What is a Medical Coder's Primary Responsibility

Have you ever taken a look at a patient's chart or bill at the doctor's office? If so, you may have seen a variety of codes and numbers written all over it. These are all translated into procedures that were performed on the patient. The individual that places these codes on the sheet is a medical coder.

Function

As a medical coder, you are required to translate health care procedures and exams that are done with patients. Codes are also available for diagnoses that have been determined by doctors. The medical codes that have been entered are used to tell how much the patient must pay the health care provider.



Identification

Medical coders are sometimes known as health information technicians, coding specialists or information coders.

Duties

As a health information technician, you will have to perform a variety of duties, such as verify that patient charts are complete to the fullest. Coding specialists are also required to use computers for the evaluation of info and for correspondence with other medical staff.

Considerations

Some medical coders work in special areas of medical coding, such as obstetrics or oncology.

Compensation

Salaries offered annually for this field is about $30,610 as a median. Depending on where you work, live and your experience and education level will determine how much you will be paid.