How to Become a Radiology Coder

A radiology coder is responsible for making sure all procedures performed in the radiology department are billed correctly. Each procedure is identified by a code based on ICD-9 and CPT standards. Insurance companies recognize the code and pay accordingly. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• CPC, CBCS or CMAA certification
• High school diploma or GED

Meet Job Requirements to Become a Radiology Coder

1. Get a high school diploma or the equivalent for eligibility to apply at any college or online distance learning school to become a radiology coder.

2. Enroll in a junior college or community college offering training in medical records. The course requirements will include medical terminology and the legal aspects of managing health information.

3. Learn computer skills. Computer science training in high school or college is essential if you want to become a radiology coder. Database management is a major component of the job requirements for a radiology coder.

4. Expect training to include how to determine the correct ICD-9 (International Classification of Diseases) and CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code for the procedure. Precise coding information comes from the medical record. The correct code is necessary for optimal payment by insurance companies.

5. Become certified as a CPC (Certified Professional Coder), CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist) or CMAA (Certified Medical Administrative Assistant). In addition to local colleges, many online courses are available to complete the training and certification to become a radiology coder.

6. Find AHIMA-approved certificate-level programs to become a radiology coder (see Resources below). Distance learning and local colleges must meet the standards set by AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) to qualify as a certified school.

7. Learn to code subspecialties such as ultrasound, MRI and interventional radiology. Radiology covers a wide scope of procedures and diagnoses.

Work as a Radiology Coder

8. Expect to work as a team member under the Director of the Department of Radiology. A radiology coder must also work closely with the Medical Records Department.

9. Possess the ability to meet deadlines. Coding must be done within a specified amount of time. Most hospitals and clinics have a policy that determines the turn-around time from the procedure to coding.

10. Stay current on your coding knowledge through continuing medical education. CPT codes change and coders must recognize the changes in order to get the most reimbursement possible from insurance providers.

Tips & Warnings

• Some hospitals, clinics and physicians' offices hire radiology coders to work from home via the Internet.
• Compliance with HIPAA regulations concerning patient privacy applies to radiology coding.

Resources

• AHIMA-approved programs

Who Can Help Sponsored

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