Job Description & Information on Medical Coding & Medical Billers
A medical coder, also called a medical biller, is responsible for assigning codes for patients’ treatments and illnesses to fulfill billing requirements and to process reimbursements from insurance companies. Certification and some college education are generally required to obtain a medical coding job. As billing procedures become more complex, job opportunities become more plentiful.
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Duties
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A medical biller, or coder, bills patients for services performed at medical centers. They code bills to receive Medicare, Medicaid and insurance reimbursements. Payments are collected and recorded by the coder. Medical coders start patients’ files by reading medical charts and documentation. They then give the file a code assigned by a medical classification manual. Coded files are kept on the employer’s computer system. By assigning codes to each patient, the coder can identify the services performed and how much the physician or medical facility will be reimbursed by providers. Coders are required to follow all state and federal regulations and insurance company requirements. Errors can lead to significant delays in payment and affect the operation of the medical facility, according to Medicalcodingcareerguide.com (See References 1 & 2).
Education
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Most employers require a minimum of a community college associate degree in a medical field. A medical coding certificate also is required. It’s possible to find employment with a high school diploma and certification. A bachelor’s of arts or master’s degree will provide better job opportunities. High school courses in biology, computer science, health and chemistry are desired. Trade and vocational offer certification in medical coding can be accepted by an employer in lieu of an A.A. degree. Certification and A.A. degrees from an accredited online university are accepted (See References 1 & 2).
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Requirements
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Certification by the American Certified Coding Associate is required for medical coders for employment. A minimum of a high school diploma is required to take the exam for certification. Additional certification as a certified coding specialist demonstrates proficiency in surgical coding and knowledge of pharmacology, diseases and medical terminology (See References 1,2 & 3).
Work Environment
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Medical coders, or billers, work in the healthcare industry and are likely be employed in hospitals, private medical offices, rehabilitation facilities and clinics. A 40-hour workweek is expected with overtime available. Medical coders interact with other medical billers and extensively use the telephone to confer with insurance companies and other providers (See References 1, 2 & 3).
Salary
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The American Academy of Professional Coders reported that medical billers in 2005 earned an average annual salary of $39,000. Payscale.com reported that entry level annual salaries in 2010 started at about $27,000 and climbed upwards to about $40,000. However, experienced medical coders can earn as much as $45,000 annually (See References 1, 3 & 4 and Resource 1).
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References
Resources
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