical coding—and for good reason. It doesn’t follow the same rules as other CPT sections, and even small mistakes in time, modifiers, or documentation can lead to claim denials or compliance issues....

Here’s a balanced podcast description (not too short, not too long, same style as your previous ones) 👇 Timely filing might sound simple—but it’s one of the biggest reasons claims get denied in medical billing. In this episode, we break down how filing deadlines vary by payer, why missing even one day can cost you payment, and how to manage multiple timelines across claims, corrections, and appea...

In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) coding and how to accurately assign CPT codes for cardiac procedures. Learn the importance of coding hierarchy, how to distinguish between angioplasty, stent placement, and atherectomy, and why documentation and vessel identification are critical. Perfect for coders looking to simplify complex cardiology ca...

In this episode, we break down the essentials of cardiology coding—one of the most complex yet high-impact specialties in medical coding. You’ll learn key heart anatomy, common cardiac conditions like ischemia, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias, plus how to accurately apply CPT and ICD-10 codes for procedures such as EKGs, stress tests, cardiac catheterizations, and more. We also highlight co...

Behavioral health coding can be one of the most challenging areas in medical coding—and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we break down how to accurately code anxiety disorders, PTSD, and adjustment disorders (ICD-10 F40–F43) using clear, real-world examples. Learn how DSM-5 criteria, symptom duration, and functional impact directly affect your coding decisions and reimbursement. We...

In this episode, Laureen Jandroep shares how the CCO Club provides CEUs, expert coding help, and AI-powered study tools to support medical coders preparing for certifications and tackling real-world coding challenges. Join the CCO Club here https://www.cco.us/club/

The April 2026 ICD-10-CM updates may not add new diagnosis codes, but they do introduce important rule changes. In this episode, Alicia Scott explains what coders, CDI teams, auditors, and leaders need to review before April 1.

Medical coding gets easier when the language makes sense. In this episode,  CCO Podcast #1744, we  will break down the  medical coding terminology every coder must understand  to code accurately, reduce denials, and feel more confident reading real-world charts. In this session, we’ll cover: ✅ The most common clinical terms that show up in everyday documentation ✅ Key prefixes, suffixes, and roo...

Preparing for the CPC® exam? In this episode, we break down the CPC exam layout, timing strategy, and proven prep tips to help you pass with confidence. Learn how the exam is structured, what to expect on test day, and how to study smarter using effective test-taking strategies. Whether you're a first-time candidate or retaking the AAPC CPC exam, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes and...

Not sure whether to take your AAPC exam at home or at a testing center? In this episode, we compare at-home vs testing center AAPC exams , covering pros, cons, common issues, and what to expect on exam day. Learn how online proctoring works, the risks of testing from home, and when a testing center may be the better option. Perfect for CPC®, CRC®, and other AAPC exam candidates who want to choose...

Ready to pass the AAPC CRC® certification with confidence? In this episode, we break down a powerful CRC Exam Game Plan that helps you study smarter, not longer . From structuring your study schedule to mastering key practice strategies, we guide you through practical tips that have helped countless learners succeed. Whether you’re just starting your prep or feeling stuck in a rut, this conversati...

In this episode of the CCO.us Podcast, we’re diving deep into the world of healthcare audits, uncovering how you can turn compliance challenges into powerful growth opportunities for your practice. Whether you’re a seasoned auditor or just starting out, this episode has something for everyone. Here's what we cover: Understanding the Essentials : Explore the most common healthcare audits, including...

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S0C5msFG0k Struggling with time management for medical coding? Join our podcast as we dive into practical strategies to help you take control of your hours and productivity. Learn insider tips from veteran coders on optimizing your daily schedule, avoiding distractions, and improving your coding speed. We’ll break down reasonable coding production...

Watch on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iQVypZKCwo Get the inside scoop on the future of medical coding in this can't-miss episode! Coding expert Alicia Scott walks through everything you need to know to launch a successful coding career in 2024 and beyond. She covers crucial topics like emerging technologies, compliance regulations, soft skills, career opportunities, testing changes,...

Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak9zFDkfqMI Get the inside scoop on acing your next medical coding job interview! Join coding expert Alicia Scott as she shares the top 5 things you need to say to stand out from the competition. You'll learn tips for crafting the perfect elevator pitch, highlighting accomplishments that fit the role, showing passion for coding, addressing weaknes...

Medical Coding Online Course . Looking to start a career in medical coding? We answer common questions on how to break into this exciting industry. Get actionable tips from coding experts on the basics of getting started, like networking with professionals, building on existing skills, and choosing the right educational program. Learn about various coding credentials, the skills needed to succeed,...

Get the full video in the CCO Club at https://www.cco.us/club/ . Get an inside look at real-world clinical documentation in this episode as we review physician notes for a patient with multiple neurological conditions. We'll break down two separate patient encounters from different providers, analyzing the medical history, physical exam findings, impression, and more. You'll learn how to identify...

Heads up! This podcast is also available on YouTube at https://youtube.com/live/MPCAlTchdRE Get the inside scoop on all the new, revised, and deleted ICD-10 codes for 2024! In this code-packed episode, we walk through the key changes in a fun and engaging way. Learn what the new codes for sepsis, Parkinson's disease, sickle cell disease, and more really mean. We'll explain challenging concepts lik...

Find the best medical coding education for you! This info-packed episode reveals the top 15 questions you MUST ask any coding school or program before enrolling. We dive into crucial details like coaching access, certification exam prep, teaching styles, manual markup techniques, course updates, and more. You'll learn red flags to watch out for and understand exactly how a top-notch coding course...