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What Is a Medical Coder?

Learn about medical coders, their responsibilities, job requirements, and salary information, brought to you by allzonebiz.com.

what is medical coder

Medical coding involves taking healthcare information from a patient’s medical records—such as procedures, diagnoses, necessary medical equipment, and services information—and transforming it into universal medical alphanumeric codes.

There are three primary types of universally recognized medical codes:

International Classification of Diseases (ICD): Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), this internationally used classification system is primarily for health recording and data collection. It includes codes for symptoms, diseases, illnesses, and causes of death.

Current Procedural Terminology (CPT): Created by the American Medical Association (AMA), CPT codes identify medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures and services in the US. This system includes three categories: procedures and contemporary medical practices, clinical labs, and emerging technologies.

Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS): Developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HCPCS codes help process insurance claims for Medicare or other providers. They cover medical procedures, products, supplies, and services.

Medical coding ensures accurate billing and insurance claim processing. Additionally, it supports research and maintains precise medical records. Each code specifies the diagnosis, procedure, and/or service provided, making healthcare documentation clear for insurance carriers and future healthcare providers.

Responsibilities of a Medical Coder

A medical coder's core responsibility is ensuring the accuracy of the transcribed medical records and codes used. Other key responsibilities include:

  • Transcribing patient information into appropriate medical codes
  • Reviewing medical documents for missing information
  • Conducting chart audits
  • Collecting, researching, and filing patient medical information
  • Ensuring documents are grammatically correct
  • Complying with medical coding guidelines and policies

Medical Coding vs. Medical Billing

While medical coding involves translating patient information into standardized codes, medical billing handles financial transactions between insurance carriers and healthcare providers. A medical biller processes insurance claims, generates bills, and manages balances and payments.

Medical Coding Salary

In the US, the average annual salary for a medical coder is $46,660, or $22.43 per hour. This figure encompasses all medical records and health information specialists. Earnings can vary based on location, certifications, experience, and work hours.

Medical coders are in high demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession is expected to grow by 7 percent, with an additional 12,300 jobs projected between 2021 and 2031.

Skills Needed

Accuracy in medical records is crucial. Essential skills include:
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • High ethical standards
  • Organizational skills
  • Patience
  • Strong communication skills
  • Proficiency with software systems

Summary

Developing and honing these skills is essential for a successful career in medical coding. Each skill plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and ethical integrity of the coding process, ultimately contributing to the overall quality of healthcare delivery.

Education Requirements

Previous experience in medical coding is not required, but many certification programs require at least one year of professional work experience. Positions like billing assistant can provide the necessary experience.

Certifications

Medical coding certifications demonstrate proficiency in healthcare coding and billing. Options include general coding certifications or specialty coding certifications. Accredited programs are offered by the Practice Management Institute (PMI), American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Certified medical coders earn 27 percent more than non-certified coders.

Become a Medical coder

  1. Meet the Basic Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED.
  2. Complete Medical Coding Training: Through an associate degree, certificate, or on-the-job training.
  3. Obtain Medical Coding Certification: From accredited organizations like PMI, AHIMA, or AAPC.
  4. Brush Up on Medical Coding Skills: Enroll in courses or additional training specific to employer needs.
  5. Look for a Job: Consider your interests and qualifications, including remote opportunities.

Question

How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Coder?

It takes about two years to earn an associate degree or nine to 20 months for a certification program.

Where Do Medical Coders Work?

Medical coders can work in various settings, including consulting services, government agencies, hospitals and clinics, insurance companies, nursing homes, and remotely.

Get Start Today

Medical coding is a highly accessible career with room for growth. Enroll in a medical coding program and get certified. Both online and in-person programs are available. You might be interested in Yale's Introduction to Medical Software course to get acquainted with software in the healthcare field.

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