June 22, 2021
Hiring can be a time-consuming process. Customize this Free Medical Coder Job Description Template with your company’s unique touch to increase the exposure of your job posting.
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A medical coder determines the global classification of a patient’s diagnosis and procedure for reimbursement purposes. Many times, a medical coder might work from home. Some coding jobs are land-based, and some can be performed from home.
The typical responsibilities include processing insurance claims by gathering information about diagnostic procedures or treatments prescribed by physicians and inputting codes suited to the type of service into computer systems to create a proper claim form for billing purposes.
In addition, Medical coders follow company policies and guidelines when determining billable services rendered with patients when there is uncertainty concerning eligibility, and documenting discrepancies found with E&M visits on the claim form so that it can be processed correctly through the payer system.
Skill | Why it's important |
Attention to Detail | Accuracy is paramount in medical coding. A single mistake can lead to denied claims, delayed payments, and even impact patient care. Medical coders need a keen eye for detail to ensure they assign the correct codes based on the medical records. |
Medical Terminology | Understanding medical terminology is fundamental. Coders need to decipher complex medical language used in physician notes and diagnoses to translate them into standardized codes. |
Communication Skills | Effective communication is crucial. Medical coders may need to clarify information with physicians or other healthcare providers to ensure they have all the details for accurate coding. They might also need to explain coding decisions to insurance companies or patients. |
Computer Skills | Most medical coding jobs involve using specialized software and electronic health records (EHR). Proficiency in these computer programs is necessary for efficient coding. |
Analytical Skills | Being analytical is helpful for coders to interpret medical records, identify potential coding issues, and choose the most appropriate codes based on the information provided. |
We’re looking for a capable Medical Coder to help us with coding medical documentation for insurance claims and database entries. The medical coder will assign Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), and American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) codes. In addition, ambulatory Payment Classifications (APC) or Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) codes will be assigned.
To be successful, you must make wise decisions about which codes to assign in each situation and perform with high accuracy. Top candidates are driven, meticulous, and have exceptional interpersonal skills—a detail-oriented medical coder and organized to join our growing team. You will be responsible for reviewing and analyzing medical billing and coding for processing in this position.
Here is a list of interview questions you can use once you have shortlisted your applicants for the medical coder position.
To become a Medical Coder, a high school diploma or its equivalent is required.
After high school, aspiring medical coders can choose between a certificate program, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree for their undergraduate education.
Accreditation of the educational institution is essential.
The American Health Informatics Management Association (AHIMA), the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), and the American Association of Professional Coders all offer program-specific accreditation (AAPC).
Medical Coders earn between $28,800 and $61,500 per year.
Their median annual salary is $46,638.
Hourly rates go from $15 to $30.
The median hourly rate is $22.
Percentile | 10% | 25% | 50% (Median) |
75% | 90% |
Hourly Wage | $15 | $18 | $22 | $24 | $30 |
Annual Wage | $28,800 | $37,500 | $46,638 | $50,000 | $61,500 |
Most medical coders have a certification from recognized organizations, such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Common certifications include Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS).
A medical coder’s primary responsibilities include reviewing clinical documentation, assigning standardized codes for diagnoses and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulations, and aiding in the billing and reimbursement process.
Medical coders ensure accuracy by staying updated with the latest coding standards, regularly participating in continuing education, and meticulously reviewing clinical documentation.
They follow guidelines and regulations set by organizations such as HIPAA to maintain compliance.
Medical coding is crucial for accurate billing and insurance claims processing, maintaining patient records, and ensuring healthcare providers receive appropriate reimbursement. It also supports data analysis for healthcare research and policy development.
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