Requirements

There are two kinds of document coders, medical and legal. This article focuses on the medical side. Many companies employ work at home medical coders. You should know your way around a computer and be able to focus on detailed documents for long periods of time. Just the ability to read and comprehend and transcribe documents that you see on a computer monitor and enter information from them into appropriate fields on online forms so they can be stored in a database, so you have to have some typing skills as well, and a bit of computer savvy. You should also be a fast reader and have a knowledge of medical billing codes in general, which requires training and education.

Educational Requirements

Courses of 4 months to 2 years are required to become a medical coder. Obviously, the more education you have, the better the chances of getting a job. A two year associate degree in medical coding can be a great advantage to you in obtaining a job in this field.

Salary

In 2004, the median salary for a medical coder was $25590, according to the US Department of labor.

Hospitals often demand better coding skills and a certification. Hospitals also often offer better benefits than a small doctor’s practice or clinic. Overtime pay is also more likely in a hospital. You may also have your eyes set on becoming a Medical Records Director or Hospital Administrator, and your start towards this supplemented by continuing education could lead to a better salary.

Work Schedule

If you are working from home, obviously the hours can be flexible, and just think of the commuting time saved. It can be a great job for a stay at home spouse with an infant to look after. You may even try to make a deal with the company you are coding for to work extra long hours if you are cash strapped and need the extra money. Working from home has never been easier. In a doctor’s office or clinic, typical day hours are followed. Hospitals also employ medical coders and are 24 by 7 operations and offer flexible schedules as a result with shift work.

Also employing medical coders besides doctor, clinics and hospitals are healthcare agencies, insurance companies , law firms, medical billing & coding service providers, nursing homes, and physician groups.

Getting Started

Talk to your guidance counselor if you are still in high school. There are many on line courses you can take as well as classroom settings for education in this career. There are online based companies you can contact and apply for work as a legal document coder. Bring your resume up to date and write a one page cover letter and apply by email. You should have the ability to work with little supervision. Medical coding/billing jobs are expected to grow through the end of this decade. A medical coder works to categorize with standard codes diseases, conditions, procedures or treatments provided by health care practitioners. This code is then used for the insurance company or Medicare, to assist in making payment to the practitioner or hospital. Medical coders may work in hospitals, a clinic or doctor’s office, and also electronically file insurance claims. Medical coders may also deal with insurance companies, and deal with patient’s inquiries about claims. You should be a detail oriented person, as correct codings for medical conditions is vital to records and insurance purposes.