With the rise of CPT code implementation in the medical bill, CPT medical coding career has also experienced its demand. For the same reason, many candidates interested in both coding and medicine are trying to get associated with the industry. But they sometimes fail. The reason might be a lack of awareness about medical coding careers.
In order to get into CPT medical coding, you must know the skills as well as the educational requirements, so that you can prepare in advance and step like a pro in the industry. Our guide will tell you everything, from A-Z about the career, and how you can get associated with it.
Introduction To CPT Medical Coding Career
In the health industry, each medical service carries its code. When a patient consults a physician, and when its treatment is completed, a bill is made in which each service has to be defined properly. These codes help identify details of health services taken by a patient, with the help of which insurance payers know what exactly they have to pay for.
A medical coder is the one who recognizes these codes for each health service and lists them in the hospital bill. After when the bill is created, it is sent to the insurance payers to get the reimbursement. This shows how important a part medical coders play in helping hospitals get their revenue.
Job Responsibilities
Despite the basic role of a medical coder, there are some other roles as well that you’ll play as a coder:
- Study data required for seamless reimbursement
- Sequence the codes based on government and insurance regulations
- Carefully prepare and proceed with medical records
- Read the documents and identify their weaknesses
- Collaborate with other departments related to coding
How Much They Earn
According to the survey of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Institute, medical coders earn an average of up to $27.91/hour or $58,055 per year.
Another wonderful point to note about the career is that this salary exceeds the median salary of all professions in the United States. This amount could also grow by experience, health facility size, and skills. This demonstrates how thriving CPT medical coding career is.
Is Medical Coding Career In Demand?
Since the way hospitals generate revenue changed, the demand for skilled CPT medical coding individuals has increased. Besides, the rise in population and efforts to upgrade healthcare operations in the United States has made this career to be at the top of other professions.
Additionally, along with medical coders, physicians have also seen a rising demand in the industry. As it is expected that by 2030, there will be a shortage of 105,000 physicians in health facilities.
Where Do They Work?
CPT medical coding offers diverse RCM job opportunities. Besides health facilities, medical coders are also required by:
- Clinics
- Hospices
- Telehealth providers
- Collection agencies
- Risk adjustment vendors
- Insurance organizations
- Federal government agencies
- IT services
- Imaging centers
- Home health agencies
- EHR software vendors
- State government agencies
- Career colleges
- Medical laboratories
- Rehabilitation services
- Clearing houses
Start Your Quest for Mastery—Tap Here to Open the Doors of CPT Learning
One of the most prominent benefits of pursuing CPT medical coding is that this career offers many remote jobs. This can be illustrated by the fact that about ⅓ AAPC-certified medical coders work on a remote basis. That means if you don’t want to come out of your comfort zone, medical coding is the best option for you.
Educational Requirements Of Medical Coding
Though there are a number of medical coding courses available, the program Certified Medical Coder (CMC) is considered the industry standard. You can take any course to become a medical coder, but taking this one can make you a valuable candidate.
Besides, a bachelor’s degree is preferable for employers hiring CPT medical coding individuals. But you can also start a career by only owning a high school diploma. Having prior institutional experience can further stand you out from the crowd.
Skill Requirement For A Medical Coder
As a degree can make you a valuable candidate in front of employers, skills can further enhance your ability to excel in your role. But you don’t need to spend much time learning these skills, as only developing the fundamentals of these abilities will be enough.
Before jumping into the career, practice the following skills.
Soft Skills
Attention To Detail
Any inaccurate code may lead to canceled revenue. That’s why you must be attentive all the time during the job.
Organization
You will have to manage a number of tasks at a time, so you must know how to handle all that. Especially if you work in a remote setting, having organizational skills will keep you on track and meet deadlines.
Ethics
You will work on patient data all the time, so you have to comply with HIPAA’s privacy rules. You will also be required to observe patient behavior and report anything suspicious to the health facility.
Socializing
As you will work with other departments, you will have to socialize with their team members and maintain a friendly attitude throughout the job premises.
Analytical Thinking
CPT medical coding requires careful execution of claim forms with accurate codes. So you will have to possess analytical thinking in order to connect code-related data and identify any issue.
Computer Proficient
Medical coders use Electronic Health Records (EHR) software to conduct billing. So as a coder, you will have to be proficient in using a computer and updated software.
Know the Reality of Coding Career
Technical Skills
- CPT Coding
- HCPCS coding
- Customer billing
- ICD-10
- IT in health
- Anatomy and physiology
- Documentation handling
- Inpatient coding
- HIPAA (Health insurance portability and Accountability) compliance
Transferable Skills
- Communication
- Research
- Microsoft suite
- Teamwork
- Multi-task handling
- Analytics understanding
- Problem-solving
- Time management
Roadmap To Become A Medical Coder
After specifying all the skills and qualifications required to get into CPT medical coding, now let’s have a look at the roadmap that you’ll have to follow if you start from scratch.
First, you have to complete your high school diploma or bachelor’s degree in a relative field. It will make you eligible for medical coding job positions. Then, go for attaining a coding certificate in order to prove your credibility. These certificates will get you in return for your training courses, which will give you real-time experience as well.Â
After getting basic education, try to learn the above-mentioned skills and practice them as much as possible. Possessing all these skills will help you cross the competition and show your dedication toward your career. It is also a good idea if you take a CPT medical coding license from a reputable institute, which will increase your authority.
When you are done with this, you are all set to step into your career. Research the internet and apply to various job websites. Since you have made yourself a desired candidate with the help of skills and qualifications, you can get any opportunity effortlessly.
Jump Into The Career
In this guide, we have listed everything about CPT medical coding, from requirements to roadmaps you can follow to start your career. Now you can get a job and earn according to your potential. There is nothing stopping you to establish your career.