Medical billing and coding is a rapidly growing segment of healthcare. As such, the demand for medical coding specialists could increase in the years to come. And, those who pursue medical coding specialist jobs may find many career opportunities at their disposal.
There is a lot to like about becoming a medical coding specialist. But, before you consider medical coding specialist roles, it is important to know what to expect.
Now, let’s answer five key questions surrounding medical coding specialist jobs.
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What Is a Medical Coding Specialist?
Medical coding specialists keep medical records up to date. They also obtain payments for healthcare services.
Typically, medical coding specialists use technology as part of their everyday work. They assign standard codes for diagnoses and medical procedures. The codes are entered into patients’ health records, which can be forwarded to insurance companies to process healthcare claims.
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Where Do Medical Coding Specialists Work?
A medical coding specialist can work in a medical office, hospital, or other healthcare facilities. Most medical coding specialists perform their daily tasks in an office setting.
- Are Full- and Part-Time Medical Coding Specialist Jobs Available?
Healthcare organizations offer full- and part-time medical coding specialist jobs. The availability of these roles varies based on the employer. However, full- and part-time medical coding specialist opportunities may be available at healthcare organizations across the United States.
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How Much Can a Medical Coding Specialist Earn?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports medical coding specialists earn an average salary of $39,000 annually. BLS also points out that these specialists receive a mean hourly wage of $18.75.
In addition, medical coding specialists who earn the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential or other industry certifications tend to earn higher annual and hourly wages than their peers. These professionals may be considered top candidates for the best medical coding specialist job opportunities, too.
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What Are the Requirements to Become a Medical Coding Specialist?
Job requirements for medical coding specialist roles vary based on the employer. Common responsibilities associated with these roles include:
- Attention to detail
- Good communication skills
- Word processing, spreadsheet, and other computer skills
- Knowledge of accounting, billing, data-entry, and other types of software
- Decision-making skills
Along with these responsibilities, most healthcare organizations require medical coding specialist candidates to possess a certificate or diploma or associate degree. Some employers may require industry certification, too.
Programs are available to help those interested in pursuing careers as medical coding specialists gain the skills they need to succeed. These programs can also help individuals connect with others who aspire to become medical coding specialists and build their professional networks.
Ready to Pursue a Career As a Medical Coding Specialist? Accurate Healthcare Can Help
Accurate Healthcare offers job placement assistance for those who want to pursue careers as medical coding specialists. We can connect you with top healthcare organizations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. To learn more, please contact us today.