Detailed information about patient injuries, diseases, and procedures can be found in medical records and documents provided by doctors and other healthcare providers.They use a universally used coding system to assign codes.Hospitals and their physicians often use these codes to reimburse claims.Prerequisites for this profession are an associate's degree and acredential in coding.
Step 1: Get a high school degree.
To become a medical coder, you need to graduate from high school.There are courses in high school that can help you in your coding career.You should have a good understanding of medical terms.
Step 2: You should consider getting a college degree.
Having an associate or bachelor's degree will help your career as a medical coder.An associates degree takes 2 years to complete, while a bachelor's degree can take 4 years.More opportunities for advancement and growth will be provided by a college degree.You can get a degree in health information technology.General education classes will be included in the degree program.
Step 3: You can choose a coding program.
Community colleges can offer associate degrees in medical coding.There are classes in person, online, or a combination.The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders are accredited by.There is a list of accredited programs on the websites of both organizations.Ask the school about their pass rate on medical coder certification exams and career placement services.If you want to attend a four-year institution later on, you should enroll in an associate's degree program.You need to know which courses you can transfer to another school.
Step 4: You should be aware of for-profit colleges and career programs.
Medical coding training is offered by for-profit colleges, which cater to the needs of older students and students who also work full-time jobs.Local community colleges are more expensive than these schools.There are fewer student support services and career placement services in these schools.Some of the schools give misleading information about their accreditation status.
Step 5: Become a member of a professional organization.
Professional organizations are a great way to learn about the field, network with other medical coders, find information about career opportunities, and stay up to date on new developments.Local chapters of these organizations can be found throughout the United States.The American Health Information Management Association and the American Academy of Professional Coders are the main professional organizations for medical coders.
Step 6: It's a good idea to start your job search early.
You should start looking for a job when you finish school.Career placement services are available at your school.It is possible to get experience and make connections with an internship.It is possible to intern while you are still in school.An experienced medical coder can help you gain experience and network if you volunteer at a place that you would like to work.Before you start looking, have someone give you feedback on your resume.
Step 7: Take alternate routes.
If you cannot find a job as a medical coder, you can always look for other opportunities in the medical field.If you want to work in the medical records department, consider working at a front desk.You are a good candidate for these positions because of your medical coder training.Ask the doctors, nurses and other people you meet about any open medical coding positions.
Step 8: You should check in with your organization.
They are great sources for jobs.Newly certified coders can find employment through the job forum and program of the AAPC.To get full access to these resources, you must be a member of AAPC.A list of open positions is one of the things the AHIMA offers.
Step 9: Career search engines can be used.
Although hundreds of jobs are posted on these websites, do not underestimate the power of networking and word of mouth.Let people know that you're looking for a job.You should use more than one search engine to find a job.
Step 10: Prepare for the interview.
Prepare for the job interview by researching the company and answering questions about your training and experience.You need to show how your skills would benefit the company and why you want to work there.You can be tested on medical terminology, electronic medical records, claims processing, and coding software that you are familiar with.Discuss any plans you have to become certified and your career goals if you are not already certified.Dress professionally, make eye contact, and give a firm handshake.dress pants or skirt, blazers, suits, dress shirt, or blouse
Step 11: You should be prepared to take an assessment test.
Potential employers may want you to take a skills assessment.All companies do not use a standardized test.The skills test will test your speed, accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to assign proper codes.If you need to bring your own coding books, you should ask how long the test will take.
Step 12: Become certified.
It's not required for medical coders to have certification.It's beneficial for your career to have a certification.A certification will let your employer know you have a certain level of knowledge.There are more opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries for certified medical coders.Certified coders make more money than non-certified coders.
Step 13: Decide which exam you want to take.
There are certifications offered by the AAPC and AHIMA.Preparing for the exam will be helped if you decide on which exam you will take.There are two certifications that are nationally recognized.Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is one of the certifications the AAPC offers.To become fully certified, you need two years of experience.If you don't have two years of experience, you will be considered an apprentice.The AHIMA has three qualifications for Certified Coding Associate,CCS andCCS-P.They don't offer an apprenticeship status certification.The AHIMA recommends that you have at least 6 months of coding experience, have an approved program, and have completed another program before taking the exam.If you would like to work in a hospital, physician's office, or a specialty practice, you should consider which certification is right for you.
Step 14: Prepare for the exam.
You can do well on your exam if you attend an accredited program and work experience as a medical coder.There are study guides and online exam preparation resources for the AHIMA and AAPC.If you're a member of the organization, they offer discounts on exam training materials.Both organizations offer in-person exam prep.People who take prep courses are more likely to pass the exam.Talking with people who have passed the exam before helps prepare you for it.You can use the study materials they have.It is possible that you will have to join the organization to take the exam.If you must submit your transcripts and resume, be prepared to pay an exam fee.
Step 15: Adhere to your credentials status.
Continuing education is required after you have passed your certification exam.The amount of Continuing Education Units depends on the certification you have received.You should check with your organization to make sure you understand the requirements.For the AHIMA, the CCA, CCS, and CCS-P, you need to have 20 hours of continuing education each year.The AAPC requires 36 credits for one certification.There are on-the-job training offered in your workplace.These count towards your CEUs.You may be required to do other activities to maintain your credential.