Health Care Careers
Clincial Coding
Professional Clinical Coder
Career Description:
- Professional coders are members of the Health Information Management team or a Physician Practice Organization
- Responsible for abstracting pertinent information from patient records
- Apply codes based on documentation, guidelines and standards, regulations and policies
- Keeps abreast of coding guidelines and reimbursement reporting requirements.
Work Environment:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient Clinics
- Physician’s Offices
Working Conditions:
- Always work indoors
- Fast-paced, constantly changing environment
- Low level of social contact
- May work full or part-time
- Required to sit for long periods of time; use desk and computer workstation
Job Outlook:
- The U.S. Department of labor predicts the employment rate for professional coders to grow faster than average, and expectations are for 21-35% growth of jobs through 2012
Career Advancement:
- Advance through specialization or additional education
- Can work in HIM, Compliance or for Patient Financial Services
- With 1 + years experience and certification it is possible travel around the country to work in different hospitals, clinics
Earnings:
- In Massachusetts, most professional coders make $15.50 - $20.70 per hour ($32,280-$43,080 per year). Some Professional coders make over $30 per hour or over $62,000.00 per year
- Wages vary by employer, location and experience
Salary information is based on data extracted from the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development Career Information System, the Massachusetts Hospital Association “Pulse” website, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages vary by employer, geographical location, experience and level of education. Salaries in the Boston area are generally higher than stated Massachusetts and National averages.
Education/Training Required:
- Complete accredited RHIT program; most programs lead to a 2- year Associate Degree
- Education includes: anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical terminology, coding classifications
- Hands-on, practical training in hospital, physician’s office setting
- Successful completion of national certification exam is preferred
- Continuing education courses are required to renew certification
Prerequisite Educational Requirements:
- High School Diploma
- Ability to pass college placement exam (math, reading comprehension)
Is this career for you?
- Can you successfully complete required math and science courses?
- Do you enjoy working alone?
- Do you enjoy a fast-paced environment?
- Are you interested in computer technology?
- Are you a good reader ?
- Are you ale to sit for long periods of time?
- Do you have good dexterity on your hands and the ability to hold your arm/hand in one position for extended periods of time?
- Do you enjoy learning and education on an ongoing basis?
For more information on this career:
Schools:
Schools for Medical Billing and Coding-Mass Pulse
