A resolution designating June 21, 2006, as "National Professional Medical Coder Day", in honor of the dedication and continued service of professional medical coders to the Nation.

Mr. President, I am pleased to submit today, along with my colleagues Senator Bob Bennett and Senator Richard Burr, the National Professional Medical Coder Day resolution.

By passing this resolution, Congress will recognize June 21, 2006, as National Professional Medical Coder Day, which will help to raise awareness about the important work that medical coders perform and their dedication to their profession.

There are about 80,000 professional medical coders employed in the United States, and that number is expected to continue to grow due to the increasing number of medical tests, treatments and procedures, and the consequent scrutiny to provide the best quality health care in a market driven economy. Medical coders are a diverse group of women and men dedicated to ``running the numbers'' of health care. They translate the information that a physician documents during a patient visit into numerical codes that are used for both payment and statistical purposes.

Medical coders are sentries of our Nation's health. They communicate regularly with physicians and other health care professionals to clarify diagnoses or to obtain additional information in the assignment of alphanumeric codes. They are knowledgeable of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and the code sets necessary to serve effectively in their professional role within the health care community. They are team players committed to ethical and sound medical documentation and reimbursement practices.

Medical coders work in a variety of health care environments. Nearly 40 percent of all coding jobs are in hospitals. Others work in the offices of physicians, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, and home health care services. Insurance firms that offer health plans employ coders to tabulate and analyze health information. Medical coders in public health departments supervise data collection from health care institutions and assist in research. The Department of Defense policy requires accurate and prompt documentation of and coding of medical encounters within the Military Health System to assist Military Treatment Facility operations. The compliance plan for third- party payers of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General acknowledges the specialized training of medical coders required due to the greater legal exposure related to coding medical services. Coders also stand as the front line against the potential fraud and abuse of the Medicare and Medicaid Programs while assuring that the physicians, hospitals, and clinics receive accurate compensation for the services provided.

The abilities coders possess to collect data about diagnoses and procedures figure prominently within my own interests for quality health care. Medical coders also provide us with the data we need for making tough choices in health care.

This resolution stems from positive citizen actions. The quest for a national day of recognition began as a grassroots campaign. Over the past 4 years, medical coders from around the country have gathered support through a national petition and State proclamations crediting the work of their coders. The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt made Utah the very first State to honor coders when, as Governor, he signed on April 15, 2003, a proclamation declaring a day of honor for coders in Utah. Since then, 28 other States have signed similar proclamations. The State of Florida was the most recent addition to their campaign, and medical coders continue their efforts in achieving recognition at the State level. Let us now recognize their efforts as a nation.

It is my hope that this resolution will help advance the recognition of professional medical coders; and, therefore, the attention given to their commendable work. It recognizes contributions to the national health care system and it reminds us of medical coders' dedication to the value of hard work in the interest of a national priority--quality health care for everyone. I applaud that contribution and am hopeful that the Senate will pass this resolution marking June 21, 2006, as National Medical Coder Day.