Medical coders perform the critical scenes of medical facilities by assuring that patients’ data has been accurately logged within the electronic health records (EHRs). Medical coding requires a detailed-oriented approach along with a specialized technical skillset.
Choosing medical coding as a career is an ideal profession for those who want to work in a non-patient-facing position in the sector of the healthcare industry.
The rapid increase in the adoption of electronic health records has led to making medical coding a faster career rather than the average career.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rise by 8% openings in medical coding careers has been defined.
To become a medical coder, the person must be fluent in a coding system like the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and the associated healthcare.
Despite having complete preliminary education, medical coders are presented with a series of professional credential opportunities that helps in distinguishing the coder from the kickstart and pack of their career.
In addition to the certification credentials, the medical coders must develop a complete range of professional skills that helps in excellent job performance. The medical coders need to be analytical and detailed-oriented along with having an ability to discuss the patient’s medical data with the team of hospital administration and physicians.
Read Also :-What Is CPC ?
CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
The concept of obtaining CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification implies the fact that an individual has met the competencies within the medical billing and coding field. The concept of achieving certification would make the student confident, informed about decisions associated with the national certifications.
CPC
The Certified Professional Coder exam is offered by the American Academy of Professional coders (AAPC). It is categorized as gold standard entry-level coding certification for coders, professional fees, and physicians.
CCA
Certified Coding Associate has been offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is an entry-level certification of medical coding defined across the entire settings including the inpatient hospital and physician practices
CBCS
Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is offered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA) and has been termed as the current entry-level medical billing certification for the physician practices.
CHOOSING MEDICAL CODING AS A CAREER
As per the evaluation of data done by the US News and World Report, it has ranked the medical records technician as 9th on the list of 25 best jobs that does not need the college degree. Based on this, it has been found that medical coding and billing leads to achieving a higher level of satisfaction.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING CAREER
To achieve the entry-level position there finds the need for job seekers to accomplish specified certification or course. It could be also achieved by completing a degree association program in medical coding and billing. For working effectively within the field of healthcare and professionals, there finds a need for medical coding and billing professionals to have a proper understanding of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
To achieve the medical billing and coding certification, a time duration of 1 year is required, whereas to earn an associate degree three years of time duration could be needed.
The medical coding and billing certification have been valid for 2 years after it has been awarded. For maintaining the valid status of certification, coders and billers must accomplish a specified number of continuing education units every two years.
This would help in achieving a higher level of satisfaction among the larger group settings. It will lead to providing higher salaries as compared to that of other healthcare professions.