Job Description of a Medical Coding Specialist

Medical coding specialists assign codes to medical procedures in order to bill insurance companies.

Medical coding specialists use specific codes to identify medical procedures and treatments for billing purposes. They must retain several different codes and check their work using classification manuals. Medical coding specialists need to have certification in order to become employed.

Job Duties

A medical coding specialist is responsible for evaluating medical records. A coding specialist assigns the appropriate code to medical information and descriptions of illnesses and procedures. They use software that determines the amount a healthcare provider should be reimbursed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education

Most medical coding specialists should possess at least an associate's degree. Courses in clinical classification and coding systems will be most beneficial, according to the BLS. A medical coder should also obtain coding credentials from organizations such as the American Academy of Professional Coders or the Board of Medical Specialty Coding.

Earnings

According to the BLS, medical records and health information technicians earned an average of $30,610 in May 2008. The top earners made more than $50,060, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,440.

References

• Medicalcodingcareerguide: What Is Medical Coding?
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical Records and Health Information Technicians