Medical coding specialists look at patient injuries, diseases, and procedures from medical records and documents provided by doctors and other healthcare providersThey use a universally used coding system to assign codes to the information.Hospitals and their doctors often use these codes to reimburse claims.Prerequisites for this profession include an associate's degree and a coding credentials.
Step 1: You have to get a high school diploma.
Graduating from high school is required to become a medical coder.There are courses in high school that can help you in your coding career.You should have a good knowledge of medical terms.
Step 2: If you want a college degree, consider it.
Having an associate or bachelor's degree will help you in your career as a medical coder.A bachelor's degree typically takes 4 years to complete, while an associates degree takes 2 years.More opportunities for advancement and growth will be provided by a college degree.You can get a degree in health information technology.General education classes and medical coding specific courses will be included in the degree program.
Step 3: A medical coding program is a good choice.
Community colleges offer associate degrees in medical coding.There are classes in person, online or a combination.The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders are accredited by.There is a list of accredited programs on the websites of these organizations.Ask the school about their pass rate on medical coder certification exams and career placement services.If you want to attend a four-year institution later on, you should enroll in an associate's degree program.You should know which courses you can transfer to another school.
Step 4: Know about for-profit colleges and career programs.
Medical coding training is offered by for-profit colleges, which cater to the needs of older students and students who also work full-time jobs.Local community colleges are less expensive than these schools.There are fewer student support services and career placement services in these schools.Some schools give misleading information about their accreditation status.
Step 5: You can join an organization.
Professional organizations are a great way to learn about the field, network with other medical coders, find information about career opportunities, and stay up to date on new developments.Local chapters of these organizations can be found throughout the United States.The American Health Information Management Association and the American Academy of Professional Coders are the main professional organizations.
Step 6: It's a good idea to begin your job search early.
You should start looking for a job after you finish school.Career placement services are available at your school.It is possible to get experience and make connections through internship.If you are still in school, you may want to intern.An experienced medical coder can help you gain experience and network by volunteering at a place that you would like to work.If you want someone to give you feedback, update your resume.
Step 7: Consider alternatives.
If you cannot find a job as a medical coder, you can always look for other jobs in the medical field.If you want to work in the medical records department, consider working at a front desk.You are a good candidate for these positions because of your training as a medical coder.Ask the doctors, nurses and other people you meet about any open medical coding positions.
Step 8: You can check in with your organization.
There are lots of jobs at the AHIMA and AAPC.Newly certified coders can benefit from the AAPC's job forum and program.To get full access to these resources, you need to be a member of AAPC.A list of open positions is offered by the AHIMA.
Step 9: Career search engines are useful.
Although hundreds of jobs are posted on these websites, do not underestimate the power of networking and word of mouth.Let people know that you are looking for a job.You should use other methods to find a job.
Step 10: Prepare for an interview
Prepare for your job interview by researching the company and answering questions about your training and experience.You should show how your skills would benefit the company and why you want to work there.You can be tested on medical terminology, electronic medical records, claims processing, and coding software that you are familiar with.Discuss any plans you have to become certified if you are not already certified.Make eye contact, give a firm handshake, and dress professionally.dress pants or skirt, blazers, suits, dress shirt, or blouse
Step 11: Prepare to take the test.
Potential employers may want you to take a skills assessment.All companies do not use a standardized test.The skills test will test your speed, accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to assign proper codes.If you need to bring your own coding books, you should ask how long the test will take.
Step 12: Become certified if you want to.
Medical coders don't need certification.It is beneficial for your career to have a certification.A certification will let your employer know that you have a certain level of knowledge.There are more opportunities for career advancement for certified medical coders.Certified coders make more money than non-certified ones.
Step 13: Do you want to sit for the exam?
There are certifications offered by the AAPC and AHIMA.Preparing for the exam will be helped if you decide on which exam you will take.The certifications are nationally recognized.Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is one of the certifications offered by the AAPC.To become fully certified, you need two years of experience.If you don't have two years of experience, your certification will be considered an apprenticeship.The AHIMA has three qualifications for Certified Coding Associate,CCS andCCS-P.They don't offer an apprenticeship status certification.You should have at least 6 months of coding experience, an AHIMA approved program, or have completed another coding program before taking the exam.If you would like to work in a hospital, physician's office, or a specialty practice, you should consider which certification is right for you.
Step 14: Prepare for the test.
You can do well on your exam if you attend an accredited program and work experience as a medical coder.There are online exam preparation resources for the AHIMA and AAPC.If you are a member of the organization, they offer discounts on exam training materials.Both organizations offer in-person exam prep.People who take prep courses are more likely to pass the exam.It's a good idea to talk to people who have passed the exam before.You can use the study materials they have.You might have to join the organization to take the exam.If required, submit your transcripts and resume if you pay the exam fee.
Step 15: Your credentials should be maintained.
Continuing education is required after you have passed your certification exam.The amount of Continuing Education Units depends on the certification you received.You should check with your organization to make sure you understand the requirements.For the AHIMA, the CCA, CCS, and CCS-P, you have to have 20 hours of continuing education each year.For one certification, the AAPC requires 36 CEUs.There are on-the-job training offered in your workplace.These are counted towards your CEUs.You may be required to do other activities to maintain your credential.