Medical Coding Jobs: Career, Vacancy, Salary for Freshers

Whenever we talk about medicine or the medical field, we first think of doctors and then nurses. But there are various other professionals who work behind the curtains and help the doctors and nurses to ease their work. Medical coders are such professionals in the healthcare industry. One reason why you might have not heard of medical coding jobs is because of their complex nature. Here’s everything you need to know about medical coding jobs and careers for graduates!

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What is Medical Coding?

Before we understand the medical coding jobs and careers, let’s know what medical coding actually is. Medical Coding is when a professional translate the medical reports containing symptoms, procedures, diagnosis and medication into universally accepted codes. 

Why is there a need for Medical Coding?

Medical Coding is required for medical insurance claims and for keeping records of every patient in every hospital existing.  

What are the Codes for Medical Coding?

There are three types of codes or coding language that Medical Coding jobs require you to learn- ICD (International Classification of Diseases, CPT (Current Procedure Terminology), and HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System). 

Medical Coder Eligibility Criteria

The educational qualification to be able to apply for a Medical Coding job for freshers is a training certificate course, diploma, or other courses that verify that you have the knowledge to convert data into the coding systems required. 

Journey of becoming a Medical Coder

The journey of becoming a Medical Coder is short yet complex because of the codes involved. After you have completed your 10+2, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in any life science and even take up medical code training courses on the side. Medical Coding courses are for less than 1 year and will make you professionally ready for the job. 

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Top Universities for Medical Coding Courses in USA

• Bowling Green State University 
• St. Catherine University 
• Alfred State College
• Keiser University
• Ferris State University 
• Weber State University 
• Dakota State University 
• Peirce College 

Top Universities for Medical Coding Courses in UK

• John Academy 
• Reed University 
• Cigma Medical Coding Academy
• Knowledge Point Institute
• Castle Training 
• Alpha Academy 

Top Universities for Medical Coding Courses in Canada 

• CIMT College
• Canada College 
• Durham College
• Barton Community College
• Harper College 
• Seneca College 
• George Brown College 
• Cigma Medical Coding Academy

Top Universities for Medical Coding Courses in India 

• Academy of Medical Coding India
• Cigma Medical Coding Academy
• Odyssey Informatics 
• MedPro America Medical Coding and Billing 
• South India Medical Coding Academy
• Acusis India
• Dr Ram’s Medical Coding Academy

Medical Coding Courses in India

To be eligible for a Medical Coding Job, you must have academic qualifications as well. Wondering what courses you can or have to pursue Medical Coding? Here’s the list-

Courses	Duration
Medical Coding- Certified Professional Coder	4 months
Executive Diploma in Medical Coding	6 months
Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Coding	1 year
Medical Coding (CPC)	80 hours
Certified Coding Specialists	60 hours
Dental Coding	80 hours
Health Information Management System	20 hours
Inpatient Coding	60 hours
Healthcare and Medical Coding	3 months

Medical Coder Job Profile

If you apply for a medical coding job, these will be your responsibilities- 

• Using ICD, CPT and other coding systems to assign codes to procedures and diagnoses. 
• Verify that the codes are correct and match with government and insurance regulations. 
• Check whether the data provided is complete or not. 
• Communicate with the data provider in case of any unclear data. 
• Handle complex coding in certain cases. 
• Work with the clinical staff for documentation. 
• Ensure that codes assigned are active and up to date. 

Medical Coder Responsibilities and Duties

Medical coding jobs require candidates to keep an account for the coding and abstracting of patient encounters, including diagnostic and procedural information, significant reportable elements, and complications. It involves research and data analysis for reimbursement, medical records and identifies documentation deficiencies. They are responsible for supporting diagnoses, procedures and treatment results. Identification of diagnostic and procedural information. Audits clinical documentation and coded data to validate documentation supports services rendered for reimbursement and reporting purposes.

Medical Coder Qualifications and Skills

• ICD-10
• CPT coding
• Microsoft Proficiency
• Customer billing
• Health information technology
• Inpatient coding
• Outpatient coding
• ICD-9
• Anatomy
• HCPCS coding
• Clinical documentation

Average Salary  in India

In India, the average annual salary of a Medical Coder is INR 3.75 lakhs. The medical coding salary of a fresher is INR 3.20 lakhs per annum. The scope of an experienced medical coding professional is high as the average salary can be INR 15 lakhs per year. 

Career and Vacancy in Medical Coding in India

India projects growth of over 15th in the medical coders’ employment by 2024 which means that the demand for Medical Coding is higher than ever in the country.  

Basically, hospitals and medical institutes outsource the work of Medical Coding to medical coding companies that hire medical coding specialists. 

Top recruiters in India for Medical Coding jobs are-

• Visionary RCM Infotech
• Episource
• Omega Healthcare
• GeBBS Healthcare Solutions
• AGS Health 
• Vee Technologies 
• Global Healthcare Billing Partners
• Advantmed
• Cognizant Technology Solutions 
• 3Gen Consulting Services

FAQs

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That’s all about Medical Coding and the career opportunities that this field offers! Read more such informative and career-related blogs on Leverage Edu only. Follow us on Instagram and Linkedin to be in touch with all the latest career and study abroad updates.