How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder
What Are the Skills Needed for a Coder in a Medical Office?
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The employment of all health information and medical records technicians is predicted to grow 21 percent during the decade ending in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). An aging American population translates into more doctor visits and tests, which in turn requires more coders and billing specialists to file claims for reimbursement from insurers. Medical coders with the proper skills should be able to secure a well-paying job.
What Medical Coders Do
Many diseases, medical procedures and medications have lengthy, hard-to-spell names. By assigning a code to each of these, physicians, insurance companies and laboratories have a standard point of reference. Medical coders translate written diagnoses or treatments into the appropriate codes. Most use special software to expedite coding, which in turn allows claims to be submitted faster. They are also responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality by keeping both electronic and written records secure.
Important Skills for Medical Coders
Coders need to be very detail-oriented to ensure that records are accurate and complete. They must have the ability to understand the written diagnosis or explanation so that they can determine the proper codes to use. Coders need to be proficient typists and know how to use a computer. They must be self-starters and able to work without close supervision. Because coders must frequently discuss or review information with doctors or billing personnel, they must have good interpersonal skills.
Education Needed to Become a Coder
Some postsecondary training is necessary to become a medical coder. Certificate programs and associate degree programs typically include classes in anatomy, medical terminology, reimbursement methods and health care data requirements along with systems of classifying and coding data. Some employers prefer candidates who have earned certification from one of several professional organizations, such as the American Health Information Management Association, which offers certifications in physician-based, hospital-based and combination settings.
What Medical Coders Earn
The American Academy of Professional Coders conducts an annual salary survey. The 2013 survey stated that the average salary for a medical coder was $46,847, but experience and certifications could have a dramatic impact on earnings. With two years of experience, coders averaged $48,925, and with at least 15 years of experience, the average salary was $56,667 per year. Coders who possessed the certified professional coder designation earned a mean annual salary of $48,593, while those certified as hospital/outpatient coders averaged $56,284. At the regional level, coders in the Pacific district, comprised of Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and California, earned the highest average salary, at $53,633. Those in the East South Central district -- Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama -- had the lowest average salary at $43,059.
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Writer Bio
Jeffrey Joyner has had numerous articles published on the Internet covering a wide range of topics. He studied electrical engineering after a tour of duty in the military, then became a freelance computer programmer for several years before settling on a career as a writer.
How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder
Source: https://work.chron.com/skills-needed-coder-medical-office-27360.html
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