What is medical coding?

Medical coding is an essential part of the healthcare industry, as it helps to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement for medical services. The codes used in medical coding are standardized and allow for easy communication between healthcare providers and insurance companies. In addition to billing purposes, medical coding is also used for research and analysis, as the data can be analyzed to identify trends and patterns in healthcare utilization and outcomes. Medical coders are trained professionals who have a thorough understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. They are responsible for reviewing medical records and assigning the appropriate codes to accurately reflect the services provided. Medical coders must also stay up-to-date with changes in coding regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance and accuracy in their work. A career in medical coding can offer stability, job security, and opportunities for advancement.

What are the job opportunities in medical coding?

There are various job opportunities in medical coding, including: Medical Coder: This is the most common role in medical coding. Medical coders are responsible for accurately coding diagnoses, treatments, and procedures using various coding systems. They work in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and physician offices. Medical Coding Auditor: This role involves auditing and reviewing medical codes to ensure accuracy and compliance with coding guidelines. Medical coding auditors may work for healthcare providers, insurance companies, or consulting firms. Other job opportunities in medical coding include coding managers, coding educators, compliance specialists, and billing specialists. The demand for medical coders and related roles is expected to grow as the healthcare industry continues to expand and evolve.

What qualifications do I need to become a medical coder?

To become a medical coder, you typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition to a high school diploma or equivalent, a post-secondary education in medical coding, healthcare administration, or a related field can be helpful. Some employers prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field. Certification in medical coding is becoming increasingly important for job seekers in this field. The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a widely recognized certification that can demonstrate proficiency and knowledge of medical coding. Other certifications include the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) offered by the Healthcare Billing and Management Association (HBMA). In addition to education and certification, successful medical coders must have strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to interpret complex medical information. Strong communication skills are also important as medical coders often interact with healthcare providers and insurance companies to ensure accurate billing and documentation.

What skills are required to be a successful medical coder?

Successful medical coders require a combination of technical, analytical, and communication skills. They must have a thorough understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as a proficiency in coding systems and software. Attention to detail and accuracy are crucial, as coding errors can lead to denied claims and financial loss. Medical coders must also have strong analytical skills to interpret medical records and accurately assign codes. They should be able to work efficiently under pressure, manage deadlines, and adapt to changing regulations and coding guidelines. Additionally, good communication skills are important for collaborating with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and other stakeholders in the billing process.

What types of jobs are available in medical coding?

There are various job opportunities available in the field of medical coding. Some of the most common roles include medical coder, medical billing specialist, coding auditor, coding educator, and medical records technician. Medical coders and billing specialists work together to ensure that medical claims are accurately coded and submitted to insurance companies for payment. Coding auditors review medical records and coding to ensure compliance with regulations and standards, while coding educators provide training and guidance to coders and healthcare providers. Medical records technicians manage and maintain patient records, including coding and billing information. These roles can be found in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and coding and billing companies.

What is the average salary for a medical coder?

The average salary for a medical coder varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and certification. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical records and health information technicians, which includes medical coders, was around $44,090 as of May 2020. However, salaries can range widely, with entry-level positions starting at around $30,000 per year and experienced coders earning upwards of $60,000 or more. Certification, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) designation, can also impact salary, as certified coders often earn more than their non-certified counterparts. Additionally, opportunities for advancement and higher salaries are available for those who pursue additional education or specialize in specific areas of medical coding.

Client Partner - Medical Coding - Inpatient Coding

Get smarter about the business of healthcare, join a company that values your work and enables you to become a true partner to your clients by investing in your growth besides empowering you to work directly on KPIs that matter to your clients.

Start your career as a Client Partner for Inpatient Medical Coding - IP /DRG with Pacific BPO, an Access Healthcare company. We are always interested in talking to inspired, talented, and motivated people. Many opportunities are available to join our vibrant culture.

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Job Location: Chennai (office only)

Job Description

Maintains a working knowledge of CPT-4, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS coding principles, governmental regulations, UHDDS (Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set) guidelines, AHA coding clinic updates, and third-party requirements regarding coding and documentation guidelines
Knowledge of Physician query process and ability to write physician queries in compliance with OIG and UHDDS regulations.
Knowledge of MS-DRG (Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups), MDC (Major Diagnostic Categories), AP-DRG (All Patient DRGs), APR-DRG (All Patient Refined DRGs) with hands-on experience in handling MS-DRG
Knowledge of CC (complication or comorbidity) and MCC (major complication or comorbidity) when used as a secondary diagnosis
Understanding and exposure to Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) program to work in tandem with MS-DRG
Hands-on experience in any Encoder tools specific to Hospital coding, such as 3M, Trucode, etc., is preferred.
The coders assigned on the project would be reviewing Inpatient and observation medical records, determining and assigning accurate diagnosis (ICD-10-CM) codes and Procedure codes (ICD-10-PCS and CPT) codes with appropriate modifiers in addition to reporting any deviations promptly
Maintains a high level of productivity and quality
Achieve the set targets and cooperate with the respective team in achieving the set Turnaround Time, keeping an elevated level of accuracy
We will screen the coders for reasonable comprehension and analytical skills as a prerequisite for reviewing the medical documentation and delivering accurate Coding.
The coders must deliver an internal accuracy of 95%, meet the turnaround time requirements, and meet the productivity standards set internally per the specialty
Maintains a high degree of professional and ethical standards
Focuses on continuous improvement by working on projects that enable customers to arrest revenue leakage while complying with the standards
Focuses on updating coding skills and knowledge by participating in coding team meetings and educational conferences.
Conducts refresher training programs periodically within the organization

Qualifications

To be considered for this position, applicants need to meet the following qualification criteria:

1 to 4 years of experience in Medical Coding
Candidates holding CCS/CIC with hospital coding experience are preferable.
Good knowledge of Medical Coding and billing systems, medical terminologies, regulatory requirements, auditing concepts, and principles

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Office Address: A-9, First Main Road, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai - 600058, Tamil Nadu, India

Client Partner - Medical Coding - Inpatient Coding - IP/DRG

Job Location: Chennai (office only)

Job Description

Qualifications

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