Latest
Recent Blog Posts
Career Development Denise Alexander
Just because you’re pursuing a career in the healthcare field – even if it has “medical” in the name – doesn’t mean that working in a hospital or doctor’s office is your only option.
This is certainly true for medical coders. They can work in a variety of places, from government agencies and law offices to hospitals and even their own home.
Here is a look at what a medical coder is, how to get into the field and where you might end up working once you’re hired.
A medical coder will ensure the care provided to a patient is entered correctly into a computer system, which is essential for electronic health record management. The coding covers both the patient diagnosis and procedures provided, making sure there is an accurate record for future reference.
A coder works in conjunction with medical billers, physicians and others to make sure there is an accurate distribution of costs and that insurance claims are filed correctly. The coder could work on either side of the process – inputting the information or analyzing it once it’s in a system.
The job outlook for medical coders is bright, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimating employment of medical records and health information technicians will grow 9% from 2020-2030. The continued proliferation of electronic health records and an increase in medical care throughout the country because of the aging population has driven much of this growth.
Medical coders will need to be adept at using software that helps medical offices/systems manage the billing process. You’ll also need to be detail-oriented, be able to quickly understand terms and codes, and have an interest in medicine and medical procedures.
Job titles could include:
Medical coders can come from a variety of professional and educational backgrounds, but one sure way to get a head start in your career is to obtain a diploma or associate degree.
Herzing University offers both academic programs:
A medical coder could work in an inpatient or outpatient medical setting, or at a business that does not directly provide healthcare but is more concerned about the insurance/claims aspect of it.
Here are some of the possible workplaces for medical coders:
Working as a medical coder, you may have the option to work from home. Many medical coders work from home, no matter what company or organization they are employed by, especially as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
However, that doesn’t mean all coders are currently working from home or will in the future. For example, you might find hundreds of medical coding positions on job search websites that allow you to work from home, but some of those may be temporarily remote and require you to return to an office setting.
Working from home certainly has its benefits, allowing for a more flexible lifestyle. However, it’s important to remember that working from home is a privilege and works best when you have a dedicated office space. If you can’t find a room with a door you can close during phone calls, try to set up a computer on a desk in a quiet spot in your living room or basement. Secure internet access is key, as medical records contain private information that health care organizations and others are required to protect.
It’s important to keep in mind that you may be able to adapt better to a work from home position once you’ve had experience working in environments such as an office or a hospital. Consider building your skillset at an on-site location before making the transition to remote work.
Whether working on-site for a health care organization or remotely, medical coders are one of the most valuable support positions in the health care industry.
Interested in enrolling in an online program? Check out Herzing University’s medical billing and coding program options to get started today.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.
Get the latest news you need to know, from study hacks to interview tips to career advancement. Have it delivered right to your inbox biweekly.