Congratulations to this week’s winner, Sharon Moss, CCS, coder ll at Salem Hospital in Oregon. Sharon correctly answered this question:
What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for cellulitis of the pectoral region?
a. 682.0
b. 682.1
c. 682.2
d. 682.3
The correct answer is C.
Here’s a little bit about Sharon:
What are your current job responsibilities?
My main focus is acute care inpatient coding, but my position is as a float coder, which means that I also code outpatients and ED accounts.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in health information management?
The entire medical field has always fascinated me! I enjoy working with the staff, nurses, and physicians. I started out in a clerical position in the hospital and advanced into coding. Then, I wanted a little hands-on experience, so I went into EMT training. I decided that was a little too “hands on,” so I stayed with coding.
What do you like most about your job?
What I enjoy most about coding is that it is always changing. You have to keep up with constant changes and stay on your toes. There is something new around every corner.
What is your favorite area of coding?
My favorite area of coding is the acute care inpatient coding…any area!
What is your least favorite area of coding?
My absolute least favorite area to be specific is outpatient eye surgeries. I have known coders who code eye procedures specifically and it absolutely fascinates them. I have watched eye surgeries first hand and there is something about it that I just cannot wrap my brain around.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love to be outdoors as much as possible. I love gardening, walking, hiking, bike riding, and anything I can do on the water or beach
Do you have a personal motto that you live by?
My motto was passed down to me by my father and I have always tried to stick to it: “Treat others as you would want to be treated.”
