Required Skills
Medical Coders are required to have a high-level of attention to detail and critical thinking skills in order to complete their daily tasks. The requirements to be an exceptional Medical Coder include many of the same skills that LPNs and RNs are required to obtain through education and on-the-job training. It is imperative that Medical Coders know anatomy and physiology as well as common medications and use. Knowing disease processes with the most common labs, radiology, and symptoms can increase the coder’s ability to navigate each medical record with skill and precision while comprehending what is clinically taking place with each patient. This skillset can truly make the difference between an excellent coder and one who may struggle with provider documentation.
Education
Although a college degree is not required in order to become a certified medical coder, there are certain courses that each coder should complete to obtain the necessary skills ensuring success. Many of the courses needed can be found online through various experienced credentialed educators that are a very high value with low cost options. Others may prefer “self-study” using various methods to include books, online references and YouTube videos. There can be some cost involved in the “self-study” method as well however, if the student is disciplined, this is a great option. Many of the state level accrediting organizations offer exam review or study groups as well.
Courses for Success
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- HIPAA for Medical Coding Professionals
- Pharmacology for Medical Coders
- ICD-10-PCS Coding
- ICD-10-CM Coding
- Legal Aspects of Health Insurance
- Pathophysiology
- Health Insurance for Medical Coders
- CPT Coding
There are several additional course options that would further enhance a medical coder’s knowledge and ability to succeed in a new career. In depth review of various common disease process such as Respiratory Failure, Sepsis, Kidney Disease, Traumatic Injuries, Malnutrition, Diabetes Mellitus, and Congestive Heart Failure are just to name a few. Youtube, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and Merck Manual are additional free resources to help those willing to do the extra work to become successful as a Medical Coder.
Additional Opportunities for Success
Healthcare is continuously evolving and changing with new emerging technologies, diseases and treatment methodologies requiring the successful Medical Coder to grow and learn with every opportunity. Many of these new diseases and technologies also require new ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT codes to support the treatment. In order to obtain proper reimbursement, coder’s will need to stay up-to-date on all of their education and training. Becoming a member of the credentialing organizations like AHIMA, and AAPC will provide additional resources, often for free, that will enhance the coder’s skills and abilities. Both organizations offer a student membership that is less expensive but includes many of the benefits. Additionally, a coding apprenticeship is an excellent way to not only obtain on-the-job training but to give your career a jump start. Many healthcare organizations will offer paid apprenticeship programs for recently credentialed medical coders.
Conclusion
A career in healthcare as a medical coder can be within reach if you’re willing to put in the hard work. There’s so many options for education without paying high-priced tuition to obtain a degree that isn’t required. There’s specific requirements for each coding certification that will require each candidate to have a skill level that can be obtained by either taking courses that provide a formal education or self-study to include all of the required topics. Exam preparation courses are a great way to test your skill level and knowledge prior to sitting for the coding certification exam.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to become a medical coder or to find out just how affordable it can be to prepare for a coding certification exam, request a free consultation today and let us help you get started. We offer many course options, exam prep solutions and will even help you practice for your exam.