Medical Coder Description

Medical coders extract data from records and assign the proper codes.

Medical codes are used to identify diagnoses and procedures. The medical coder primarily uses these codes for hospital billing and reimbursement of insurance. Therefore, a medical coder is expected to possess a thorough knowledge of the data contained in health records in order to find the necessary information for coding purposes. The medical coder is trained in anatomy and physiology, disease processes as well as the related codes for diagnoses, procedures and treatments. To obtain a job as a medical coder, you should be certified in coding and have completed a medical coding course, according to AHIMA.org.

Data Interpreter

For the purposes of billing, medical records are organized, coded and then entered into the computer for ease of later retrieval. The coder interprets the diagnosis, treatment and procedures in a patient's record and assigns the proper procedural and diagnostic codes for billing purposes and insurance reimbursement, says the Medical Coding Career Guide.

CPT Codes Specialist

The coder applies CPT (Current Procedures Terminology) codes for outpatient procedures and procedures that take place in doctors' offices. The codes are numeric and changes and additions are made, at the most, four times a year, according to the Medical Coding Career Guide.

ICD-9-CM Coding Expert

The coder also applies ICD-9-CM coding in his work. ICD-9-CM numeric coding is the coding used from the American Medical Association's International Classification of Diseases Manual and is applied to diagnoses and procedures made for inpatient services. Aside from the U.S., most of the world is now using ICD-10 codes in place of the ICD-9-CM codes. For Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement purposes, HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) alphanumeric coding is used for inpatient services.

Educational Requierments

Most health care facilities prefer medical coders have a two-year associate degree in medical billing and coding. Schools that offer two-year programs in this specialty include Colorado Technical University and American International University (AIU), which offer a two-year program online. Applicants should be proficient in computer software with respect to electronic records. In addition, they should have a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and English grammar.

Coding Credentials

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) awards credentials to coders who graduate from a two-year degree program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Credentials are also available for coders from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the Board of Medical Specialty Coding (BMSC).

Earnings

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical records and health information technicians, including coders, made, on average, $30,610 in 2008.

Employment Outlook

In addition, the Bureau of Labor projects that job prospects look good for anyone entering the Health Information Technology field (including coders), provided they have the requisite software training and knowledge.

References

• AHIMA: Medical Coding Profession
• Medical Coding Career Guide: What is Medical Coding?
• BLS: Medical Records & Health Information Technicians