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Training in Medical Coding

Medical coders turn physicians' notes into standard medical insurance codes so that claims can be readily processed and paid. If you're great with detail and enjoy working with numbers, you'll thrive in a medical coding career.

What You'll Learn in Online Medical Coding Courses

You'll learn about medicine and coding when you take online medical coding courses. Your courses will cover medical terms, anatomy, and pharmacology, so that you understand the services physicians provide. You'll also take courses in basic and advanced coding languages, such as CPT-4 and ICD-9. Make sure that the program in which you enroll will prepare you to take the Certified Coding Associate, the Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice, or Hospital Apprentice exams. Most online medical coding certificates can be completed in a year or less; an associate's degree in coding takes about two years. Look for a school that gives you coding experience with both inpatient and outpatient records.

What You'll Do in Your Medical Coding Career

As a health information coder, medical record coder, or coding specialist, you'll work in the insurance billing department of a healthcare facility or private billing firm. Insurance claims by our aging population are expected to keep the demand for medical coding extremely strong, making medical coder a secure career choice. You can find out about the profession and coding exams through the American Academy of Professional Coders.

Sources

• American Health Information Management Association
• Occupational Outlook Handbook