Medical coding specialists read and review medical documentation provided
by physicians and other health care providers in order to obtain detailed
information regarding their disease, injuries, surgical operations, and
other procedures. This detailed information is translated into numeric
codes. The coding specialist assigns and sequences diagnostic and
procedural codes using a universally recognized coding system. Using this
official classification system, coders must insure correct code selection
for compliance with federal regulation and insurance requirements. These
medical codes are used extensively for reimbursement of hospital and
physician claims for Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance payments. The
information compiled by the medical coders is used to prepare statistical
reports for use by clinic and hospital administrators for planning,
marketing, and other management purposes. Local, state, and federal
governments also use this information to identify health care concerns
critical to the public at large. Knowledge of both the medical and
business sides of health care are essential in this detail-oriented field
of health information management.
Work Environment:
Medical coding specialist work in hospitals, clinics, surgery centers,
long-term care facilities, insurance companies, dental offices, home
health care agencies, consulting firms, coding and billing services, and
government agencies. They typically work under the supervision of the
Health Information Manager or Chief Financial Officer.
High School Preparation:
Students interested in pursuing a career in medical coding should take
high school courses in algebra, biology, computer skills, English, typing,
office procedures, data processing, and health occupations/medical
professions education.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in medical coding should have a high school diploma
or equivalent. An Associate's Degree is recommended and is often two years
in length. Training may be available on-the-job as well as through
continuing education classes offered by state associations/organizations.
Individuals desiring to become a certified medical coder must pass
examinations offered by the American Health Information Management
Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study
click here.
Career Outlook:
There is an outstanding future for medical coding specialists because of
the increased scrutiny over medical records by the government and
insurance companies. In an effort to control costs, complete and accurate
records are becoming a necessity in order for hospitals and clinics to
receive money from Medicare and Medicaid. As technology changes the world
of medical records keeping, there will be an increased need for coders
with the most current knowledge of new technologies. As in most
occupations, many openings will result from the need to replace employees
who transfer to other companies, retire, or stop working for various other
reasons.
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$31,300
Salary Range
$23,500-$39,700
Professional Organizations:
American Academy of
Professional Coders
309 West 700 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Phone: (800) 626-2633
www.aapc.com
American Health Information Management Association
919 North Michigan Ave.
Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60611-1683
Phone: (312) 233-1100
www.ahima.org
Mississippi Health Information Association
921 North Congress Street
Jackson, MS 39202-2554
Phone: (601) 956-4105
Download our
Medical Coding Specialist brochure
here.
(Acrobat reader required)
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