Job Description for a Certified Medical Coder
If you have ever been interested in a career in the medical sector, medical coding is a growing industry. The job is in high demand and offers a solid income for those who enjoy working in an office environment. In a short period of time, you can be on your way to a rewarding and respected job as a certified medical coding professional.
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Description of a Certified Medical Coder
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A certified medical coder is trained in the process of medical billing. When you visit a doctor, a claim or invoice is computer-generated and coded specific to the particular care and services you received in the office. When you receive the bill for that doctor visit, that invoice or claim is filed and processed. Certified medical coders are also referred to as medical reimbursement professionals. They carry a large responsibility for the work that goes on behind the scenes in a medical office by essentially keeping the cash flow positive.
Duties of a Certified Medical Coder
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Medical coders are responsible for preparing each patient invoice for billing and carefully computing and double-checking costs for each service before doing so. There is a great deal of sorting and filing of information that must be accurately entered into the office computer system. A medical coder is responsible for handling insurance claims, insurance fraud claims, confidential patient records, and both in- and out-of-house collections for services rendered.
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Medical Coding Education Requirements
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Programs for medical coding can be found at most allied health schools, as well as vocational and technical schools. Most of these programs generally last about nine months and lead to certification as a medical coder. Some junior colleges may offer a two-year program that culminates in an associate's degree, as well as state certification. For those who have full-time jobs or other responsibilities, there are also a multitude of online certified medical coding programs that allow students to work at their own pace.
Job Opportunities in Medical Coding
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Once gaining certification, medical coders can find a variety of different employment opportunities. Many private physician's offices employ at least one certified medical coder, and hospitals and other medical centers are also good bets when seeking employment as a certified medical coder. Other institutions that employ medical coders are private clinics, home health care agencies and nursing homes. Some certified medical coders are able to find work through private medical offices and work from a home-based office.
Salaries for Certified Medical Coders
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According to a July 2009 survey by Payscale.com, the average starting pay for a first-year certified medical coding professional is $12.20 per hour or $25,376 a year if working full-time. Those who have at least one year of job experience as a certified medical coder can average about $12.94 per hour or $26,915 yearly. Certified medical coders who have five or more years of job experience can earn at least $30, 409 a year or $14.62 an hour, and those medical coders who have been on the job at least 10 years or more can earn about $15.42 an hour, or $32,073 each year.
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