How to Become a Medical Coder - The Best Health Degrees

Key Takeaways:

To become a medical coder, you typically need to complete a certificate or associate degree program, which can take from four months to two years.
Medical coders classify patient records using various coding systems, and they ensure the accuracy and security of patient data and billing information.
Medical coders can work in diverse settings including hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and even remotely.
Many medical coders get certifications such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) to enhance their qualifications and meet employer requirements.

To become a medical coder most individuals train for this healthcare job by completing a certificate, diploma, or associate degree program. Medical coders are in high demand, and consequently many individuals are wondering how to become a medical coder.

What Does a Medical Coder Do?

Medical coders are highly trained record keepers of health information who classify patient records using software and other forms of health management systems. These professionals organize and manage patient data, insurance programs, physician diagnoses, procedures, treatments, invoicing, and other health information.

Furthermore, medical coders must maximize the security, efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of patient records, insurance information, and billing systems. To do this they utilize a number of different coding systems based upon health care facilities and patient bases. Medical facilities, hospitals, physician’s offices, and insurance companies use these medical codes to create a record of a patient’s visit and submit an accurate insurance claim.

Medical coders also act as liaisons between insurance companies, patients, and health care facilities to ensure compliance, proper compensation or reimbursement, and that regulations are followed.

How Long Do You Go to School to be a Medical Coder?

This job is attractive to many because it usually takes less than a year to complete an entry-level program. Becoming a medical coder takes from four months to fifteen months. In addition, there are advanced certifications and degrees an individual can earn that take additional time.

What Education Do You Need to be a Medical Coder?

Individuals interested in gaining the qualifications necessary to become medical coders generally must complete a certificate program or an associate degree. Then, they gain certification and complete work experiences offered through internships or on the job training. Many students attend medical coding programs at community colleges and technical schools.

What are the Admission Requirements for a Medical Coding Program?

Most programs require a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent for admission. High school students interested in preparing for a career as medical coders may begin long before earning their diploma.

Students may participate in courses like English, biology, computer science, communications, health, mathematics, and chemistry. High school graduates generally advance to certification or associate degree programs to fulfill the educational requirements necessary to establish a medical coding career.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Medical Coder?

Medical coding programs vary in cost by school and program. They generally range from around $4,000 to $18,000 a year. There are also fees for certification exams. In addition, some trade and technical schools have online medical coding programs.

Certificate and Diploma Programs

Most students complete a medical coding certificate program in one year. The coursework includes classes covering basic knowledge of the health care system, information technology, medical terminology, and coding software.

Courses include medical billing, physician based medical coding, medical terminology for billers and coders, medical billing software, physician based chart auditing, and hospital based case studies.

Individuals who complete certificate programs may advance to entry level positions within many health care facilities or continue studies in associate degree programs.

Associate Degree Programs

Associate degree programs in medical coding offer students an expanded understanding of the field and help refine their skills. Graduates who complete associate degree programs often advance to entry-level employment or continue studies in bachelor’s degree programs.

Courses in an associate degree program include medical terminology, health information technology, anatomy and physiology, health data requirements and standards, data analysis, clinical classification of coding systems, health care reimbursement methods, medical ethics and laws, database security and management, abstract coding, medical insurance and finance, and quality improvement methods.

Bachelor Degree Programs

Bachelor’s degree programs in health information management disciplines with a concentration in medical coding allow individuals to expand and specialize their skills. Graduates with bachelor’s degrees generally seek employment or continue their studies in a graduate degree program.

Courses include anatomy and physiology, radiology coding, pathology coding, healthcare laws and ethics, medical terminology, pharmacology, ICD coding, CPT nonsurgical coding, insurance compliance, and also insurance abuse and fraud.

Top 10 Best Colleges for a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics

Master’s and Doctoral Degrees

Masters and doctoral degrees in medical coding do not exist. However, related disciplines and degrees are health information management, health informatics, or health care administration.

Medical Coding Certifications

Graduates with degrees in medical coding often gain a certification like a Certified Professional Coder (CPC). Individuals can earn these credentials through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Many employers require candidates to complete certification examinations to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and competency. And, also employers prefer to hire a certified medical coder.

AAPC Core Medical Coding Certifications

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) – medical practices
Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) – outpatient hospital, urgent care, ambulatory surgery centers
Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) – inpatient hospital facilities
Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) – insurances and all healthcare settings

AHIMA Core Medical Coding Certifications

Certified Coding Associate (CCA) issued by the American Health Information Management Association
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) issued by the American Health Information Management Association

Continuing Education

Medical coders must complete continuing education (CE) through seminars, workshops, and other training programs. Both employers and licensing organizations offer CE for medical billing and coding professionals.

Where Do Medical Coders Work?

Medical coders work in various roles in the healthcare industry where health records are maintained. Many also work remotely or on a contract basis from home. Below are some typical work environments for medical coders.

Medical Clinics
Doctors’ offices
Educational Institutions / University Settings
Government agencies
Healthcare consulting services
Hospitals
Insurance agencies
Law firms
Nursing homes
Outpatient surgery centers

How Much Does a Medical Coder Make?

How much does medical coding pay? Medical billers and coders earn roughly the same amount. Both roles are classified as medical records and health information technicians by the BLS. According to the May 2021 information from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Medical records and health information specialists earn an average salary of $45,240. Additionally, the annual wage range is from $28,800 to $73,370.

What is the Job Outlook for Medical Coders?

The BLS projects that employment in medical coders to increase by 9% from 2020 to 2030. Additionally, it also predicts about 34,300 job openings per year over the same period. With the increased use of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and the large elderly population, jobs should stay strong in this sector for many years.

How Do You Find a Job as a Medical Coder?

Many job boards have medical coder jobs. Below is a list of some of the popular ones you can find with an internet search.

Indeed
Careerbuilder
Glassdoor
Zip Recruiter
Simply Hired

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