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Medical Coder Job Description Template

Job Description Template

Medical Coder Description Template

June 22, 2021

Medical Coder Working A Project

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.

Use our VIVAHR software to make this process easier. We make the hiring process easier for you by providing a template to upload to our website easily.

Make sure to include the position’s and your company’s specific requirements, benefits, and perks.

Ready? Let’s go! 🚀

What is a Medical Coder?

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.

Related Job Titles for Medical Coder

The Top Medical Coder Skills

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.

Medical Coder Job Description Template (Free)

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.

Medical Coder Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Extraction of pertinent data from patient records.
  • To clarify information, liaise with physicians and other parties.
  • Examining documents for information that is missing.
  • CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10-CM, and ASA codes are assigned.
  • APC and DRG codes are assigned.
  • Assuring that documents are grammatically correct and error-free.
  • Conducting chart audits
  • Providing medical coding advice and training to physicians and staff.
  • Notifying the supervisor of equipment and computer program problems.
  • Ensuring that medical coding policies and guidelines are followed.

Medical Coder Requirements:

  • A high school diploma, a GED, or an appropriate equivalent is required.
  • Working as a medical coder for at least two years.
  • Certification from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
  • Computer proficiency is required.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Outstanding ability to organize.
  • Ability to keep confidential information confidential.

Accounting Specialist Interview Questrions

Sample Interview Questions for a Medical Coder

Here is a list of interview questions you can use once you have shortlisted your applicants for the medical coder position.

Personal
  1. What motivated you to pursue a career in medical coding?
  2. Can you describe a time when you had to overcome a significant challenge in your career?
  3. How do you stay organized and manage your time when working with multiple coding projects?
Human Resources
  1. How do you handle working in a team environment, especially when there are conflicting opinions?
  2. Can you provide an example of how you dealt with a difficult coworker or supervisor?
  3. What strategies do you use to maintain confidentiality and protect patient information?
Management
  1. How do you prioritize your tasks when you have multiple deadlines to meet?
  2. Can you describe a situation where you identified an error in medical documentation and how you addressed it?
  3. What steps do you take to ensure your work meets quality standards and compliance regulations?
Technical Skills and Knowledge
  1. What coding systems are you most familiar with, and how have you used them in your previous roles?
  2. Can you walk me through your process for coding a complex medical case?
  3. How do you stay current with changes in medical coding standards and regulations?

What are the Educational Requirements for a Medical Coder?

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).

How Much to Pay a Medical Coder when Hiring

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Coder

 

What qualifications and certifications are necessary for a medical coder?

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).

What are the primary responsibilities of a medical coder?

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.

How does a medical coder ensure accuracy and compliance in their work?

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.

What is the importance of medical coding in the healthcare industry?

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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