What does a Medical Coding Specialist do?
Published 3 min read
A medical coding specialist is a professional who assigns code numbers to diagnoses and procedures related to patient medical records. The codes are used for insurance reimbursement purposes and to track medical data.
Medical Coding Specialist job duties include:
- Assigns codes for diagnoses and procedures
- Reviews records for completeness, accuracy and compliance with regulations
- Ensures timely submission of claims
- Follows up on unpaid claims
- Resolves coding issues with physicians and other staff
- Maintains coding databases and updates code manuals
- Attends educational seminars to keep abreast of coding changes
- May train new employees in coding procedures
- May specialize in a particular area of coding, such as inpatient or outpatient services
Medical Coding Specialist Job Requirements
Most medical coding specialists have at least an associate’s degree in health information technology, although some may have a bachelor’s degree. Many employers also require certification, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential from the American Academy of Professional Coders. Medical coding specialists typically have several years of experience working with medical coding systems and databases.
Medical Coding Specialist Skills
- ICD-10-CM
- CPT
- HCPCS
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Inpatient Coding
- Outpatient Coding
- E/M Coding
Related: Top Medical Coding Specialist Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Medical Coding Specialist
Medical coding specialists are responsible for reviewing medical records and assigning appropriate codes to diagnoses, treatments, and procedures. They work closely with healthcare providers to ensure that the correct information is captured and coded correctly.
To become a medical coding specialist, you will need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to complete a medical coding training program that has been accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass the AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam.
Once you have passed the CCS exam, you will be able to apply for coding jobs in a variety of healthcare settings. You may also choose to pursue additional certification in a specialty area, such as outpatient coding or inpatient coding.
Related: Medical Coding Specialist Resume Example
Related: Medical Coding Specialist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)