In order to receive payment, hospitals and medical practices must submit claims to insurance companies following specialized processes established by insurers. Medical record coders are the individuals responsible for the claims submitting process.

Function

Medical record coders translate descriptions of patient diagnoses, tests ordered and treatments provided into special alphanumeric codes. When submitted to insurance companies, these codes provide information about what needs to be paid to the medical practice or hospital.

Features

Insurers use several different coding systems and make changes to them frequently, making it sometimes necessary for medical coders to contact insurance companies with questions about how to process a particular claim. Coders may also talk to physicians and other providers to ask for more information about a particular patient if the information in the medical records is unclear or seems incorrect.

Skills

Successful medical coders possess attentiveness to detail, written and communication skills, a good memory and the flexibility to adapt to frequent changes. Familiarity with how to operate computers and the ability to learn new software programs is also necessary.

Education

Because medical record coders need knowledge of medical terminology, post-secondary education is a requirement for work in the field. Most coders complete two-year associate's degree programs offered by medical training schools and community colleges.

Compensation

As of January 2010, medical coders averaged annual salaries of $46,000, according to Indeed.com.

Source:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

American Health Information Management Association

Indeed.com