What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Medical coders assign codes for billing and reimbursement of health services based on patient diagnoses and treatments. They stay current on coding changes and may inform staff about updates. Coders work with electronic medical records and various software programs. Their duties also include reviewing patient information, retrieving records, and acting as a liaison between clinicians and billing offices. This role requires attention to detail and involves little to no direct patient contact.
For More Information:
Advancing the Business of Healthcare: https://www.aapc.com/resources/what-is-medical-coding
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
Medical coders typically work in health care settings like hospitals, physician offices, clinics, and nursing homes, as well as in consulting firms and insurance companies. They usually work 40 hours a week, with some overtime or shift work in 24/7 hospital departments.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
Mean annual salary: $47,503
Entry-level annual salary: $36,103
For More Information:
ZipRecruiter: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Medical-Billing-And-Coding-Specialist-Salary–in-New-York#Yearly
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
Given the rising demand for health care services, there continues to be a need for medical coders in many health care settings.
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
Medical coders can earn an associate degree, often combined with medical billing, in 2 to 3 semesters, covering medical terminology, anatomy, computer skills, and coding. Employers prefer candidates with RHIT certification. Advancement is possible through specialization or management roles.
For More Information:
The American Health Information Management Association:
https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certification-exams/rhit/
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
While New York does not require medical coders to be licensed or certified, national professional groups, such as The American Health Information Management Association and the American Academy of Professional Coders offer national certification.
For More Information:
The American Health Information Management Association:
https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certifications-overview/
American Academy of Professional Coders: https://www.aapc.com/certifications
National Healthcareer Association: https://www.nhanow.com/get-certified
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.
For More Information:
The American Health Information Management Association:
https://ahimafoundation.ahima.org/programs-partnerships/education/scholarships/
Education Programs
Education Programs
| Institution | Degree | City/Town | Region | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SUNY Westchester Community College | Certificate | Valhalla | Hudson Valley | Visit |
SUNY Schenectady County Communicate College | Certificate | Schenectady | Capital Region | Visit |
SUNY Genesee Community College | Certificate | Batavia | Finger Lakes | Visit |
Swedish Institute | Certificate | New York City | New York City | Visit |
Herkimer College | Certificate | Herkimer | Mohawk Valley | Visit |
College of Staten Island CUNY | Certificate | Staten Island | New York City | Visit |
Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center | Certificate | Brooklyn | New York City | Visit |
Bryant & Stratton College | Certificate | Albany | Capital Region | Visit |
Ace Institute of Technology | Certificate | New York City | New York City | Visit |
Hostos Community College CUNY | Certificate | Bronx | New York City | Visit |
Hudson Valley Community College | Certificate | Troy | Capital Region | Visit |
Kingsborough Community College CUNY | Certificate | Brooklyn | New York City | Visit |
Lehman College CUNY | Certificate | Bronx | New York City | Visit |
Mohawk Valley Community College | Certificate | Utica | Mohawk Valley | Visit |
ABC Training Center | Certificate | Bronx | New York City | Visit |
Branford Hall Career Institute | Certificate | Amityville | Long Island | Visit |
Berkeley College | AAS | New York City | New York City | Visit |
Borough of Manhattan Community College CUNY | Certificate | New York City | New York City | Visit |
EBI Career College | Certificate | Vestal | Southern Tier | Visit |
Queensborough Community College CUNY | Certificate | Bayside | New York City | Visit |
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University | Certificate | Brooklyn | New York City | Visit |