| Medical coding is starting to become one of the | | | | work in the comfort of their own homes if |
| strongest and most stable careers in the country | | | | allowed by employers. A career in medical coding |
| as demand for skilled medical coding graduates is | | | | also offers many opportunities for advancement |
| increasing significantly and will continue to grow | | | | within the industry as medical coders have the |
| over the next 10 years. The need for medical | | | | option of specializing in certain fields that may suit |
| coders will rise as the demand for health care | | | | their interests, such as cancer and neurology. |
| rapidly grows. In addition, inquiries made by | | | | Obtaining a medical coding degree and passing the |
| medical insurance companies and regulators will | | | | national coding certification exams will enhance job |
| increase as the number for medical tests, | | | | prospects as employers highly regard qualified and |
| procedures, surgical interventions, and treatments | | | | credentialed coders. Responsibilities of medical |
| expands. | | | | coders are starting to be wide-ranged as health |
| There are many benefits that come with a | | | | care regulations and paperwork increases. |
| career in medical coding. It is a rewarding career | | | | Because of this, employers have more confidence |
| with a median annual income of $30,000 to | | | | in hiring coders who possess a coding certification |
| $45,000. Starting pay for medical coders without | | | | with a strong background and formal training. |
| experience is around $11 per hour and is likely to | | | | To be a certified medical coder, you must pass a |
| increase after five years of experience. Most | | | | written examination offered by the American |
| employed medical coders are also given health | | | | Health Information Management Association |
| insurance, paid vacations, and a 401(k) package. | | | | (AHIMA). The CCA (Certified Coding Associate) is |
| Medical coding is also one of the very few | | | | an entry level coding certification for recent |
| professions in health care that does not come into | | | | graduates. CCA candidates must possess a U.S. |
| contact with patients. Most of the time, coders | | | | high school diploma or its equivalent and preferably |
| work in clean and comfortable offices of | | | | have six months of experience in the application |
| physicians, health care facilities, nursing facilities, | | | | of the ICD-9 and CPT coding or have completed |
| hospital finance departments, insurance companies, | | | | a formal coding training program. |
| or research institutions. In some cases, coders | | | | |