Medical Coder job description
A Medical Coder transcribes patients’ records into an insurance-accepted coding system. With this information, they are able to process claims for reimbursement from providers in accordance with agreements.
Use this Medical Coder job description to advertise your vacancies and find qualified candidates. Feel free to modify responsibilities and requirements based on your needs.
Medical Coder responsibilities include:
- Making sure that codes are assigned correctly
- Complying with medical coding guidelines and policies
- Receiving and reviewing patients’ charts and documents for verification and accuracy
Job brief
We are looking for a Medical Coder to join our team to assist us in coding for insurance claims and databases. The Medical Coder will display motivation, be detail-oriented and have outstanding people skills that help them navigate any situation with ease.
A Medical Coder’s responsibilities include assigning Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision Clinical Modification (ICD-10 CM). They will also be required to assign American Society Anesthesiologists (ASA), Ambulatory Payment Classifications (APC) or Diagnosis related groups (DRG) codes.
Ultimately, you will make decisions on which codes and functions should be assigned in each instance. This could include diagnostic and procedural information, significant reportable elements and significant reportable elements and other complex classifications.
Responsibilities
- Account for coding and abstracting of patient encounters
- Research and analyze data needs for reimbursement
- Make sure that codes are sequenced according to government and insurance regulations
- Ensure all medical records are filed and processed correctly
- Analyze medical records and identify documentation deficiencies
- Serve as resource and subject matter expert to other coding staff
- Review and verify documentation for diagnoses, procedures and treatment results
- Identify diagnostic and procedural information
Requirements and skills
- Proven work experience as a Medical Coder or similar role
- 2+ years of work experience as a Medical Coder
- Proficient computer skills
- Work with coding software
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Outstanding organizational skills
- Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information
- High school diploma or GED required
Frequently asked questions
- What does a Medical Coder do?
- A Medical Coder transcribes patients' records into an insurance-accepted coding system. With this information, they are able to process claims for reimbursement from providers in accordance with provider agreements or other contracts between parties involved that may govern payment amounts on various levels (such as third-party payers).
- What are the duties and responsibilities of a Medical Coder?
- A Medical Coder will perform verification and coding of the diagnosis, evaluation and management procedures to ensure completeness in medical records. Reviewing component parts for accuracy is also necessary and must be completed by coders when verifying a patient's data such as operation codes or other special therapies given during their visit.
- What makes a good Medical Coder?
- A good Medical Coder must be able to not only understand medical terminology and anatomy, but also read documentation in order to determine which codes apply for different situations. It's critical that they stay current with new information throughout their career.
- Who does Medical Coder work with?
- Medical Coders work in every type of health care facility and interact with medical professionals like nurses, doctors, and surgeons. Some experienced Medical Coders have the ability to provide remote or home-based coding services through an employer while others operate as independent contractors