Medical coders work in the billing office of clinics and medical facilities and they help to complete, review, and process medical claims in order for medical professionals and hospitals to receive compensation from insurance providers for services provided to patients. It is possible to become a medical coding specialist through various paths. For example, you can find certificate programs which are available at technical colleges as well as medical trade schools.
These courses in most cases can be finished in one to two years. You can also enroll in associate degree programs provided by community colleges and these usually take about two years to finish. A number of companies today are more interested in hiring and retaining the services of those with associate degrees, and much more businesses require applicants to be certified. In order to be a certified medical coder, you must pass the Certified Professional Coder Exam which is administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders or AAPC.
There are many things to love about being a medical coding specialist. To begin with, this profession will continue to be in high demand for years to come. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, recruitment of medical coders is predicted to improve by 21% over the next decade, which is faster than the average for all careers. This trend is likely due to the rise in demand for medical services as with our rapidly graying population. In spite of the extensive use of technology in medical coding, competent professionals will still be in demand to enter data, manage and manage billing and patient information, and follow up on any inconsistencies between the healthcare provider, the hospital, and the insurance carrier.
Moreover, the working hours are relatively established and standard, typically 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week from Mondays to Fridays. Many coding professionals don't have to work night shifts or on weekends permitting them to have part-time work whenever they have free time or days off. The working environment is also relatively comfortable. Wages are also good, with the median annual salary approximately at $32,350 in May 2010, which is almost the same to what other healthcare professionals receive, only that medical coders are not as stressed physically and mentally.
Then again, the work of a medical coding specialist can be a fairly routine job and there is very little interaction with patients, so if you're looking for work with variety and excitement, or seek social interaction, this may not be suitable for you. Nevertheless, medical coding can be an excellent stepping stone into a more rewarding, better career as a supervisor or manager. Then again, these positions are generally open to those who have completed associate degrees or higher.
These courses in most cases can be finished in one to two years. You can also enroll in associate degree programs provided by community colleges and these usually take about two years to finish. A number of companies today are more interested in hiring and retaining the services of those with associate degrees, and much more businesses require applicants to be certified. In order to be a certified medical coder, you must pass the Certified Professional Coder Exam which is administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders or AAPC.
There are many things to love about being a medical coding specialist. To begin with, this profession will continue to be in high demand for years to come. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, recruitment of medical coders is predicted to improve by 21% over the next decade, which is faster than the average for all careers. This trend is likely due to the rise in demand for medical services as with our rapidly graying population. In spite of the extensive use of technology in medical coding, competent professionals will still be in demand to enter data, manage and manage billing and patient information, and follow up on any inconsistencies between the healthcare provider, the hospital, and the insurance carrier.
Moreover, the working hours are relatively established and standard, typically 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week from Mondays to Fridays. Many coding professionals don't have to work night shifts or on weekends permitting them to have part-time work whenever they have free time or days off. The working environment is also relatively comfortable. Wages are also good, with the median annual salary approximately at $32,350 in May 2010, which is almost the same to what other healthcare professionals receive, only that medical coders are not as stressed physically and mentally.
Then again, the work of a medical coding specialist can be a fairly routine job and there is very little interaction with patients, so if you're looking for work with variety and excitement, or seek social interaction, this may not be suitable for you. Nevertheless, medical coding can be an excellent stepping stone into a more rewarding, better career as a supervisor or manager. Then again, these positions are generally open to those who have completed associate degrees or higher.
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If you want to have a healthcare-related occupation that has good pay but not as stressful, being a medical coding professional is a good career path to choose. For more information on medical coding and its certification, you can follow the link.
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