Medical Coder - Career Profile |
Career OverviewThe medical coder works to convert all the contacts between the patient and the medical staff into specific codes that are then entered into computers. The medical coder must be able to read the chart to determine what procedure, test or process was used during the treatment and then convert this into the appropriate numerical sequence. These numerical codes serve as a way to track patients both for hospital efficiency, billing and insurance purposes.
The medical coder must have an excellent ability to memorize and work with numbers in a very timely and accurate fashion. Since the medical coder must also know if the data appears to be reasonable and correct he or she should be aware of typical medical procedures and clinical information provided in the files to ensure accuracy in data entry.
Medical coders typically work standard business days and often work in office settings within the hospital or healthcare facility. Some medical coders may also work off-site and the increase in secure networks has made off-site work more popular. While medical coders generally work in somewhat isolated jobs there is still a strong sense of teamwork and communication skills needed between coders to keep data processing uniform and correct.
Medical coders should be aware of confidentiality policies as well as regulations regarding data entry and privacy. While most medical coders will work for hospitals, physician’s offices or other healthcare facilities some medical coders will also work for insurance companies and other billing agencies.
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Career RequirementsA medical coder requires a high school diploma or equivalency along with training in medical coding. There are several different formal trainings in medical coding including a Diploma in Medical Coding or Medical Coding Certificate programs. These programs are often taught on a part-time basis with some programs being offered online.
Once the candidate has completed the diploma or certificate program he or she can then obtain credentialing through the American Academy of Professional Coders or the American Health Information Management Association. Credentialing is currently voluntary but may practices and hospital or healthcare facilities request credentialing prior to advancing.
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Job OutlookWith greater emphasis on tracking patients for both billing, insurance and research purposes the demand for trained medical coders continues to increase at a higher than average rate. The American Health Information Management Association indicates that the demand for coders is as high as it has ever been and that credentialing and maintaining high professional standards for medical coders will increase the positions created within the medical health field.
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Career TrackMedical coders with experience can move into private physicians offices as supervisors or information managers or may remain in larger hospitals or healthcare facilities as department managers. Some medical coders may also choose to open up their own agency or work from home doing work for smaller clinics on a contract basis.
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CompensationMedical coders in the United States can anticipate earnings on average of $39,000. New individuals to the field or those medical coders not credentialed may earn slightly less with salaries of $25,000 to $32,000. Medical coders with management or supervisory roles will earn higher salaries with some making over $45,000 per year.
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