Are you interested in a career in healthcare that combines data, technology and attention to detail? Medical coders, also known as Medical Records Specialists, play a vital role in the healthcare system. They’re responsible for updating patient information into codes used for recordkeeping, data management, and insurance billing.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), one of a medical coder’s primary responsibilities is translating doctors’ notes, diagnoses, and medical information into medical codes. These codes ensure that healthcare providers and insurance companies can communicate efficiently and bill accurately.
If you’re passionate about healthcare and enjoy working with technology, training to become a medical coder may be a great option for you. This article explains what medical coders do, why they’re essential, and how to begin your training.
What Is Medical Coding?
Medical coders play a crucial role in the healthcare system. They translate patient information, such as diagnoses, procedures, and treatments, into numerical codes. These are then used to create electronic medical records and ensure accurate billing and data reporting.
Medical coders review documentation from healthcare providers and assign the appropriate codes based on official classification systems. Their work helps streamline illness reporting, track disease trends and measure treatment effectiveness across healthcare networks.
Codes are regulated by The Center for Disease Control (CDC), which allows healthcare data to be shared seamlessly and understood across the U.S. Most medical coders work in general practice offices, while others specialize in specific areas of coding, like creating cancer registries. Those professionals, for example, may require additional training and certification.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Medical Coder?
Becoming a medical coder can take anywhere from 9 months to several years, depending on the type of education or certification you pursue. According to the BLS, many employers prefer candidates with postsecondary education, such as a certificate, diploma, or degree, though some entry-level positions may only require a high school diploma.
At MTI, our Medical coding training program is a 9 month program available at Springfield, IL, East Peoria, IL and Springfield, MO. The program will provide you the hands-on training and skills needed to pursue an entry-level position in the industry. You’ll also be prepared for the medical coding certification exam.
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Is Medical Coding Hard To Learn?
While learning to code accurately can be challenging, with the right training and support, you can learn the skills!
There are several complex coding systems, including:
- International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is a code that represents doctors’ diagnoses and patients’ conditions. Created by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the 1940s, the code has been updated several times.
- As of 2016, the medical industry is using version ICD-10-CM, which stands for International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision Clinical Modification. The clinical modification (CM) is a batch of revisions implemented by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), which allows coders to have more flexibility and be more specific within their reporting. ICD-10-CM codes are used to help to determine acceptable treatment based on previous occurrences on other patients and the history of the illness around the U.S.’
- The Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) is a procedure code set that represents most of the medical procedures that occur in a physician’s office. Regulated by the American Medical Association (AMA) and updated annually, the CPT includes five-digit numeric codes that fit within three categories, encompassing most facets of medical care, quality control and research.
- The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) is developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and maintained by the AMA. The HCPCS identifies services, procedures, and equipment that aren’t represented by CPT codes.
Medical coders must be detail-oriented, meet tight deadlines, and understand complex coding systems. Throughout your career as a medical coder, you may encounter various scenarios that require careful interpretation and accurate code selection. Fortunately, you can develop those skills through training and experience. Plus, medical coders have access to reference materials and software to help ensure accuracy and compliance.
The Steps to Becoming a Medical Coder
Step 1: Complete a Medical Coding Training Program
One of the most common ways to begin a career in medical coding is through postsecondary training. These programs introduce you to the tools, terminology, and technical skills you need to succeed in the field.
Attending a trade school, like MTI, gives you hands-on training from experienced instructors, helping you develop a strong foundation of the skills needed to work professionally in the field. MTI’s 9-month Medical Coding Specialist Program also includes an Externship, giving you real-world experience in the field before you graduate.
Step 2: Earn Medical Coding Certification
According to the BLS, many employers prefer, and some require, candidates who hold a medical coding certification. These credentials demonstrate expertise and competence in the field.
Common certifications include:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
- Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
Each certification typically requires you to pass an exam or complete an accredited program, and some may also require that you have medical coding experience. To maintain certification, you must renew credentials regularly and complete continuing education to stay current with changing medical codes and regulations.One of the most recognized credentials in the industry is the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam, administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
The CPC exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions designed to test a candidate’s ability to accurately code diagnoses, procedures, and medical services. The exam covers areas such as:
- Assigning accurate codes for physician services and procedures
- Proficiency across a wide range of services, including evaluation and management, anesthesia, surgery, radiology, pathology, and medicine
- Understanding of compliance, reimbursement, and claims management Integration of medical coding and payment policy changes
- Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
At MTI, the Medical Coding Specialist Program will prepare you to take the CPC exam. The cost of medical coding certification and AAPC student membership fees are included in tuition, to help you earn your certification!
Step 3: Begin Your Medical Coding Career
After successfully completing your training and earning your certification, you’ll be ready to start your career! According to the BLS, employment of medical coders is projected to grow 7% through 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations (3%). This growth represents an estimated 14,200 job openings per year through the decade.
At MTI, all qualified graduates receive job placement assistance, to help you land a job in the field after graduation. We’ll help you identify what kind of medical coding role is right for you!
Where Do Medical Coders Work?
Medical coders have a variety of work environment options across the healthcare industry. According to the BLS, most medical coders work full time, with the largest percentage (28%) working in hospitals, followed by physician offices (19%). Other opportunities exist in outpatient care centers, insurance companies, and specialty clinics.
While many medical coders work on-site, remote positions are becoming increasingly common. Coders who work from home typically have several years of experience and a proven record of accuracy and compliance. Remote medical coders are usually required to have a secure, HIPAA-compliant computer, a fast and reliable internet connection, as well as access to industry-approved coding software and reference tools.
In their daily work, medical coders may operate independently or as part of a team. Coders in larger healthcare systems often specialize in specific medical areas, while those in smaller offices may handle a wider variety of diagnoses and procedures. Regardless of the setting, medical coders play a critical role in maintaining accurate records and supporting efficient healthcare operations.
A Day in the Life of a Medical Coder
Medical coders work in fast-paced environments and are often responsible for meeting tight deadlines to keep healthcare operations running smoothly.
Most medical coders spend the majority of their day on a computer, reviewing patient information and translating medical documentation into standardized codes used for billing, reporting and data management.
Coders dedicate their working hours to several tasks, including:
- Reviewing documentation, such as patient records
- Updating and organizing databases and registries
- Translating doctors’ notes and records into code for insurance and payment purpose
- Assigning codes and entering data for analysis, reporting, storage, and retrieval
- Returning unprocessed documents
Although the work is detail-oriented and deadline-driven, medical coders play a crucial behind-the-scenes role. Their accuracy ensures that healthcare providers are properly reimbursed and that patient data remains consistent, accessible and compliant with federal standards.
How to Find the Right Medical Coding Program For You
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a career in healthcare, check out the Medical Coding Specialist Program at MTI!
At MTI, you’ll gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to start an entry-level role in medical coding.
The program includes:
- Career-focused curriculum led by instructors with professional medical billing & coding experience.
- Practical experience gained through exercises, assignments, and an externship that prepares you to step confidently into your first medical billing & coding job.
- Student support available from instructors, job placement coordinators, student services, and more to help students succeed every step of the way.
- Medical Coding Certification preparation to help students earn the credentials they need to successfully start a career.
- Job Placement Assistance available to all qualified students to help launch their careers after graduation.
- Medical Coding Skills including Anatomy, Medical Terminology, Etiology and Pathology courses, as well as office and administration skills, insurance claims and guidelines, and more!
With MTI, you can complete your medical coding training in as little as nine months and start a career that supports patients, assists healthcare providers, and helps keep medical systems running efficiently.
Connect with a member of the Admissions Team to learn more about the Medical Coding Specialist Program or schedule a tour of your local campus.
Sources
- https://www.aapc.com/
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-2
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-3
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-4
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-6
- https://seer.cancer.gov/registrars/howto.html
- https://www.aapc.com/blog/42258-survey-reveals-remote-coding-realities/?srsltid=AfmBOooWsVeXmmxl4nhPlKqDtUTflB168DlM58N-CADp-1s0MqkcKotR
