One app for all your study abroad needs
Medical Coding is booming and is a great career option that is in high demand, especially during the ongoing pandemic. Even in the field of Healthcare which is one of the fastest-growing industries for job seekers, people who know their way around a computer are essential. When we go to the doctor, come home and wait for the bill or the report, that is where Medical coders come in. They are responsible for compiling the patient data. Pursuing a career in medical coding can be exciting and challenging at the same time. This blog will act as a guide regarding everything about pursuing a medical coding course.
This Blog Includes:
- Course Overview
- What is Medical Coding?
- Roles and Responsibilities of a Medical Coder
- How to Become a Medical Coder?
- Eligibility Requirement to Pursue Medical Coding
- Key Roles of Medical Coding in Healthcare
- What Medical Coders Do Daily
- Medical Coding’s Role in Payments and Billing
- Syllabus of Medical Coding Courses
- Medical Coding Scope and Salary
- List of Institutions Offering Medical Coding Course
- Medical Coding Fee Structure
- Medical Coding Course Skills
- FAQ’s
Course Overview
| Course | Medical coding |
| Duration | 9 months to 20 months |
| Eligibility | 10+2 and an associate degree/certificate program/bachelors degree |
| Exams Required | A Certification Exam like CPC |
| Salary | The average annual salary ranges between INR 4-6 Lakhs (India) |
| Other Names | Medical coding specialist, Diagnostic coder, Medical coding analyst, Clinical coding officer, Medical coding auditor |
What is Medical Coding?
After a doctor treats a patient, a report needs to be created for the patient as well as the insurance company to understand what was done to process the bill. Medical coding is the process of transferring healthcare diagnoses, procedures, medical services, and equipment into universal medical alphanumeric codes into uniform numeric codes. These codes are then used to accumulate patient data, process insurance claims with third-party players, and collect stats to track information on specific diseases, treatments etc. Medical coders work behind the scenes in the healthcare industry and ensure that all information is coded appropriately in a useful and efficient way. Medical coders are required to know how to use 3 basic code sets: CPT (Current Procedure Terminology), ICD (International Classification of Diseases) and HCPCS (Health Care Procedural Coding System).
Also Read: Healthcare Management Courses: All You Need To Know
Roles and Responsibilities of a Medical Coder
Here is a list of the most important responsibilities you will have to indulge as a medical coder.
- Updating patient records with standardized information needed for data management and billing purposes.
- Analyzing medical charts and assigning codes.
- Assigning the code specific to each diagnosis and procedure every time a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider performs a service.
Also Read: Paramedical Courses List
How to Become a Medical Coder?
The need for medical coders will only keep increasing with the rising demand for digitally-led medical infrastructure. If you are planning to pursue your professional career in this field, you need to go through the following hurdles.
Complete Medical Coding Training
After finishing school, you can pursue medical coding certification courses from renowned organisations like AAPC (American American of Professional Coders), AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) and CAHIIM (Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education). These programs are usually for less than a year and are available online. You can also pursue a certificate course in medical coding from universities and colleges. Certificate programs teach you the basics of disease processes, treatment procedures, terminology, body systems, and basic coding in ICD-10. Students can also choose to pursue an associate degree which is a 2 years course or a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or health information management which is a 3 years course.
Give the Required Exams
To get certified, you have to take certain exams. Certified medical coders have better job prospects and salary packages than non-certified medical coders. You can specialise in any field you want. The medical coding programs that you attended prepare you for these certification exams. Students can take the CPC exam which is conducted by AAPC. According to AAPC, coders who hold a certified professional coder (CPC) certificate earn 20 per cent more than their non-certified counterparts. Additionally, AAPC offers a variety of other certifications which certify the expertise of an individual in certain specializations and other medical fields.
Gain Work Experience
After getting certified and completing your courses, the next step is to get employed. Completing your medical coding course for professional associations such as AHIMA or the AAPC can unlock employment opportunities. Medical coders can work from home as many medical facilities get medical coding outsourced. After gaining some work experience, you can also attend additional courses in specific areas and brush up on your skills.
Also Read: Medical Coding Jobs in Canada
Eligibility Requirement to Pursue Medical Coding
- Completed Schooling
- A bachelor’s degree or an associate degree in healthcare-related fields or life sciences.
- A medical training program
- Being certified as a medical coder by an accredited institution
- Knowledge of the basic medical codes used.
- Analytical ability to read and analyse medical records by using the right codes and producing relevant data.
- Basics of disease processes, treatment procedures, terminology, and body systems.
Also Read: How to Learn Coding for Beginners
Key Roles of Medical Coding in Healthcare
Medical coding plays a crucial part in the healthcare system, supporting several essential processes:
- Billing and Payments: Medical codes help healthcare providers get paid accurately for their services. Insurance companies use these codes to calculate and approve claims.
- Data Analysis for Healthcare: Coded information is used to track health trends, monitor treatment success rates, and study disease patterns. This data is vital for improving public health strategies.
- Compliance with Regulations: Correct coding ensures healthcare organizations follow legal rules, helping them avoid penalties or accusations of fraud.
What Medical Coders Do Daily
Medical coders are essential in documenting and organizing healthcare information. Their main tasks include:
- Reviewing Patient Records: They go through patient files to find details about diagnoses and treatments.
- Assigning Codes: Coders use systems like ICD (disease coding), CPT (procedures), and HCPCS (medical supplies) to translate healthcare services into standard codes.
- Checking for Accuracy: Ensuring all codes match the medical services provided is crucial for billing and reporting.
- Collaborating with Healthcare Teams: Coders often work with doctors and other staff to clarify or gather missing details.
Medical Coding’s Role in Payments and Billing
Medical coding is directly linked to how healthcare services are billed:
- Processing Claims: Insurance companies use the assigned codes to handle claims quickly. Mistakes in coding can lead to claim rejections or payment delays.
- Managing Revenue Cycles: Accurate coding helps keep the billing process smooth, ensuring providers get paid on time.
- Billing Patients: Patients receive their bills based on these codes. Clear and accurate coding builds trust and makes billing transparent.
By simplifying complex medical information into standardized codes, medical coding does more than just organize data—it ensures the healthcare system operates efficiently, ethically, and smoothly.Courses in Medical Coding
The following course options are available in medical coding:
- Advanced ICD-10-CM Code Set Training
- Advanced Neurology and Neurosurgery Coding Course
- Behavioral Health Coding Training
- Dental Billing and Coding with Medical Cross Coding
- EHR and EMR Specialist Course
- Evaluation and Management (E/M) Online Training.
- Home Health Coding Course
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) Coding
- Skilled Nursing Facility Coding Course
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- CD-10-CM
- ICD-10-PCS
- CPT Coding
- CPT Coding
Also Read: Cheapest Medical Colleges in India
Syllabus of Medical Coding Courses
The syllabus for general medical coding courses includes:
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- Anatomy Structure
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Ethics
- ICD-9-CM Coding Manual
- Infections using ICD-9-CM
- Digestive System using ICD-9-CM
- Coding for Pregnancy using ICD-9-CM
- CPT Coding for Reproductive Systems
- Coding for Mental Disorders using ICR-9-CM
Also Read: Healthcare Courses in the UK
Medical Coding Scope and Salary
The scope for medical coders is widely increasing, with the employment of medical coders projected to grow 15 per cent by 2024. Medical coders can work in every type of healthcare facility like hospitals, clinics, medical facilities, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, physicians’ offices, medical laboratories, etc. Medical coders can be employed as
- Medical Records Coordinator.
- Coder
- Medical Coding Specialist.
- Medical Billing Specialist
- Medical Records Technician
- Health Information Specialist
- Medical Records Clerk
- Health Information Clerk
The average initial salary earned by a medical coder is Rs 4-6 lakhs per year and experienced medical coders can earn up to INR 15 lakh per year. In the USA, entry-level positions start at an average of $35,000 (INR 2583162) per year while experienced workers can make up to $58,000 (INR 4280669) per year.
List of Institutions Offering Medical Coding Course
- Medical Coding Inpatient DRG (PCS Practical Lab) on Udemy
- Academy of Medical Coders in India
- Keiser University
- Fisher College
- Herzing University
Medical Coding Fee Structure
The Medical Coding course fees can range from anywhere between 20,000 to 2 lakhs per annum depending upon the level of proficiency as well as your university/institute.
Medical Coding Course Skills
- ICD-10
- CPT coding
- Microsoft Proficiency
- Customer billing
- Health information technology
- Inpatient coding
- Outpatient coding
- ICD-9
- Anatomy
- HCPCS coding
- Clinical documentation
FAQ’s
Medical coding is the process of transferring healthcare diagnoses, procedures, medical services, and equipment into universal medical alphanumeric codes into uniform numeric codes. These codes are then used to accumulate patient data, process insurance claims with third-party players, and collect stats to track information on specific diseases, treatments etc.
The average initial salary earned by a medical coder is Rs 4-6 lakhs per year and experienced medical coders can earn up to INR 15 lakh per year. In the USA, entry-level positions start at an average of $35,000 (INR 2583162) per year while experienced workers can make up to $58,000 (INR 4280669) per year.
It can take 1 to 3 years to complete a medical coding course.
To become a medical coder, you typically need a high school diploma followed by specialized training in medical coding. Courses covering anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and coding systems are essential. Certifications from organizations like AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) or AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) are often required to boost employability and demonstrate expertise.
The primary coding systems are:ICD (International Classification of Diseases): Used for diagnoses and procedures.
CPT (Current Procedural Terminology): Focuses on procedures and services performed by healthcare providers.
HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System): Used for Medicare and Medicaid claims, covering medical services and supplies.
No, prior experience in healthcare is not mandatory to enter medical coding. However, having a background in healthcare or related fields can be advantageous. Many individuals start with specialized training programs to gain the knowledge and skills needed for the profession.
Medical coding involves assigning standardized codes to medical services, diagnoses, and procedures. Medical billing uses these codes to prepare insurance claims and invoices for patients. While both roles work together to ensure accurate payments, they require different skill sets and training.
While certification is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. Certifications like CPC, CCA (Certified Coding Associate), and CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) demonstrate a coder’s expertise and increase job opportunities and earning potential.
The cost of medical coding courses varies widely based on location and institution. In India, courses range from ₹20,000 to ₹2 lakhs, while in the USA, they may cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
Beginners can gain experience by pursuing internships, volunteering in healthcare facilities, or starting with entry-level coding roles. Practical exposure to coding software and real-world scenarios is invaluable for skill development.
| Gov. Exams After 12th Science | Top Courses After 12th PCB | Nursing Colleges |
| Medical Science Courses | NEET Marks vs Rank | Medical Courses Without NEET |
That is all the required information that you may need to become a medical coder, If you are interested in knowing more about medical coding courses abroad and want to pursue a career outside India, our experts at Leverage Edu are ready to help you make your dreams come true. For a free consultancy call us anytime at 1800 572 000!
Leave a Reply
-
Hi I am sathyanarayanan from Mysore for becoming medicoding expert needs microbiologist?
-
Hlo sir I have intrest to do medical coding.but I don’t know about medical coding.can you please explain me sir.
-
-
Which is the best couching centre of medical coding in Hyderabad
-
wants to learn medical coding,I am Doctor (BHMS) run myself OPD
-
Hey Dr.Pratibha Ekhande,
To learn medical coding, select a university you want to study the course in. Some of the popular universities you can enrol in are Herzing University, Keiser University, and Fisher College. Next, ensure that you meet the admission requirements of the said course. For example, you must have bachelor’s degree or an associate degree in healthcare related field, have analytical skills to read and analyse medical records, etc. Once, you have selected the university you want to study in, and have met the basic requirements, you can contact the study abroad experts for the admission process. You can also call us at 1800 57 2000.
-
-
45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today.
13 comments
Hi I am sathyanarayanan from Mysore for becoming medicoding expert needs microbiologist?
Hlo sir I have intrest to do medical coding.but I don’t know about medical coding.can you please explain me sir.
Which is the best couching centre of medical coding in Hyderabad
wants to learn medical coding,I am Doctor (BHMS) run myself OPD
Hey Dr.Pratibha Ekhande,
To learn medical coding, select a university you want to study the course in. Some of the popular universities you can enrol in are Herzing University, Keiser University, and Fisher College. Next, ensure that you meet the admission requirements of the said course. For example, you must have bachelor’s degree or an associate degree in healthcare related field, have analytical skills to read and analyse medical records, etc. Once, you have selected the university you want to study in, and have met the basic requirements, you can contact the study abroad experts for the admission process. You can also call us at 1800 57 2000.
hi i am suhel khan have graduated with bachelore’s of pharmacy want to go in field medical coding
I WANT STUDY
I’m interested to join my daughter,she completed degree in BSC.biotechnology.
Hey N Chandra Mohan. Medical coding is an excellent choice for further education. The career of medical coders are projected to grow 15% by 2024. Some of the best universities that offer this course include: Herzing University, Keiser University, and Fisher College. For information related to the application process, scholarships/loans,visa, and accommodation consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
i am k.santhiya from erode. i completed by B.sc Zoology . i am intersed with medical coding.
Hey,K Santhiya. Medical coding is an excellent career choice. To become a medical coder you need to obtain medical coding certification, give the required examinations, and gain work experience. Baker College, Herzing University, and Drexel University are some of the best colleges or universities offering accredited medical coding programmes. Advanced ICD-10-CM Code Set Training, Behavioral Health Coding Training, and Advanced Neurology and Neurosurgery Coding Course are the best medical coding courses you can enrol in. For further information, consult with the study abroad experts at leverage edu.
Hello Sir, Iam Lakshmi Vinayagam and I am pursuing M.sc Physics. After completing my pg course I want to join Medical Coding. Can you please say I’m eligible for to continue my career in medical coding?
Hey Lakshmi Vinayagam,
Yes. You can become a medical coder. However, you need to complete a medical coding course and obtain certification for the same. A medical coding program usually covers topics like Medical terminology, and coding standards like CPT and ICD. You can find job opportunities in hospitals, health insurance companies, medical billing and coding firms. For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.