Medical coders translate patient information into a system of codes that are stored on computers for easy access by doctors, nurses and insurance providers. Medical coders work in a variety of clinical and heath care-related settings.

Function

Medical coders perform various job functions such as analyzing data, verifying signatures and medical codes, reviewing medical charts and translating patient information into medical codes, according to Degreesource.com. Overall job functions ultimately depend on the job location.

Geography

Doctors' offices, nursing homes, clinics, outpatient care centers, hospitals, family practices, group practices and health insurance companies all employ medical coders. Some medical coders work for themselves as independent contractors.

Considerations

Medical coders can work from home or hold a traditional office job. They typically work 40 hours per week, but depending on the job, some medical coders set their own work hours, and work part-time or evening and night shifts.

Qualifications

Medical coders certified by an accredited program earn about 18 percent more than non-certified coders, according to AllHealthcareDegrees.com. Though certification is not required, some employers recommend it.

Warning

Those who want to work from home should be aware of potential scams, suggests the Medical Coding Career Guide. If the job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid scams by not paying for a job and by checking with the Better Business Bureau.

Source:

Degree Source: Medical Coding Job Description

Medical Coding Career Guide: Where Do Medical Coders Work?

AllHealthcareDegrees: Medical Coding and Medical Billing

Resource:

Medical Coding Careeer Guide: Beware of Scams

AHIMA: About Medical Coding