Wanted: Qualified Staff for Medical Coding |
 |
January 25, 2007
by Gabby Hyman
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Interested in a healthcare career without the late hours and bodily fluids? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of medical billing technicians is expected to grow faster than most other occupations through 2012. Specialists are required to meet the tough regulatory standards of the profession, and most of them begin their training at dedicated medical billing and coding schools.
With the growing shortage of certified professionals across the entire medical industry, there's a need for qualified workers to take on record-keeping and medical coding jobs in hospitals, medical offices and clinics, long-term care facilities, and insurance companies.
Medical Billing and Coding Schools Jumpstart Your Career
A qualified coding school graduate can help maintain the financial and operational health of any medical practice. Medical billing and coding programs can offer a well-rounded background in essential medical terminology, office management, and ethical claim-billing standards and procedures. Coders are called on to report diagnoses, perform office audits, and comply with legal and insurance regulations.
The guidelines for medical coding jobs are always changing, so it may benefit you to take refresher courses. Depending on your state and local requirements, you may want to continue training toward a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) designation. Coursework that prepares you for the CPC test may include pharmacology, anatomy, and physiology.
According to the American Academy of Professional Coders, the average salary of a CPC-designated coder is $39,046 annually, substantially higher than the $30,000 annual wage reported for coding specialists by the BLS.
Many people accept part-time medical coding jobs, allowing them to continue medical training in another specialty. Whether you begin at a community college or medical billing and coding school, employers will be delighted to see you.
Sources
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. He holds an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Alabama.
|
Related Articles |
 |
|
|
| |
