Thanks to a day in the radiography lab, a group of medical billing and coding students from American Career College-Los Angeles now have a clearer picture of how important their role is in the healthcare system.
Led by ACC-Los Angeles radiography instructor Robert Medellin III, the cohort got an in-depth tour of the lab this January and learned about all the different procedures radiologists perform and why they are used.
"We discussed how the radiography department covers many modalities such as X-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, and ultrasound exams, just to name a few," Medellin said.
Medellin said he made a special point to mention that one of the most important tasks radiography technologists do is to ensure all exams are recorded properly for billing purposes.
"By doing this, it aids the billing and coding department in seeking full and adequate reimbursement for all work performed and products or equipment used during the exam," Medellin said. "The radiology department is considered a cost center and if there is any lost revenue, it would have a negative impact on the department and business as a whole."
Later, the medical billing and coding students got a chance to perform some X-rays of their own, using both the fixed and mobile units. Medellin said afterward everyone looked at the images and participated in a question-and-answer session where he said the MBC students asked many questions about the various modalities, equipment, procedures and even pathologies.
"In the healthcare field we all are part of a team," Medellin said. "There are no roles more important than the other and we all have to do our part in order for the radiology department, hospital, imaging center and or private practice to succeed."
