A medical coding specialist may also be called a medical coding and billing specialist or a medical coder, depending on whether they are only responsible for the coding or if they follow through to billing the insurance company or patient. A medical coder reads health records and translates what's on those records into a numeric code. Every medical procedure, surgery, prescription, disease or injury requires a universally recognized code. The medical coding specialist enters these codes into an official classification computer system where the codes are sent to a variety of places. These codes are used for billing and reimbursement health care claims, for statistical reports and for federal and state funding. A medical coder may work in any kind of health office including a physician's office, dentist office, and so on; she or he may work in a hospital, an insurance company office, a surgery center, a care facility or even at home.
Medical coders are most likely to work under the supervision of a financial director. Medical coders have little to no contact with patients. A medical coder should be self-motivated, independent and able to solve problems on his or her own. Medical coders may need to do some research to ensure their coding is accurate. Here’s how to become a medical coding specialist.
What Education, Training or Certification is Needed for a Medical Coding Specialist?
A medical coding specialist needs a high school diploma in order to be accepted into a medical coding and billing program. You don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree, though one might help you with career advancement. If you decide to get a bachelor’s degree, you might consider a degree in communications, or a medically related field such as psychology or biology. Some schools offer bachelor’s degrees in medical coding. You will need to take courses and training in medical terminology, medical codes, typing, data processing, office procedures and computer skills. Some medical coding programs will allow a person to earn his or her medical coding certification within 18 months, but most coursework takes at least two years. Online healthcare information technology programs allow those interested in medical coding and billing to become certified with ease—students can get an online IT degree with convenience on their own time.
Medical coders must pass an exam through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). AHIMA certifies medical coders using standards set by Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management. The AAPC certifies coders in a number of specialties including coders for hospitals or for insurance companies. A medical coding and billing specialist really needs to have knowledge and experience in both the medical and business fields. Medical coding specialists also have to earn continuing education credits every year to maintain their certification.
How Much Does a Medical Coding Specialist Make?
The average pay for a medical billing and coding specialist is varied, depending on location and state funding. A medical coding specialist may start out at approximately $10 per hour but may make up to $22 per hour with 15+ years of experience. As of 2011, the pay range for medical coders was $22,400-$48,000.
What is the Career Outlook for a Medical Coding Specialist?
A medical coding and billing specialist will have a fairly secure job with a positive outlook. Medical coding careers are on the rise: New technologies and medical tests, an increase in the numbers of elderly and their medical needs, and state and federal laws requiring more precision, all contribute to the increase in available medical coding jobs. A medical coding specialist who takes the time to stay up-to-date with the constant changing and updating of medical codes will acquire a job with more ease than those who do not make the effort to advance their training.
Becoming a medical coder will allow you to provide an invaluable service to physicians and other health care professionals, to hospitals and to insurance companies. It can be a rewarding and fulfilling career—and, as a bonus, many coders work from home. That flexibility can be very important for anyone juggling a career and family.