Coder
Records from surgical procedures, physical exams, lab tests, and other medical services are all documented and then coded. Coders translate this medical knowledge into numbers, or codes, so that physicians, clinics, and hospitals can accurately bill insurance companies and patients for their services. These procedural and diagnostic codes are part of a classification system standardized across government organizations, third parties, and medical facilities.
It’s a coders job to adhere to this standardized coding system when translating service descriptions into numbers. Coders must sometimes communicate with other departments and entities to maintain designated levels of accuracy. For example, if a coder is presented with unclear documentation, it is their responsibility to follow up with providers and submit queries for clarification.
Job Responsibilities
- Assign codes for diagnoses and procedures in a patient’s records
- Send medical claims in a timely manner
- Submit queries to providers and physicians
- Maintain a designated accuracy level
- Follow up with third parties for claim status updates
Qualifications and Skills
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience
- Associate degree in a related field
- 3+ years of experience in a medical coding role
- Proficiency with word processing software