Medical Coding Careers for College Graduates
As part of the health information sector of the medical industry, medical coders apply codes to computerized patient records. Every diagnosis, medical procedure or other service performed by healthcare professionals has a specially designed code required by public or private insurance companies to determine payment. Medical coders learn the protocol to assign thousands of different system codes used by private medical practices or large public hospitals. Medical industries use different types of procedure codes depending on the size of the facility.
Your academic background
Students who want a career in medical coding typically acquire at least an associate’s degree from a community college or university. Required classes include anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, along with computer database administration. Other required courses include pharmacology, ethics, and health care law along with insurance compliance, abuse, and fraud. During their education, students learnCurrent procedure technology code, the Common Health Care Procedures Coding System and ICD-9 codes. Improving employment options or obtaining supervisory positions requires students to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Experienced medical coders earn additional credentials by taking the Certified Coding Specialist certification exam Coders who take this exam typically have experience working with records from various areas within a hospital, including emergency services, general admissions, and operating rooms. Physician-based credentialing is another type of credentialing that medical coders may seek if seeking employment in clinics, doctors’ offices, or similar medical facilities.
Becoming a Registered Coding Technician
Medical coders who have ambitions to expand their responsibilities eventually become Registered Health Information Technicians. A Registered Health Information Technician, or RHIT, typically earns a bachelor’s degree and has experience working in a hospital setting. This position offers the opportunity to rise to managerial levels. RHIT assumes responsibility for ensuring that computer systems contain accurate and complete medical records. Technicians also code disease processes and medical procedures for payment reimbursement.
Medical codes employers need you to know
The American Medical Association developed the Current Procedure Terminology or CPT codes, which are five-digit numerical codes that apply to procedures performed in a doctor’s office. The AMA also developed the alphanumeric codes known as the Health Care Common Procedures Coding System, or HCPCS. Medical coders use this system for medical products, services, and supplies provided beyond typical outpatient procedures and not covered by CPT codes. Both coding categories receive regular updates throughout the year.
In the late 1970s, the World Health Organization, commonly known as the WHO, developed a coding system known as ICD-9 codes. Many countries consider the ICD-9 system obsolete and use the updated version of ICD-10. Used internationally, ICD codes serve as a standard for health management systems and the system is relied on by WHO for statistics related to diseases and health problems of the general public.
Your responsibilities in medical coding
Coders typically hold full-time positions, working about 40 hours per week during the day if they are employed by clinics, nursing homes, doctor’s offices, or outpatient medical centers. When employed by hospitals or 24-hour facilities, coders may work shifts during the day, evening, or night. In hospitals or specialty clinics, medical coders may specialize in specific areas including cardiology, emergency medicine, or hematology.
In addition to conventional medical facilities, coders may find employment with consulting firms, home health care facilities, insurance companies, or law firms. Some medical coders earn advanced degrees, take business courses, and set up private businesses from a home office working for multiple companies. Starting salaries for medical coders average around $38,000 a year. However, the salary largely depends on the coder’s location, education, and experience along with the responsibilities required.