CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Medical records coders translate a patient’s medical diagnosis and other health information into codes, using a national classification system.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$39,180
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
5,609
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Medical Records Coder Job Description
A medical records coder is an exciting and growing career that offers flexibility in work hours, the opportunity to work from home and even the potential to freelance.
Medical records coders translate written diagnoses, treatments and procedures into the appropriate codes. Once the proper codes are determined, the medical records coder then enters the data in a computer software program that compiles the information for each patient.
Medical records coders are responsible for tracking and following up with claims. They often collaborate with the billing department to ensure bills are paid in a timely manner. They work closely with insurance companies to resolve coding errors and disputes. They contact physicians and other health care professionals when there are questions about treatments or tests with regards to coding procedures.
Medical Records Coder Job Responsibilities
Medical records coders may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Translate medical diagnoses and procedures into standardized codes
- Obtain data from charts, research codes and enter info into a computer software
program - Conduct audits to ensure all documentation is accurate and precise
- Collaborate with billing departments
- Communicate with insurance companies about coding errors and disputes
- Communicate with healthcare professionals
Medical Records Coder Salary
The actual salary of the medical records coder can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $39,180*
National average per hour: $18.83*
- $32,344 to $54,330 per year**
- $36,982 per year; $17.78 per hour***
- $45,278 to $61,222 per year****
- $26,000 to $54,000 per year*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Medical Records Coder Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a medical records coder? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Great job outlook
- Complete education quickly
- Wide variety of health care settings to work in
- Potential to work from home
- Flexibility in work hours and shifts
- Build skills for career growth
- Not as physically demanding as other health care jobs
- Freelance opportunities
Cons
- Must be very detail-oriented
- Long hours spent in front of a computer
- Always new codes to learn
- Increased complexity of codes
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Medical Records Coder?
There a multiple ways to become a medical records coder that can include on-the job training, or a combination of formal training and on-the-job training. To get started, consider the following three first steps.r tracking and following up with claims.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED.
- Complete a certificate or associate’s degree program in medical records coding.
- Pass an exam to obtain certification. Certification is not mandatory, but is highly recommended.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the medical records coder is at the beginning of the medical career pathway, but can be preceded by other entry-level jobs. A sample career path could look like this:
Patient Service Representative > Medical Records Coder > Medical Transcriptionist
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Post secondary education of a certificate or associate’s degree program
Typical Work Experience Required
No work experience required to start.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by location.
- Detail-oriented
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Planning and organizational skills
- Knowledgeable in anatomy, biology, pharmacology and disease management
- Excellent computer and typing skills
- Ability to work without close supervision
Medical Records Coder Certifications
Although you are not required to be certified, most employers prefer that you are. Certifications make you more competitive in the job market.
The most common certifications for medical records coders are:
- CPC, Certified Professional Coder (AAPC)
- CCS, Certified Coding Specialist (AHIMA)
- CMC, Certified Medical Coder (PMI)
- CCA, Certified Coding Associate (AHIMA)
These are the specialty certifications:
- COC, Certified Outpatient Coder (AAPC)
- CIC, Certified Inpatient Coder (AAPC)
- CMC, Certified Medical Coder (PMI)
- CRC, Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (AAPC)
- CASCC, Certified ASC Coder (AAPC)
- CANPC, Certified Anesthesia and Pain Management Coder (AAPC)
- CCC, Certified Cardiology Coder (AAPC)
- CCVTC, Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Coder (AAPC)
- CPCD, Certified Professional Coder in Dermatology (AAPC)
- CEDC, Certified Emergency Department Coder (AAPC)
- CEMC, Certified Evaluation and Management Coder (AAPC)
- CFPC, Certified Family Practice Coder (AAPC)
- CGIC, Certified Gastroenterology Coder (AAPC)
- CGSC, Certified General Surgery Coder (AAPC)
- CHONC, Certified Hematology and Oncology Coder (AAPC)
- CIRCC, Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (AAPC)
- COBGC, Certified Obstetrics Gynecology Coder (AAPC)
- COPC, Certified Ophthalmology Coder (AAPC)
- COSC, Certified Orthopaedic Surgery Coder (AAPC)
- CPEDC, Certified Pediatrics Coder (AAPC)
- CRHC, Certified Rheumatology Coder (AAPC)
- CUC, Certified Urology Coder (AAPC)
- CCS-P, Certified Coding Specialist Physician-based (AHIMA)
- NCICS, Insurance and Coding Specialist (NCCT)
- CBCS, Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (NHA)
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Medical Records Coder Licenses
None
Medical Records Coder Training and Preparation
Certificate or associate degree programs are available through most community colleges, technical institutes and vocational schools. There are also many online training programs available. Most training programs can be completed in 18-24 months.
When it comes time to take a certification exam, review books and certification prep guides are great tools to help you prepare. The AAPC is also an excellent resource, as it offers many online educational and review courses and materials.
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