What is Medical Coding?
Published On - April 02, 2020
Medical coding is the transformation of healthcare diagnosis, procedures, medical services and equipment into universal medical alphanumeric codes.” Put simply, this refers to the process of translating important medical information into simple codes for the purpose of documenting medical records and informing accurate medical billing.
There are a few different types of medical codes used in healthcare settings today, but each of them allows for uniform documentation between medical facilities. Having this standard system allows for a more seamless transfer of medical records and more efficient research and analysis to track health trends. The three main types of codes are ICD-10-CM, CPT-4, and HCPCS
What is a medical coder?
Medical coders are the individuals responsible for translating physicians’ reports into useful medical codes. These professionals work behind the scenes in a variety of settings, ensuring all pertinent information is coded appropriately to ensure consistency and accuracy.
After a medical provider examines or treats a patient, the insurance company needs to understand what was done in order to process the bill. Common language is too inexact to give the insurance company the accurate details it needs, so a set of specific codes has been established to define medical procedures. It’s the role of the medical coder to pass along this information in a way that is useful and efficient.
Where do medical coders work?
You may assume you know the answer to this question—hospitals, of course! But there are several other settings a medical coder might work. The simple answer is that these professionals are employed anywhere that provides medical services. This includes hospitals, clinics, urgent care facilities, nursing homes, treatment centers and more, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
What are some qualities that successful medical coders share?
There is no “typical” prototype when it comes to medical coders. You’ll find men and women, young and old, single and married. But good medical coders do share some common characteristics that help them on the job. One critical trait is a strong ethical standard because the patient data they work with is highly confidential.
Medical coders must also have a keen eye for detail, as one tiny mistake in a code could lead to much larger issues. They also must be able to remain focused because their work is rather repetitive, yet extremely important.
How do you become a medical coder?
Becoming a medical coder requires specialized training and certification. It’s not a job just anyone can perform. But that’s what makes medical coders valued professionals in the world of healthcare. They must ensure that the doctors get the compensation for their services.
What is the career outlook for medical coders?
You’ve likely heard about the industry-wide growth expected in the healthcare field. So it’s not surprising that jobs for medical coders are on the rise as well. The BLS projects employment of medical coders to increase 13 percent through 2026, which is nearly twice the average for all occupations.
Your next logical question is, “How much do medical coders make?” According to the BLS, the median annual salary for medical coders in 2017 was $39,180. This falls slightly above the average for all occupations. Factors such as experience, education and work setting can also contribute to higher medical coding salary ranges. The BLS reports the top-earning professionals can make upwards of $60,000 annually.
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