How To Become a Medical Coder?

Answer 1

With the huge increase in medical jobs, all fields are open for new graduates from training programs who want to work in this exciting industry. Medical coding is one of the areas that is growing at an even faster rate than most, due in part to the necessity of accurate coders to handle increasing numbers of insurance claims and in part to the flexibility of this type of employment.

Medical coders process claims by placing the proper codes, or numbers representative of diagnostic or treatment procedures, on insurance forms. This career requires a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and organization, but it is a career that you can practice from just about any location.

Medical coders work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and as private practitioners from home. Anywhere with access to a computer and internet connection is a potential workspace for a medical coder. Many medical coders begin working in an office or hospital to gain experience, then move into contracted positions with various companies. Many small doctors’ offices do not have the resources to hire a full-time medical coder, so they contract those services to a company or individual who provides coding services on a per-piece basis.

Studying for a medical coding degree is generally a short-term prospect when compared to other degrees in the medical field. Many schools offer online classes, allowing you to study from home in your spare time to obtain your training. Medical coders study medical terminology, insurance law, claims forms, and of course the coding necessary to fill out the forms. A year is a reasonable amount of time to plan to obtain a degree in medical coding.

While there is no governing body over medical coders in general, most doctors and hospitals recognize a certificate from a recognized technical school as evidence of a coder’s training. Some on-the-job training is also possible; some medical coding companies will take new graduates in order to train them for a time, allowing them to get their experience in a larger environment handling more types of coding than a small office.

Medical coding can be a rewarding and lucrative career for anyone who has the qualities of organization, timeliness, and good observation of detail.