Medical coding, a promising entry-level job for graduates
Chennai
Medical Coding involves assigning standardised numeric and alphanumeric codes to represent the diagnosis, procedures and supplies documented by the healthcare providers in a patient’s medical record. This is done by certified coding specialists. How a medical procedure is coded, determines the financial reimbursement for that particular procedure.
Accuracy in coding also ensures quality data for future medical decisions. When patients receive medical care or services, it the responsibility of the Medical Coder to convert or translate the services received into codes which will later help in billing, administration, fraud detection and investigation, recovery etc.
Career in coding
Medical coding is the fastest-growing outsourced business process in India and certified coders are in demand. But few healthcare employers are adequately staffed with trained medical coders. The sector is reeling from a lack of qualified candidates. Even in the US, only 4550 per cent employers have adequate staff of medical coders on account of the lack of trained candidates. With the growth of private insurance sector in India, the healthcare industry could soon be based on insurance, leading to the need for medical coding in different areas of healthcare.
The physician’s offices, the hospitals and insurance firms may demand more Medical Coders in the future, whereas presently the need for coders is high only in outsourcing companies in India. Even though software has been developed to assist with the role, a qualified individual is required to feed the data, and follow up on any discrepancies between the healthcare provider, hospital, and the insurance company. An effective and efficient coder is essential to the financial success of a practice. The coders help the physicians get reimbursed accurately and on time.
The hours for medical coders are fairly set – a 40 to 45-hour work week, from Monday to Friday, is standard. Medical coding can be an excellent stepping stone onto a more lucrative, higher-level career in medical office management, or medical office operations, if one wishes to earn more or do more in the long-term, beyond just medical coding.
What it takes
A Medical Coder must have an understanding of human anatomy, physiology and medical terminologies. A life science graduate with interest in healthcare, has an edge to become a Coder. Other skills include accuracy, critical thinking, attention to detail, willingness to learn, self-motivation, flexibility and organisational skills. A Bachelor’s degree-holder in biotech, microbiology, botany, zoology, physiotherapy, pharma can opt for medical coding training offered by various institutes. Those who work as Medical Transcriptionists or have completed training are also highly preferred for such jobs as they have knowledge of anatomy, physiology and health records. A certified Medical Coder can expect anywhere from Rs 2,40,0003,00,000 annually and a hike of 12-15 per cent every year. There are many opportunities for medical coders in the US as well as the Middle-East.
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