Canada is known for the education it provides in the medical field. Whether it be MBBS or MD in Canada, you graduate as a professionally equipped doctor. One such profession within the medical field that has gained prominence in Canada lately is Medical Coding. Medical Coders are one of the most important behind-the-scenes performers for critical work on medical facilities. If you want to know more about how to become a Medical Coder and find the best Medical Coding jobs in Canada, you will find all the details in this blog!
This Blog Includes:
- What is Medical Coding?
- Medical Coding Job Description
- What Does a Medical Coder Do?
- How to Become a Medical Coder in Canada?
- Courses for Medical Coding in Canada
- Top Medical Universities in Canada
- Medical Coding Salary in Canada
- Top Recruiters of Medical Coders in Canada
- Scope of Medical Coding in Canada
- How To Apply for Medical Coding Jobs in Canada
- FAQs
What is Medical Coding?
Medical Coding can be defined as the process of translating worded reports of patients in a hospital or a medical institute into alphanumeric codes accepted universally. The reason why medical coding was introduced was to provide a uniformity of data throughout medical institutions. For example, a patient with jaundice in one hospital will be translated with the same code as in a hospital 100 km away.
Medical Coding is now famous because of the benefits it provides to health insurance companies. Loads of data (diagnosis, prognosis, surgery, procedures, medication, patient history) are all coded and easily accessible for the insurance officers.
Medical Coding Job Description
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 that documentation supports services rendered for reimbursement and reporting purposes.
Also Read: Medical Coding Jobs: Career, Vacancy, Salary for Freshers
What Does a Medical Coder Do?
The primary job of a medical coder is to translate the physicians’ reports into useful medical codes. They analyse medical reports, charts, and assign codes for insurance claims, treatment, diagnosis, etc.
How to Become a Medical Coder in Canada?
To become a Medical Coder in Canada, you have a lot of courses available that train you professionally for the job. When it comes to the course, you are taught the three universally accepted medical coding systems:
- ICD- International Classification of Diseases
- CPT- Current Procedural Terminology
- HCPCS- Healthcare Common Procedure Coding Systems
One of these languages is used at every medical institute for medical coding purposes. To be eligible for a medical coding job in Canada, you must be trained professionally with these coding systems.
Courses for Medical Coding in Canada
There are a few institutes that offer Medical Coding courses in Canada, and they are given below-
Canada Institute of Management and Technology | 50 hours |
Canadian College of Health Information Management | 120-150 hours |
Canada College | 18 units |
Canadian Valley Technology Centre | 10 months |
At the end of the course, you will be given a certificate, which is proof for recruiters that you are equipped for medical coding jobs in Canada. You can also pursue medical coding courses in India and then look for job opportunities in Canada.
Top Medical Universities in Canada
International Students who want to pursue a course in the medical field should go through this list of top medical universities in Canada.
Univerisity | Global Ranking | Location |
McGill University | #49 | Montreal, Quebec |
Toronto University | #18 | Toronto, Ontario |
University of British Columbia | #30 | Vancouver, British Columbia |
McMaster University | #126 | Hamilton, Ontario |
Queen’s University | #379 | Kingston, Ontario |
Also Read: Part-time jobs in Canada for International Students
Medical Coding Salary in Canada
Let’s have a look at the average salary of a Medical Coder in Canada and compare it with average salaries in other countries.
Experience Level | Average Salary Per Year |
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs) | CAD 40,000- CDA 50,000 |
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs) | CAD 50,000- CAD 60,000 |
Senior-Level (5+ yrs) | CAD 60,000- CAD 75,000 |
Top Recruiters of Medical Coders in Canada
Medical Coding jobs in Canada are limited and have just started to grow. Some top hospitals like Kingston Health Science Centres, University Health Network, Concordia Hospital and Burnaby Hospital offer a wide range of medical jobs.
Medical coders are hired across various healthcare settings. Some common employers include:
- Public and private hospitals
- Provincial health authorities
- Health insurance companies
- Medical billing companies
- Long-term care and rehabilitation centres
- Private clinics
- Government health departments.
Also Read: Canada Visa Restrictions
Scope of Medical Coding in Canada
The scope of Medical Coding Jobs in Canada is significantly lower because of the different structures of the health insurance system. However, it is a slowly growing phenomenon and hasn’t reached its complete potential yet.
How To Apply for Medical Coding Jobs in Canada
Applying for a medical coding job in Canada is easy, but only with the right guidance. Here we have mentioned some key inter that help you to apply for medical coding jobs in Canada:
- Complete Right Education: Enrol in a relevant diploma or certification program in health information or medical coding.
- Add Value with certification: Apply for a CHIMA or AAPC certificate; these certifications help you boost your profile with credibility.
- Build Your Resume: Prepare your good CV/Resume and highlight your technical and analytical skills.
- Apply online: Use a popular job portal, also you can directly apply through the official website of the medical institute or hospital.
- Apply for Internship or entry-level jobs: Look for an entry-level position or an internship program that helps you gain practical experience and helps you to get entry to the industry.
FAQs
Medical coding is still a popular job in Canada. Most hospitals demand a degree or certification in health information management or a related field. ICD-10 coding is utilised in both hospitals and community health care facilities.
Medical coders have excellent job prospects and are in great demand in all provinces, with British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario leading the way.
The CHIM professional designation is Canada’s recognised credential for categorisation and coding professionals (medical coders).
The average annual income for a programmer in Canada is CAD 67,432. Because of your limited experience and credentials, an entry-level position pays CAD 51,675 per year. With more experience and qualifications, you can expect to earn more than CAD 123,491 each year.
Related Reads
This is everything you need to know about Medical Coding Jobs in Canada. For more such helpful and informative articles, stay connected with Leverage Edu. And if you’re planning to study at a top university abroad, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us today.
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I want to become a medical coder in Canada. I’m an Indian so is there any need to attend exam in Indian before to approach Canada hospitals
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Hi please get in touch with our study abroad experts at 1800 57 2000 they will surely solve all your queries
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Hi,
I want to become a medical coder in Canada. I’m from India currently im CPC ceritifed and have 5.6 years experience in medical coding. Looking for the opportunties in Canada.
Thank You.
3 comments
I want to become a medical coder in Canada. I’m an Indian so is there any need to attend exam in Indian before to approach Canada hospitals
Hi please get in touch with our study abroad experts at 1800 57 2000 they will surely solve all your queries
Hi,
I want to become a medical coder in Canada. I’m from India currently im CPC ceritifed and have 5.6 years experience in medical coding. Looking for the opportunties in Canada.
Thank You.