Thank you both Amalonzo and Shannon. I will check out the refrence guides you mentioned. I love refrence material, the more the better. I'll add them to my med library.

:eek Shannon,
I wasn't expecting such a detailed explination from the board. I thank you for all the time you put into that. It helps a lot and I'm sure you answered questions for others too. It's not as confussing now that I have the list of steps you provided.

As far as APC's, when working I used a Comp manual that listed all facilities with the PAS Codes. Wanted to know how they determine the appropriate PAS and what it stands for. Is there a way to learn that if I ever wanted to wrk. for a hosp or ambulatory surg centr? And when billing myself privately, if I ever do work for a hosp or surgon, would I be the one having to pick-out the PAS Code? Do home-based billers have to check the PAS Code given to them to see if it is right (or does a clearinghouse do that)?

Thanks again for the time! - Donna