An example of a role could be working with a physician on a daily basis using medical charts, created by physicians, to extract patient data, these charts will show procedures and diagnoses reported by each physician. In complex medical cases, medical coders must obtain data for multiple procedures and diagnoses, often from multiple doctors.
The use of Electronic health records (EHRs) is rapidly increasing within the healthcare industry, and as a result, there is expected to be a high demand for Medical Coders. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, “the medical billing and coding field is expected to grow by 15%” between now and 2024. That's almost 30,000 job openings in the next seven years. Not only are there a large number of job openings in coding and billing, but many of these jobs are also fairly well paid. In 2021, depending on the state you work in, the average salary ranges from $36,0000 to $49,000.
How long does it take to become a Certified Medical Coder?
The most probable path to a career in medical coding is through the completion of a career-specific program. Most of these programs can be completed in around 18 months or two years or even sooner. Getting your Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential is not essential but could help you stand out in the field as an applicant when applying for a job.
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) was founded in 1988 to provide education and professional certification to physician-based medical coders and to improve the standards of medical coding. Medical coding certifications from AAPC are said to be of a high standard in the healthcare industry. Certifications are nationally recognized by employers, physician societies, and government organizations. Completing an AAPC qualification in medical coding will also help you stand out from the crowd with potential employees.
Top pic of courses for 2021 include:
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) for the best overall course.
Hutchinson Community College voted for the best course on a budget.
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) for the best variety.
Florida A&M University best if you are looking for a self-paced course
The University of Cincinnati for the overall structure of the course.
Are there Online Coding Courses available?
It is also possible to complete a Medical Coding Course online. Most programs take between 4 and 12 months to complete and will require you to complete a practical assessment at an approved facility. Online courses give students more flexibility and the opportunity to plan study time around the rest of their day, instead of the other way around and Students can study and work at their own pace. Course material is always accessible online, making trips to the library unnecessary and you can study while also holding down a job. If studying online, you must make sure that you are self-motivated and committed as for the majority of the time you will be working alone.
If you enjoy research, have a strong understanding of medical anatomy and terminology and are capable of reading documentation to determine correct codes, then a career as a Medical Coder could be right for you.
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