Medical Coder
Process, maintain, compile, and report patient information for health requirements and standards in a manner consistent with the healthcare industry's numerical coding system. They code claims for reimbursements and work with insurance billing.
Annual openings
184
BLS median wage
$59,020
Typical education
One to two years post-secondary training
10-year growth
+12%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
One to two years post-secondary training
Credential requirement
A certification is expected for this job.
Credential detail
Organizations such as American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) have multiple medical coding certifications. You will need to check job postings in your area to confirm which are valued by local employers.
Work experience
Entry-level
Experience detail
This is an entry-level role so no experience in a Healthcare environment is required. However, full or part-time work experience of any kind developing the listed knowledge and abilities is preferred, with previous Healthcare and Customer Service experience being valued.
Training
There are some prerequisite courses before completing a certificate, but an Associate's degree is not required.
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Work style
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
Interests it draws on
- Healthcare
- Healthcare Technicians
Automation exposure
Moderate exposure
Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.
A typical day
- Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
- Compile and maintain patients' medical records to document condition and treatment and to provide data for research or cost control and care improvement efforts.
- Consult classification manuals to locate information about disease processes.
- Enter data, such as demographic characteristics, history and extent of disease, diagnostic procedures, or treatment into computer.
- Identify, compile, abstract, and code patient data, using standard classification systems.
- Maintain or operate a variety of health record indexes or storage and retrieval systems to collect, classify, store, or analyze information.