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Medical Coding: Is a Career as a Medical Coder for You?
Medical Coding:
Is a Career as a Medical Coder for You?
Did you know that medical coding schools train professionals that can play a role in patient care that is just as vital as the doctors who conduct the examinations, the lab technicians who run the tests, and the surgeons who perform the operations? It's true. As a medical coder, you could help the health care system run more efficiently and effectively.
You can use your knowledge of medical terminology to apply standard codes to medical procedures and diagnostic tests. Then, you can use these codes to fill out insurance forms and ensure proper patient billing. Your work will be part of an important network of electronic health information.
Are you still wondering whether a career in medical coding is right for you? If so, consider these three points:
1. No Hands-on Patient Contact
Medical billing and coding is one of the few careers in health care that doesn't require direct, hands-on patient contact. As a health professional, you can still enjoy a deep feeling of satisfaction, knowing that you're making a difference and improving the quality of patient care. But, instead of using a scalpel or needle, your medical tool will be a computer.
2. Excellent Job Prospects
As a medical coder, you can look forward to a strong job market with an expected growth rate of 20 percent from 2008 through to 2018.* This increase in growth is occurring faster than most occupations, and can be attributed to a growing elderly population needing more medical tests, procedures, and treatments. Also, the demand for professionals trained in electronic data management will steadily increase as the use of electronic health records becomes more and more prevalent.
3. Interesting Work Environment
While the majority of medical coding professionals enjoy careers in hospitals, many others find work in doctors' offices, outpatient care centers, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, and federal government agencies. This diversity of workplace settings means that you have many options open to you when seeking employment.
When you're researching medical coding schools, try to find a program that offers training in several coding systems, because different employment environments sometimes require different coding systems. For example, the coding system used for doctors' offices differs from the ones used for ambulatory settings or long-term care facilities. Having this range of coding knowledge will definitely increase your employment and career opportunities within a wide range of exciting environments.
You've now had a chance to consider a few of the reasons why a career as a medical coder could be an excellent choice. Are you ready to take the next step and find a school? If so, check out this guide to medical coding programs, and find the one that's right for you!
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, web site accessed on Nov. 23, 2010
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