As a medical coder, you will assign specific numeric codes to medical services, procedures and diagnoses. Allied’s Medical Coding teaches you how to apply the right code in the right place and streamline the medical billing process. From knowledge of ICD-9-CM and CPT codes to reimbursement issues, you will be ready to play an important part in a medical office.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
It's no secret that the medical field is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S.
According to the American Associate of Professional Coders (AAPC),
careers in medical coding have ample room for professional growth, salary advancement, and specialty fields to explore.
The AAPC published its annual survey on September 25, 2008 and some of the results even surprised Reed Pew, CEO and President of AAPC.
This year's survey was completed by over 12,000 medical coders; more coders than ever and conducted via the internet during July and August. A striking 89% of survey respondents have a CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, or CPC-A credential. While CPC's made up 82 percent of the survey's respondents, members also exhibited other certifications. Those with specialty certification include three percent of those surveyed. Other certifications held by respondents include CCS, RHIT, CTR, among others.
According to this year's survey.
- Average salaries have increased more than 11% compared to the 2007 survey!
- The average salary for a credentialed coder is 18% higher compared to a non-credentialed coder!
- 60% of coders work less than 40 hours a week!
- The average range for medical coders in general is $39,000 to $46,500!
The survey indicated that compensation differences result from multiple influences such as employer, training, work sites, complexity of the coding being dones, experience, and geographical location.
Let's take a closer look at some of those factors that can includence the average Medical Coder's salary:
Experience | Work Setting |
| No experience - $30,600 | Physican Practice - $39,400 |
| 2 years experience - $34,800 | Hospital - $44,700 |
| 4 years experience - $37,700 | Government Facility - $46,500 |
| 8 years experience - $42,400 | Payers - $52,500 |
Click here for Medical Career Comparison: Medical Transcription vs. Medical Coding
Speciality | Work Setting |
| Family Practice - $40,850 | Atlantic - $52,599 | New England/NY - $46,375 |
| General Surgery - $43,500 | Pacific - $49,688 | Mountain/Plain - $40,876 |
| Plastic Surgery - $47,200 | South - $41,998 | Mid-Atlantic - $39,970 |
| Neuropsychiatry - $62,500 | Payers - $52,500 | South West - $39,794 |
This powerful information gathered from the AAPC annual survey supports the opportunity for a successful and rewarding career in the Medical Coding Field. There are generous opportunities for advancement and numerous speciality fields to enter. It's eveident that NOW is the time to start preparing yourself for a stable career in medical coding.
Knowing that you can enter a secure profession now in a field that promises sustained and dramatic growth means peace of mind for the studnet, their family, and their future!
Labels: medical career, Medical Coder, Medical Coding, medical transcriber
Read Full Article>> Medical field is one of the fatest growing industries in the U.S.
