Do you need an associates degree to be a medical coder

If you’re thinking about entering the Medical Billing and Coding industry, you’ll need to know about the qualifications that are needed to keep you competitive in the job market. Like any career, Medical Coding requires the right education, as it’s a highly technical role that will rely on efficient and highly accurate data entry. However, unlike many rewarding jobs, you won’t need a full Associates’ or Bachelor’s degree to become a fully qualified medical coder. You can learn Medical Coding at an accredited school, and with 12 months of full-time study, you could be ready to start work.

Let’s take a look at the requirements and the difference between Degrees and Certifications in the Medical Coding industry.

Why Medical Billing and Coding Education Doesn’t Include a Degree

Medical Coding covers a number of highly specific tasks, and in the field, it will be your job to keep accurate records of patients and medical facilities. Although this is a technical role, it’s not one that would require long years of intensive study.

A Degree course will typically prepare you for industries that are highly varied, where a deep understanding and a number of sub-skills would be required to perform a role. Medical Coding is highly specified, so the course information can be covered in a shorter amount of time, making this an excellent pathway to get into the healthcare industry.

This does not mean that Medical Coding school requires less focus, and many students will find that a full year of training can be more intensive than a year of undergraduate Degree study. Students will need to be highly attentive, a home study will be required to become proficient and comfortable with Medical Coding, and a pre-existing understanding of anatomy and even data entry can be helpful. At the ITI Technical College, you’ll receive all of the structured lessons and support that you need to succeed, and as long as you are determined and hardworking, you could be the proud holder of a Medical Billing and Coding certification after your full year of study.

What if You Already Have a Degree?

Changing industries or moving to a different area of the healthcare industry could be a realistic career path for many people. Having a related Degree will not be detrimental to your training in Medical Coding, and could even be beneficial, depending on the Degree that you hold. Nursing Degrees and even Pharmaceutical Degrees could provide a deeper understanding of the medical terminology and environments in the industry, and these could make it easier for anyone to make the switch to Medical Coding. In some cases, related Degrees could mean that Medical Coding could be learned on the job, without the need for a certificate.

Of course, every case is unique, and most employers will be looking for a specific certification that relates to the standardized medical codes that are used in the healthcare and insurance industries today. You’ll become proficient in the two coding systems used in the U.S. when you learn Medical Coding at ITI Technical College, making you highly employable, even when compared to job applicants that hold degrees related to healthcare.

Want to Get into the Industry? Let Us Help You

Whether you have a degree and are wanting to change jobs, or if you’re a high school graduate who is looking to start a successful career path, the ITI Technical College is a great place to get Medical Coding training in Baton Rouge LA. Call us today and speak to our enrollment team about upcoming program starts, and get all of the information that you will need to get on track for an exciting, highly rewarding, and financially stable career.

For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website: https://iticollege.edu/disclosures/

What Does a Medical Coder Do?

A medical coder works in the billing department of doctor's offices, hospitals, or other medical facilities. Medical coders transfer healthcare claims into universal medical codes for insurance reimbursement. To work as a medical coder, you must have great attention to detail and a solid base knowledge of medical terminology, procedure and visit authorizations, and insurance billing procedures. Having a degree is not required, but many employers prefer candidates who have an associate degree in medical coding or the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential. When you first start in this job, your employer may have you shadow other billing staff members and be supervised when you submit your first few claims.

How Do You Become a Medical Coder?

Employers have varying preferences for the qualifications that you should have to apply for a medical coding job, though most medical coders have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some aspiring medical coders complete a medical coding certificate program or earn an associate degree in medical billing. These programs provide you with hands-on experience in medical billing software and teach you how to understand the different billing codes required to file claims. Many employers provide on-the-job training and start medical coders as billing department assistants; as an assistant, you learn how to navigate through insurance claims procedures and the proper ways to translate medical services into billing codes. Certification is not required, but those who wish to become certified may take the certification course and exam administered by the Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT) Organization.

Where Are the Different Places a Medical Coder Can Work?

Traditionally, medical coders work in doctors’ offices and hospitals, but those options are only two of many. Some healthcare facilities outsource their billing to a medical coding agency. Government healthcare agencies need medical coders to handle insurance claims of clients. Insurance companies hire medical coders to process requests and verify the accuracy of the application. Law firms that handle cases involving medical services may have a medical coder on staff to decipher medical records. Experienced medical coders may teach in post-secondary medical coding and billing programs. There may also be opportunities for medical coders to work from home or another remote location outside of the office.

What Is the Process to Get a Job as a Medical Coder?

The process to become a medical coder varies, depending on the employer and which route you choose to take. To start, you must earn a high school diploma or equivalent. Some continue their education by completing a medical coding certificate program at a vocational school or an associate degree in medical billing from a community college. Certification is not required, but it is available for those who wish to stand out in the job market. You may also choose to seek entry-level positions right out of high school. Many employers provide on-the-job training for aspiring medical coders; they hire you as a billing department assistant, then move you into medical coding once you are proficient with insurance billing procedures.

Medical Coder Job Description Sample

With this Medical Coder job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Medical Coder role.

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized medical coder to join our growing team. In this position, you will play a key role in reviewing and analyzing medical billing and coding for processing. You will review and accurately code office and hospital procedures for reimbursement.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive and review patient charts and documents for accuracy
• Ensure that all codes are current and active
• Report missing or incomplete documentation
• Meet daily coding production
• Update and maintain document lists
• Performs accurate charge entries
• Ensure proper coding on provider documentation
• Serves as a resource regarding insurance resolutions and coding questions
• Handles co-pays, balances, and charge posting
• follows coding guidelines and legal requirements to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations
• Performs additional duties assigned by the coding manager as needed

Requirements and Qualifications

• High school degree or equivalent; Bachelor's degree in related field preferred
• Medical Coding Certificate; RHIT or CPC by AAPC or AHIMA license; meet state licensure requirements
• Maintain coding certification and attends in-service training as required
• Two (2) years of medical coding experience
• Understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology
• Ability to work independently or as an active member of a team
• Strong computer skills in data entry, coding, and knowledge of Electronic Medical Record software; Microsoft Office Suite
• Accurate and precise attention to detail
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Goal-oriented, organized team player

Which degree is best for medical coding?

Is an associate degree in medical coding worth it?

What credentials are needed for medical coding?

Is it better to have a certificate or degree in medical billing and coding?