What Type of Education is required to become a Medical Coder?

Medical coding and Billing

Medical Billing and Coding-

Medical billing and coding are used synonymously but they are actually two different careers.

Medical coders: are individuals who read medical charts, extract patient information, and assigns medical codes to each piece of information. Once the record coded, it moves from the medical coder to the medical biller. Codes are extracted from medical record documentation such as transcription of physician's notes, laboratory, and radiology results, etc

Medical billers: after assigned medical codes the medical biller correctly populates them into a medical claim form and submits the claim form to the insurance company.

Qualification to Become a Coder?

Knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy, as well as extensive knowledge of each coding book, (CPT, ICD-9-CM, HCPCS) is required.

Medical terminology and anatomy knowledge enables a medical coder to accurately read patients' medical records and correctly selecting codes from each coding book.

A coder has to be an expert on the coding guidelines.

What Type of Education is required to become a Medical Coder?

Currently, certification is the standard. For a beginner Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential or the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential are mandatory.

To get certifications you must test with one of the two main coding organizations, the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

These organizations offer an extensive five and a half hour examination. After passing the exam the AAPC awards the CPC credential and AHIMA awards the CCS credential.

Types of Certification and Organizations:  

AAPC:-

CPC, COC, CIC, CRC, and specialty coding

AHIMA:-

CCA, CCS, CCS-P

Approved Manuals For Use During Examination:-

CPT® Books (AMA standard or professional edition ONLY). No other publisher is allowed.

  Your choice of ICD-10-CM.

  Your choice of HCPCS Level II.

How Can I Prepare for the Certification Examination?

Coding courses should be taught by a coder who is certified through the AAPC or AHIMA.  

Preparing for the CPC exam candidate should focus mainly on the CPT book. For the CCS the course should focus on all three books including an emphasis on volume III of the ICD-9.

Career Option for a Medical Coder:-

Medical coding -career options are very widespread.

Such as working in a private physician's office, a hospital, a nursing home, for home health aids, etc.

Other options are to work for an insurance company or a lawyer's office, Auditing, Instructor, Speaking at seminars, becoming a small business owner, and consulting are other popular and lucrative options.

 Annual Salary of a Medical Coder-

Average annual salaries depend on factors like experience, location, credentials held, and the economy.

CPC-P makes an annual salary of $55,172 and CPC makes around $3600-$5200 and non-credentialed and CPC-A coders averaged earn between $34,699 - $37,290.

Recommended Books For Exam Purposes:-