|
Medical record coders review patient records and
then assign and sequence diagnostic and procedural codes for symptoms,
diseases, operations, and treatments according to a recognized numeric
classification system.
Medical
Record Coder
After the information is coded, the medical
record coder may use a computer program to assign the patient to
one of several hundred "diagnostic related-groups" or
DRG's. It is essential that the medical coder enter complete and
accurate data because the information is used for clinical decisions
as well as documentation for insurance and Medicare reimbursement.
A medical record coder should like to work with numbers, be detail-oriented,
and have good eye-hand coordination to enter codes correctly and
efficiently into the computer. A coding error could result in an
incorrect clinical decision or a financial loss to the hospital.
Work Environment
Medical records technicians usually work a 40-hour week. Some overtime
may be required. In hospitals—where health information departments
often are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—technicians may
work day, evening, and night shifts.
Medical records and health information technicians
work in pleasant and comfortable offices. This is one of the few
health occupations in which there is little or no direct contact
with patients. Because accuracy is essential in their jobs, technicians
must pay close attention to detail. Technicians who work at computer
monitors for prolonged periods must guard against eyestrain and
muscle pain.
Job Outlook
The number of Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
employed in Florida in 2006 was 9,539. It is projected that in 2014
there will be 11,813, an annual average growth rate of 3.0 percent.
Length of Training/Requirements
Education and training can be accomplished through a certificate
or diploma program offered in a university or in a community college.
The curriculum includes anatomy and physiology, medical terminology,
fundamentals of medical science, basic computer applications, and
basic to advanced medical coding instruction.
Advancement
The need for instructors and supervisors with high credentials and/or experience provides for advancement, along with attrition. Also, due to increased scrutiny over the privacy and accuracy of medical records by government and the health insurance industry, advancement may be related to familiarity with new and more efficient technologies for providing high-quality, secure medical information.
Licensure/Certification
National certification is voluntary, but recommended. The American
Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American
Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) both sponsor a national certification
examination for medical record coders. Upon successful completion
of the AHIMA certification exam, the medical record coder is given
the title of Certified Coding Associate (CCA), which is an entry-level
coding credential or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), which is
a professional skilled in classifying medical data generally in
a hospital setting. There is also the CCS-P, which is a coding practitioner
with expertise in physician-based settings (physician offices, group
practices, or specialty centers.) Upon successful completion of
the AAPC examination, the medical record coder is given the title
of Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Professional
Coder- hospital (CPC-H).
Updated: 2009 |
