AHEC Connecticut
HEALTH INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS - Medical Coder
To be a successful Medical Coder you should...
- have a high degree of accuracy
- have a working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology
- have an ability for problem solving and analysis
- have the ability to work at one station for extended periods of time
- work well under pressure and be able to observe deadlines
- have the ability to communicate orally and in writing
- pay close attention to detail
What will my job be like?
Technicians who specialize in coding are called health information coders, medical record coders, coder/abstractors, or coding specialists.
A medical coder uses a classification system to assign code numbers and letters to each symptom, diagnosis, disease, procedure, and operation that appears in the patient's chart. These codes are used for insurance reimbursement, research, health planning analysis, and to make clinical decisions.
Where could I work?
Medical coders usually work in hospitals.
Other workplace settings:
- Health Maintenance Organizations
- Insurance Companies
- Physicians' Offices
- Self-employed
What is the average annual salary?
$43,000
What is the future of this career?
Job prospects should be very good. Employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014 because of rapid growth in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures that will be increasingly scrutinized by health insurance companies, regulators, courts, and consumers.
What type of education and/or training do I need?
A two year associate degree with a curriculum that includes medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology is recommended. Basic coding courses offered by vocational schools may last up to 12 weeks. A home-study course is available through the American Health Information Management Association. It is a self-paced course and usually takes 24-36 months to complete. Some on-the-job training is also offered.
Where can I get the education and/or training?
- Asnuntuck Community College, Enfield
- Briarwood College, Southington
- Capital Community College, Hartford
- Danbury Hospital School of Medical Records, Danbury
- Gateway Community College, New Haven
- Housatonic Community College, Bridgeport
- Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury
- Norwalk Community College, Norwalk
- Quinebaug Valley Community College, Danielson
- St. Vincent’s College, Bridgeport
- Three Rivers Community College, Norwich
- Tunxis Community College, Farmington
- University of Connecticut, Storrs
Do I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
Where can I get more information?
American Health Information Management Association
919 North Michigan Ave, Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60611-1483
(312) 787-2672
www.ahima.org