Diploma Program
Medical Coding and Billing
Medical coders work in the billing office, or "back office" of medical practices or hospitals. Medical coders help to complete, review, and process medical claims to help physician practices and hospitals get reimbursed from insurance companies for services and facilities provided to patients. Each medical procedure and patient encounter has a number, or CPT code, associated with it which corresponds to another code for a diagnosis (an ICD code). This helps insurance companies account for and track the money they reimburse to physicians and practices, while at the same time preventing fraudulent medical claims or errors in payment.
Skills Required for Medical Coding
Medical coders need to work well with numbers and also should have a great attention to detail. While much of the job entails administrative tasks such as reviewing, processing, and submitting medical claims, some interpersonal skills are necessary. At times the medical coder may have to obtain additional information from a physician or other medical provider in the office. Also, the medical coder may have to contact insurance companies regarding questions about claims.
Medical coders should also be comfortable working with computers and various types of medical coding and billing software programs.
Educational Requirements and Professional Certifications for Medical Coders
To become a medical biller or coder, you must have a high school diploma and pass an accredited program in medical coding. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers accredited certification courses to achieve a CPC certification (Certified Professional Coder), and other related certifications for medical coders. Courses are offered in a classroom setting or online. Therefore, students often complete the coursework while employed elsewhere full-time.
What's to like?
Medical coders should continue to be in high demand. Even though software has been developed to assist with the role, a qualified person is needed to enter the data and follow up on any discrepancies between the health care provider (physician), the hospital, and the insurance company. An effective and efficient coder is essential to the financial success of a practice. The coders help the physicians get reimbursed accurately and on time. The hours for medical coders are fairly set and standard - coders don't have to take call or work nights or weekends. A 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday, is standard. Additionally, medical coding can be an excellent stepping stone into a more lucrative, higher-level career in medical office management or medical office operations, if you wish to earn more or do more in the long-term.