The demand for people working in all aspects of health care is growing as the average life expectancy rises. All medical facilities in the United States use universal coding systems to keep track of patient information and request insurance and Medicare reimbursement. A medical insurance coder assigns codes to each patient’s symptom, diagnosis, and treatment and enters the data into a database.
A medical insurance coder examines a patient’s medical records to ensure that all services are documented. He then assigns the appropriate codes using a computer software program so that treatment can be tracked and the proper amounts billed. Miscoding can result in a loss of revenue for the medical facility, so it’s critical to pay attention to the details. In addition, significant penalties can be imposed on an institution for billing Medicare and Medicaid claims incorrectly.
This is one profession that does not necessitate a four-year college education. Medical insurance coder training can be completed in as little as nine months. However, unless a person has completed an associate degree, which typically takes two years to complete, they are unlikely to be eligible to take a certification exam. As a result, most health-care organizations will only hire people with a two-year degree.
Medical insurance coder degrees aren’t usually designated as such in associate degrees. They usually deal with the broader topic of medical data management. Medical coders who want to specialize in cancer registry are the only exception.
Medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, data coding, and computer science are all covered in health care information management courses. Most employers provide new hires with on-the-job training that is more specific to the coding systems in use. While certification is not required for a medical insurance coder, it is strongly recommended. Certification broadens job possibilities and opens the door to advancement.
Medical insurance coders are needed in hospitals, walk-in clinics, doctor’s offices, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities. Insurance companies and government health organizations are two other potential employers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of job openings in this field will continue to rise.
A career as a medical insurance coder allows you to enter the healthcare industry with little to no experience. Because many community colleges offer courses, the cost of education is relatively low. This could be a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys medical information, is computer savvy, and pays close attention to detail.