Medical Coder Job Description

If you want to enter the health care industry but not to do a job of patient care, one of the best jobs is that of a medical coding and billing specialist. Unlike other medical jobs, these professionals spend their day in a clean environment. Due to decent pay and favorable work environment, medical coder jobs are in great demand. In simple words, a medical coder is a person who helps the medical facility get paid from insurance companies for services rendered.

Doctors are health care professionals who treat patients, and generally record all details of medicines used and treatments performed in a device called a dictaphone. The language used to record in the dictaphone comprises heavy medical jargon and terms. In order for the medical facility to get a reimbursement for treatments and services provided to a patient, insurance companies who cover the patient's expenses require complete details of such treatments and services.

Since the details are recorded in medical language, insurance companies require understandable information to ascertain the aggregate cost. A medical coder takes the medical language and transforms it into alphanumeric ICD-9-CM and CPT codes that are considered by insurance entities for payment assessment.

Job Description

This professional is well versed in working on medical billing software for coding. He is responsible for putting forth claims to insurance companies for the treatments and services provided to patients. He has to collect all relevant details and make sure there is no medical insurance fraud being committed. If the claims are rejected by insurance companies, he has to realize why it is so. He has to make the necessary adjustments to the claims and then submit them for receiving payment.

This process may involve a good amount of medical records research from patients and physicians. He has to make sure the database is updated as per latest records. While carrying out this process, he has to abide by insurance regulations.

Certification and Education

When it comes to the educational qualifications for becoming a medical biller, it is better if you have a diploma or an associate's degree in the medical coding or health information technology field. You can start your career in the field if you have a diploma. But note that entry-level requirements may depend on the employer. If you want to excel in this area, it is suggested to obtain a certification.

The most popular certification is Certified Professional Coder (CPC) administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). In order to obtain this credential, you need to become a member of the AAPC, possess two years of experience in the medical billing sector, and get through a test. Recertification is also required, for which you have to continue being an AAPC member every year and submit 36 continuing education units for a period of every two years.

Note that this certification is applicable for those providing services in offices of physicians. The AAPC has certifications which enables a coder to work in big hospitals as well. Other recognitions from this professional entity include Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC) and Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA).

Salary Range

At present, medical coders receive a pay of around $45,000 per annum.

Years of Experience Median Salary Scale 0 to One Year $25,658 - $39,107 One to Four Years $28,160 - $40,883 Five to Nine Years $32,976 - $48,667 10 to 19 Years $34,623 - $50,314 Over 20 Years $34,245 - $54,992

State of Employment Median Salary Scale New York $32,030 - $46,527 California $30,339 - $50,256 Texas $31,697 - $40,833 New Jersey $30,315 - $49,824 Illinois $30,781 - $44,753

City of Employment Median Salary Scale New York City $31,289 - $48,796 Dallas $33,693 - $48,484 Los Angeles $34,000 - $53,156 Chicago $30,781 - $45,238 Tampa $25,434 - $43,306

This is some general information on job description, education, and income prospects of medical coders. Since this is a career in health care, with a decent pay and favorable employment conditions, more people are looking forward to this job. Remember that certifications and expertise in the field have a lot of positive impact on earnings.