A board-certified general surgeon, Dr. Pachavit Kasemsap possesses over 20 years of experience in bariatric and laparoscopic surgery. He works for Pittsburgh-based Cigna as the Medical Director Manager in Utilization Management. Pachavit Kasemsap, MD, is also a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Group Association, and the America Academy of Professional Coders.

Medical coding is the conversion of a patient's diagnosis, prescription, and procedures into medical alphanumeric codes. Generally, the medical doctor in charge of the patient's case documents the information, after which the medical coder converts the data into numeric codes. The hospital then uses the codes in the billing process. The entire process of medical coding takes place every time a patient sees a physician.

Medical coding is vital in medical practice. It is essential in facilitating the process of medical billing, and it helps physicians and healthcare providers properly document patient medical history.

When people visit hospitals, doctors usually report every aspect of the visit, from medical conditions to prescriptions and procedures. Medical coding simplifies the documentation process by transforming patient information into simple numeric codes. As such, coding is a more efficient way for hospitals to keep medical records.