What is a Medical Coder?

A Medical Coder is also termed as a Diagnostic Coder, Clinical Coder and Medical Records Technician. A Medical Coder is a health care professional whose main duties will be to analyse clinical statements and assign standard codes using a classification system.

Medical coding is the transformation of narrative descriptions of diseases, injuries, and healthcare procedures into numeric or alphanumeric designations (that's, code numbers). The code numbers are detailed to be able to accurately describe the diagnoses (that's, what is wrong with the patient) and also the procedures performed to check or correct these diagnoses. Because medicine is not always theory, codes were designed to identify all causes of seeking healthcare.

What are the skills I need to become a Medical Coder?

A clinical coder therefore requires a good understanding of medical terminology, clinical documentation, legal facets of health information, health data standards, classification conventions, and computer- or paper-based data management, usually as obtained through formal education and/or on-the-job training.

Certified medical coders are trained in the anatomy and physiology of the body and disease processes to be able to understand the etiology, pathology, symptoms, signs, diagnostic studies, treatment modalities, and prognosis of diseases and procedures to become coded. The job entails much more than locating diagnostic and procedural phrases within the coding manuals or with encoder software. It requires knowledge of disease processes and procedural techniques to consistently apply the correct codes. A medical coding professional works included in a team to offer the highest quality patient care. Holding an accredited program in medical coding is mandatory for them.

What are the qualifications to become a Medical Coder?

There is no strict requirement to pursue a career in medical coding. Aspirants with a high school diploma have the basic ingredients to enter the profession.

How much does a Medical Coder earn?

According to Payscale Salary Calculation the typical hourly rate for medical coders is $15.00, which means about $30,000 per year for any full-time employee. The typical ranges from $13.49 to $17.19, or about $34,000 annually.

What are the Perks of Being a Medical Coder?

Great Pay.Â Basic level medical coders can increase their earning potential with skills and experience. There are a variety of additional courses that can be taken as you progress using your career path that will help you enhance your earning potential. Certification is one avenue that can assist. You can also move into management based positions where your skills have value.
Many Opportunities. There are various companies that need qualified and skilled medical coding staff which range from hospitals, to practices to insurance providers. You can also pursue contract or remote opportunities which often have added fringe benefits such as higher pay rates. Medical coding is an interesting profession that can provide stimulating and rewarding opportunities to dedicated individuals.
Short and versatile training time. Compared to other professions, a course in medical coding could be completed in a matter of months. This is great for people who are eager to get out into the workforce and start earning. For students that need to pace the learning to fit in with other commitments, online colleges provide a flexible learning schedule. Basically, the is designed to enable you to get ready to take the exam. As soon as you pass, you can immediately start working.
Work at home opportunities. Some companies will consider work at home arrangements. This is great for individuals who enjoy working from the comfort of their home. In particular, using the cost of childcare, stay home mums can function out a schedule to accommodate work commitments and raise the children simultaneously.
Start your personal business. Enterprising and ambitious individuals can examine the opportunities to start your personal medical coding and billing business. If you take some additional business classes at the local college, you can setup and run the business as a contractor, sole proprietor or medical coding entity. You are able to grow your business towards the size you would like and enjoy the tax benefits and income earning potential afforded to business owners.
Career Satisfaction and Social interaction. Your medical coding and billing environment can provide the opportunity to meet people all walks of life. This could expand your social circle and bring you in touch with life long business associates and friends that can be richly reward.