What does a Coding Specialist do?
Published 3 min read
A Coding Specialist is responsible for reviewing medical records and assigning appropriate codes using ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS coding systems. They also abstract relevant information from the medical records and enter it into a database.
Coding Specialist job duties include:
- Assigns diagnostic and procedural codes to patient records using ICD-9-CM, CPT and HCPCS classification systems
- Reviews records for completeness, accuracy and compliance with coding guidelines
- Maintains confidentiality of patient information
- Communicates with physicians and other health care professionals to resolve coding issues
- Participates in educational opportunities to keep abreast of latest coding changes and updates
- Performs quality assurance reviews of coded data
- Prepares statistical reports on coding activity and trends
- Assists with research projects related to coding and reimbursement
- May train new employees on coding procedures and guidelines
Coding Specialist Job Requirements
A coding specialist is responsible for converting written instructions into code that can be read and understood by computers. They must have a strong understanding of computer programming languages and be able to write code that is efficient and error-free. A coding specialist typically has a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. They may also have certification from a professional organization, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Coding Specialist Skills
- Coding
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- JQuery
- JSON
- AJAX
- PHP
- MySQL
- Bootstrap
- Adobe Photoshop
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How to become a Coding Specialist
A coding specialist is a professional who ensures the accuracy of medical codes used for billing and reimbursement purposes. They are responsible for reviewing patient records and assigning the correct codes for diagnosis and procedures. Coding specialists typically work in hospitals or medical offices, but may also work remotely.
To become a coding specialist, you will need to have a strong understanding of medical terminology and anatomy. You will also need to be proficient in using coding manuals and software. Many coding specialists have at least an associate’s degree in health information technology or a related field. Some employers may require certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
If you are interested in becoming a coding specialist, start by taking courses in medical terminology and anatomy. You can find these courses at your local community college or online. Once you have completed your coursework, you can begin studying for coding certification exams. Once you have passed your exams, you can apply for coding specialist jobs at hospitals or medical offices.
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