Medical Coding Careers

Medical Coders do not provide direct medical care, but they are instrumental in determining which patients receive which treatment. They obtain prior medical records and determine future diagnosis and treatment. Medical records and patient health always change, and Medical Coders keep track of these changes. The Coder will also help process discharge paperwork, which allows patients to leave the health care facility on their own accord.

Coders also ensure that a patient’s medical records are kept confidential at all times. They are an important piece in ensuring that a health care provider meets government-mandated record keeping requirements. Sometimes outside organizations will ask about patient medical records, and coders are up to date with rules and regulations and make sure everything is being done correctly.

Coders deal with massive data sets on a daily basis. This data is essential for tracking the long-term success of various medical treatments. They track the progress of these treatments and report this information to the health practitioner. It’s likely that doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals see hundreds of patients each and every week, so having convenient access to this type of data is essential.

Medical coding is a very popular job in the health care industry, and there are always positions available for the right candidates. Most work in hospitals, but some work in doctor’s offices or nursing homes. Since many health care facilities are open 24/7, coders may have to work overnight shifts or holidays.

These jobs require professional certifications, which can be found through local community colleges of technical schools. These schools provide a strong background in techniques, terminology, and the daily job functions of a medical coder.

The salary for Medical Coders is about $33,000 per year. The federal government or large hospitals in metropolitan areas typically pay the best salaries. Some coders make $45,000+ and always have opportunities for overtime or time and a half on holidays. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door in the health care industry, and many coders go onto more advanced careers after working for an extended period of time.

Medical Coding is projected to grow as an industry into the future based on the industry shift to electronic medical records and a growing population of aging citizens. Healthcare databases require competent coders to get the job done. Health information is only growing in importance, which translates to job security and multiple job opportunities for those who specialize in medical coding.