How to Become a Medical Receptionist

A medical receptionist is an integral part of a high functioning healthcare team. Doctors, nurses, and other medical and administrative staff members rely on the medical receptionist to create a friendly, welcoming and well-organized front office for patients and to facilitate their flow through the facility. 

The daily rhythm of work as a medical receptionist can be summed up in one word—busy! These professionals traditionally perform their duties from a prominently located desk, where they can easily interact with patients, staff, pharmaceutical reps, vendors and others. They are responsible for maintaining a calm and efficient environment for fielding phone calls, answering patient questions, scheduling new and follow-up appointments, registering new patients and updating records.

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How to Become a Medical Office Assistant

Overview

Doctors and patients alike rely upon medical office assistants to bring order to the complex world of medicine. As a medical office assistant (MOA), you are the first point of contact between patient and office, and as such, set the tone for the patient’s experience. In addition to guiding patients, MOAs also work behind the scenes to coordinate referrals, lab test reviews, chart updates, insurance reimbursements and other functions that keep a medical office running smoothly. A medical office assistant can be given great leeway by a doctor who trusts in his integrity and judgment, particularly in smaller practices where an MOA must inevitably fill a wide variety of roles. Larger medical practices or hospitals rely on medical office assistants, too, but for fewer and more specialized tasks. Regardless of the size of the practice, medical office assistants are an integral part of any medical office, and can tip the balance of a patient's experience from mundane to superlative.

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How to Become a Medical Laboratory technician

Medical laboratory technicians may function behind the scenes, but the work that they do is exciting, varied and vital to the quality of a patient's healthcare. Conducting lab tests ordered by doctors and other healthcare providers, these professionals work with human bodily fluids and tissue samples to determine diagnoses and identify abnormalities. They work with microscopes, computers and other automated laboratory machines, where they keep detailed records of the data they compile.

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Some medical laboratory technicians prefer the more generalist nature of work at a large hospital lab or independent facility while others pursue a specialty in areas such as immunology, microbiology and clinical chemistry. No matter which approach they choose, they are important members of the healthcare industry whose work is instrumental in determining the correct diagnoses.

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In a fundamental way, the medical billing and coding specialist helps prevent our health care system from grinding to a bureaucratic halt! Through their work creating detailed billing records and efficiently coded invoices, these specialists ensure that the business side of health care does not obstruct the vital medical care that patients need. Without the contributions of the billing and coding specialists, neither doctors nor insurance companies could properly provide their services to patients.

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These specialists bear much of the crucial responsibility for ensuring that appropriate payments and reimbursements are made. A medical billing and coding specialist enjoys two vital duties:

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How to Become a Laser Technician

Laser technology has made medical procedures once only the province of the elite available to the masses. Laser technicians are trained to use laser devices in a wide array of medical practices. Ophthalmic laser technicians assist doctors in optical measurements, diagnostics and LASIK eye corrective surgery. Cosmetic laser technicians use laser devices to remove hair, tattoos, varicose veins and skin irregularities. Laser is even used at dental offices to diagnose and treat periodontitis. New uses for laser are currently under development—to treat infection, pain and inflammation—and its applications will only increase over time. Laser technicians will be the specialists poised at the forefront of these exciting new discoveries, ready to implement laser's new applications as they develop.

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Laser hair removal technicians remove body hair safely and permanently using state-of-the-art laser equipment. Much like cosmetologists and plastic surgeons, these professionals take great satisfaction in improving each client’s self-image through the services they provide. 

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To prepare clients for hair removal, technicians interview them about their skin type, ancestry, medications and health habits. They assess these elements so as to determine the safest and most effective settings for the laser device (and often work under a physician’s direction to ensure the quality of their work). Technicians selectively target hair follicles by delivering a small pulse of light from the laser device at precisely the right duration and wavelength. This process destroys a hair’s root without harming the surrounding skin.  

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Hospital interpreters use their skill in English and a foreign language to provide invaluable services to patients and doctors alike. The ability for patients and healthcare professionals to communicate is fundamentally important to the safety and comfort of the patient during care, yet over 24 million Americans do not speak enough English to communicate effectively with their healthcare provider.  Professional interpreters bridge this gap to ensure that patients receive safe, high-quality care. They also help providers to develop a better understanding of the patient's cultural background and how it may influence healthcare decisions.

Hospital interpreters assist during admissions, examinations, consultations, procedures and many other provider-patient encounters. They encourage direct communication between the provider and patient and repeat each utterance completely and accurately in the language of the listener. Interpreters usually remain in the background but may pause the conversation to clarify information, correct misunderstandings or respond to a patient’s discomfort.

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Become a Forensic Lab Technician 

Forensic lab technicians apply their knowledge and background in lab science to further the reach of the law. By using the latest laboratory techniques to analyze physical evidence from crime scenes, these professionals help to solve crimes and successfully prosecute criminal offenders.In addition to meticulous lab skills, this career requires the ability to summarize lab findings in written reports and to testify in court. Forensic lab technicians are sometimes called on to testify on physical evidence ranging from DNA to fingerprints to spent shell casings. In court testimony, they must describe their laboratory processes and findings, and explain their qualifications and experience, sometimes under aggressive questioning.

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Kidney dialysis makes the difference between life and death for those who suffer from renal failure. Dialysis technicians administer this life-sustaining procedure all in a day’s work. These technicians, also known as hemodialysis or nephrology technicians, maintain and operate the equipment used for dialysis, a process that cleanses the blood of metabolic waste productsKidney dialysis makes the difference between life and death for those who suffer from renal failure. Dialysis technicians administer this life-sustaining procedure all in a day’s work. These technicians, also known as hemodialysis or nephrology technicians, maintain and operate the equipment used for dialysis, a process that cleanses the blood of metabolic waste products

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Overview

Medical billers are vital to the business success of the healthcare industry. Their careful work submitting claims to insurance companies keeps business running smoothly for physicians, hospitals, third party billing companies and even the federal and state governments. A medical biller is able to contribute significantly to the healthcare industry without the long years of schooling required of many other jobs in the field.

Medical billers review hospital and patient records, calculate charges, submit claims and answer patient and insurance company questions regarding claims. A skillful medical biller helps healthcare facilities navigate Medicare, Medicaid, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), a set of rules regarding the privacy, confidentiality and sharing of personal health information. Certified medical billers are those who pass the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist Exam, and are more highly sought after than those without certification. Medical billing offers an opportunity for an efficient, task-oriented individual to use his eye for detail in a critical role within the healthcare industry.

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Certified Medical Biller Work Environment

Certified medical billers work in hospitals, nursing homes, physicians’ offices, rehabilitation facilities, and third party billing services such as consulting companies or insurance companies. Each state government employs a large number of medical billers, as does the federal government as well. Most certified medical billers work full time, though job hours are flexible. Some develop their own businesses so that they can work independently from home.

Certified Medical Biller Education Requirements

Education

Medical billing is a robust career field that is open to anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent GED certificate. Medical billing courses are often independent of standard degree programs at local colleges and therefore can be completed in the classroom or online. When selecting a medical billing course, choose one offered by an accredited organization that has been training medical billers for many years. If you are considering a career in medical billing and have not yet graduated from high school, consider courses in math, computers, accounting, speech and business as a solid foundation for your future career.

Training

In preparation for a career in medical billing, basic medical terminology, diagnoses and coding must be memorized and understood. Medical billers must familiarize themselves with the laws and regulations for the state they work in as well as the differences among major insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid.

While a medical billing certificate program will prepare you for a new career, you will likely receive quite a bit of additional training on the job. You may be required to takecontinuing education courses or be trained actively by a fellow biller in your first weeks.

Licensing and/or Certification

While state and federal laws don’t require certification to take a job in medical billing, most employers seek only certified applicants. A medical billing course from a respected school will ensure you are ready for the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist Exam. The American Medical Billing Association offers one of the most widely recognized programs.  Even after passing this exam, however, it is highly recommended that you stay up to date with new developments in the field and refresh your skills regularly. Because certification must be renewed periodically, ongoing education is a must.

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Necessary Skills and Qualities

The healthcare industry is a complex environment, filled with legal and insurance requirements and a number of software tools for tracking patients and services rendered. So it’s no surprise that a successful medical biller is one with exceptional math, communication and organization skills, a keen understanding of computer software and a detail-oriented nature with the ability to adapt to new challenges. On the phone or at the computer most of the day in communication with insurance agencies, clients, and physicians, a medical biller is the hub of operations for the business side of the healthcare industry.

Opportunities for Advancement

Advancement opportunities within a healthcare organization include moving into management of personnel or patient accounts. Highly experienced medical billers with a strong work history are in enough demand that some start their own home businesses, giving them ultimate freedom over their schedules. To take advantage of every opportunity in this field, be sure to network with other experienced billers on medical billing forums and become a member of associations like the American Medical Billing Association. Keeping in touch with people in your industry gives you the inside track on new opportunities in the field.

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Certified Medical Biller Salary

As of 2010, according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median annual wage for a billing clerk in any field was $32,170. As billing clerks working in the healthcare field, certified medical billers can expect to earn a similar amount, though the exact compensation will vary depending on the sector of the healthcare industry and the state. Certified medical billers who work in private offices or for insurance companies can earn higher salaries than those who work in hospitals, public health or Medicaid settings. Because most employers prefer certified employees, salaries vary significantly between those with and without certification.

Certified Medical Biller Job Outlook

Employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, and certified medical billers should expect similar job growth. Demand for certified medical billers in the healthcare industry continues to grow due to an aging U.S. population that requires more frequent medical tests, procedures and treatment, with a concomitant increase in claims.

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Biomedical technicians contribute enormously to successful patient outcomes in healthcare by inspecting, repairing, calibrating and designing medical equipment that grows more advanced and vital all the time.

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Also called biomeds, biomedical engineers and biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs), these professionals have worked diligently for the past several decades in an area of medicine where science fiction becomes fact and present meets future. Their profession continually proves to be one of the most dynamic and exciting in healthcare.  Their impact?  Profound.  From electric wheelchairs to nuclear imaging devices and surgical robots, BMETs ensure the safety and proper functioning of medical equipment on which patients and healthcare professionals rely in order to achieve safe, accurate diagnosis and successful treatment.

BMETs use their technological expertise to prevent mechanical and computer errors that could harm patients or lead providers to the wrong diagnosis. They also set up preventative maintenance programs to keep equipment running and prevent life-threatening breakdowns.

Many facilities consult biomeds when choosing new machines and planning for the future.  These technicians train medical professionals to use equipment safely and effectively.  Hospitals depend on BMETs in order to meet local, state and federal regulations governing the use of medical equipment.

Some BMETs are generalists who work with a multitude of machines, while others specialize in a narrower area such as imaging or laboratory devices.

Biomedical Technician Work Environment

Biomedical technicians work in a variety of environments. Many are employed by hospitals and health systems. Others work in the supply end of the industry at medical equipment retail centers or wholesalers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 13 percent of BMETs were self-employed in 2010.

Most BMETs are employed full time. Technicians with wholesale and retail suppliers usually work regular business hours and may be on call some nights and weekends. In hospitals, BMETs often work evening and overnight shifts.

Biomeds spend much of their time working hands-on with machines. To adjust and repair equipment, they use both tools and computer applications. In performing their duties, they often stand for several hours at a time and frequently bend and crouch. BMETs also perform some office duties such as reviewing product manuals and record keeping.

A BMET’s job requires plenty of interaction with others. The technicians spend a significant amount of time training other professionals and meeting with hospital administrators. They also work closely with nurses, medical materials personnel and the hospital facilities department. Because they often service equipment that is in use, BMETs have frequent contact with patients.

Biomedical Technician Education Requirements

Education

A BMET career requires a two-year associate degree in biomedical equipment technology or a related field such as electronics or engineering. Many technicians train while serving in the military. While employers generally value hands-on experience over advanced education, more and more companies require that applicants have bachelor’s degrees.

When enrolling in a training program, it’s essential to choose a school accredited by theAmerican Board for Engineering and Technology. These programs have demonstrated a commitment to quality and have an excellent track record of preparing students for successful careers.

Because technology advances quickly, BMETs must constantly update their skills through continuing education.

Training

Accredited BMET training programs provide extensive hands-on instruction. Students gradually gain independence by training on a series of medical machines, each more complex than the last. Working technicians extend this training by studying equipment manuals and attending continuing education classes.

Licensing and/or Certification

Voluntary certification as a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) paves the way for greater employment and advancement opportunities. Some BMETs also pursue niche certification as a Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES) or Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES). To earn these credentials, candidates must meet education and work experience requirements and pass a computer-based examination.

While not mandatory, membership in the Medical Equipment and Technology Association(META) connects BMETs with networking opportunities that help to advance their careers.

Necessary Skills and Qualities

Aspiring biomedical technicians should have a passion for machines and technology as well as a knack for troubleshooting and repairs. Because an equipment failure often creates an emergency situation, the technician must work well in fast-paced, high-pressure situations. Stamina is important, as the job requires standing, crouching and moving for long periods. Finally, BMETs must have excellent interpersonal skills in order to work effectively with medical professionals, hospital staff, administrators and patients.

Opportunities for Advancement

Experienced BMETs may be promoted to supervise the work of junior technicians. Others specialize in a particular area or become instructors in training programs. Many technicians start their own businesses and work for several facilities on a freelance basis.

Experience and certification increase the opportunities for advancement. Many employers will pay the costs associated with certification.

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Biomedical Technician Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for BMETs in May 2010 was $44,500. The highest-paid 10% earned more than $70,260 a year.

BMET salaries vary by work setting. Retail suppliers usually pay the least while wholesalers pay above average wages. The best-paid jobs are found in hospitals and health systems. Salary tends to increase with education, training and certification.

Biomedical Technician Job Outlook

The job outlook for BMETs is excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow by 31 percent between 2010 and 2020. The aging of U.S. population will largely drive this growth. It will increase the demand for medical care in coming decades. BMETs are rarely laid off or outsourced and enjoy excellent job security.

Top workplaces for BMETs include hospitals and medical equipment suppliers. Demand is greatest for BMETs with Associate’s degrees in biomedical engineering or biomedical equipment technology. Technicians also improve their employment opportunities by relocating to shortage areas (particularly rural areas).

Biomedical Technician Career

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Overview

Health information technology careers give professionals remarkable new opportunities to improve quality and coverage in health care by lowering costs, helping to maximize efficiency, and putting a stop to avoidable medical mistakes. Those with a dual passion for computer and medical sciences have a perfect career choice in health information technology (HIT), also known as health information management (HIM).

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The timing for such a career choice could not be better, as American medical doctors now confront a huge procedural shift from handwritten patient notes to digital records. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) has mandated that doctors and hospitals adopt electronic health records (EHRs), which are also known as electronic medical records (EMRs).

According to an analysis by the Rand Corporation, “If most hospitals and doctors’ offices adopted HIT, the potential efficiency savings for both inpatient and outpatient care could average over $77 billion per year.” These massive savings are expected to come from more efficient drug prescriptions; reduced administrative time for doctors and nurses; and reduced time of hospital stays as a result of better scheduling, coordination and increased safety.

The HIT professional can take satisfaction in doing a job that moves medical care in the US forward in quality and efficiency. As HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in February 2012, “Health IT is the foundation for a truly 21st century health system where we pay for the right care, not just more care."

Health Information Technology Work Environment

The medical community relies on HIT specialists in all geographical areas of the country and within all types of medical settings - private practices, hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes, mental health facilities and public health agencies. The immediate tasks confronting an HIT professional depend partially on the current degree to which the employer has transitioned to all-electronic handling of patient information.

As these healthcare facilities select and implement new hardware and software systems, they must also provide educational programs to train medical staff in their usage. Information technology professionals accept the challenges of optimizing these new systems so that medical staff can adopt and consistently use them.  Owing to their significant responsibilities, these specialists expect full time workloads and demanding schedules.

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Health Information Technology  Education Requirements

Education

Prospective HIT specialists will need a minimum of an associate (two year) degree, preferably in computer sciences and/or information technology. It is optimal, however, to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and some schools offer such degrees specifically in health informatics. The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredits these programs. Those attending schools without this specific major or focus are urged to study computer science, math (including calculus and statistics) and biology. Prospective health IT professionals must possess solid knowledge of data base construction and management. The budding professional may also enjoy a competitive advantage by gaining specialized knowledge, such as in bioinformatics, the application of IT to the mountains of genetic data being generated by researchers on a weekly basis.

Training 

A college degree as described above is the optimal training for health information technology careers. However, it is conceivable that someone with an appropriate bachelor’s degree, such as in math or biology, could follow that up with extensive training in computers from a top level vocational school as well as gaining certification (below) to become a viable HIT candidate.

Licensing and/or Certification 

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) offers certification of two types: Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). HIT candidates gain this certification by passing the corresponding test administered by AHIMA. An associate degree is a prerequisite for RHIT certification, while a bachelor’s degree is needed to sit for the RHIA exam. Members of AHIMA pay $229 for this exam while non-members pay $299. AHIMA membership itself costs between $175 and $235, depending on the level, but student and new graduate rates are also available. For those taking the RHIT or RHIA for the first time, a little over 70% will pass. AHIMA provides full information on the nature of the tests as well as recommended preparation and resources.

Necessary Skills and Qualities 

The successful health IT specialist typically possesses skills in problem solving and of course a thorough knowledge of computer software and hardware. Attention to detail and an ability to work independently - solving computer problems in a creative way - is an essential requirement. HIT professionals require excellent written and verbal communication skills in order to educate end users of HIT in the essential details of the hardware and software. Work in HIT requires an ability to work productively with a wide variety of people, including designers and programmers, managers and administrators, and doctors and nurses. A sincere desire to make a positive impact in the medical community will underlie the HIT professional’s ability to coordinate diverse personalities in their activities while also showing grace under pressure.

Opportunities for Advancement 

There are numerous opportunities for career advancement within the HIT field, especially in hospitals and other large institutions, with their hierarchies of various medical and support staff. Work experience tends to give people deeper knowledge in certain specialized areas, which can be parlayed into job and salary advancement either with a present employer or elsewhere. 

Openness to new knowledge and a willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty definitely help HIT workers stand out within their group or department. Taking advantage of further educational opportunities broadens and freshens a person’s skill set, increasing value to an employer and helping to provide opportunities for advancement. For example, professionals with a strong computer and/or sciences background can take courses in management, administration and business - or vice versa.

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Health Information Technology Salary

According to employment agency reports, the overall average salary in health information technology is about $69,000 per year, with an average starting pay of about $44,000 yearly. However, some jobs start as low as $21,240. These averages of course reflect wide ranges in pay depending on geographic location, type of employer, and qualifications of the individual. Both salaries and costs of living will tend to be higher in large metropolitan areas. Other factors being about equal, when comparing those with associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, pay increases as the amount of education and training increases. Peak salaries in HIT are approximately $110,000 per year, though some administrative positions can pay more depending on the level of responsibility involved.

Health Information Technology Job Outlook

The job outlook in health information technology is good and should grow by 21% between 2010 and 2020. Almost 450,000 people are currently employed in HIT, with at least 78,000 job openings predicted over the next ten years.

In 2004, HHS established the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONCHIT), charged with facilitating the use of EHRs in the US by 2014. This was followed in 2005 by the founding of the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) to create a set of standards for EHRs and their supporting networks and to certify products meeting those standards.

According to a report by Medical News Today in February 2012, over 41,000 MDs and almost 2,000 hospitals have received more than three billion dollars in incentive payments from HHS, Medicare and Medicaid incentive programs to adopt health IT. The fraction of hospitals in the US using EHRs went from 16% in 2009 to 35% in 2011. Today, about 50% of all doctors and hospitals are now using EHRs. However, the heat is on: Doctors and hospitals will be liable for financial penalties under Medicare if they are not using EHRs by 2015.

Even beyond that date, HIT workers will still enjoy robust job prospects, because HIT will continue to grow along with healthcare in general for the foreseeable future. Health information technology professionals will continue to be on the front lines of implementing this emerging technology in their day-to-day work. The medical community calls upon them to find the best ways of sharing patient information between various providers, insurance companies and government agencies without compromising patient privacy. Health informatics systems must improve at incorporating clinical guidelines and standardized medical terminology.

Health Information Technology Career

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Overview

Medical coding specialists are essential to the efficient functioning of the healthcare industry. They use alphanumeric diagnostic and procedure codes to convey critical information about illnesses and treatment. By translating medical terminology into standardized codes, information is transmitted with the efficiency that best serves patient and provider alike—so that patients' diagnoses are accurately communicated and providers' services paid.

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Medical coding specialists rely on their knowledge of medical terminology, diseases and medications to assign a diagnostic or procedural code to each entry in a patient’s record. To choose the most appropriate codes, these specialists review the patient’s history and test results, and at times, talk to the patient’s doctor to uncover missing information.

By maintaining complete and accurate records of all care, these specialists contribute to efficient record processing on several fronts. Doctors and hospitals use code data to track their performance and prevent fraud and error that could harm patients. Insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid all rely on coding to calculate their reimbursements to providers. This same data even helps government agencies track and combat public health threats like obesity, tobacco use and contagious diseases.

Medical coding specialists perform an all-important function within the healthcare industry. Thanks to their knowledge and expertise, care is synchronized, bills are paid, and the gears of the healthcare industry remain turning.

Medical Coding Specialist  Work Environment

Most medical coding specialists work in healthcare facilities, including:

• Hospitals
• Physician offices and group practices
• Surgery centers
• Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Dental offices
• Home healthcare agencies
• Mental health facilities

Some medical coding specialists work outside the clinical setting at insurance companies, independent billing and coding services, consulting firms, public health organizations and government agencies.

Almost all medical coding specialists work in office buildings or in the back offices of hospitals and clinics. The idea that medical coding is a great work-at-home career is simply not true and is usually propagated by online scammers selling worthless classes or business opportunities. While off-site coding positions do exist, they’re relatively rare and usually require several years of successful work experience.

Medical coding specialists spend a majority of their time at their desks analyzing and coding patient charts. They also spend hours each day on their computers working with coding software, electronic health records and other applications. To resolve diagnostic questions, medical coders refer to comprehensive codebooks such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Though most of their work is done alone, coding specialists sometimes consult doctors, colleagues or supervisors for clarification and additional information.

Most medical coding specialists work full time. In inpatient settings, they sometimes work evening or overnight shifts.

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Medical Coding Specialist  Work Environment

Most medical coding specialists work in healthcare facilities, including:

• Hospitals
• Physician offices and group practices
• Surgery centers
• Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Dental offices
• Home healthcare agencies
• Mental health facilities

Some medical coding specialists work outside the clinical setting at insurance companies, independent billing and coding services, consulting firms, public health organizations and government agencies.

Almost all medical coding specialists work in office buildings or in the back offices of hospitals and clinics. The idea that medical coding is a great work-at-home career is simply not true and is usually propagated by online scammers selling worthless classes or business opportunities. While off-site coding positions do exist, they’re relatively rare and usually require several years of successful work experience.

Medical coding specialists spend a majority of their time at their desks analyzing and coding patient charts. They also spend hours each day on their computers working with coding software, electronic health records and other applications. To resolve diagnostic questions, medical coders refer to comprehensive codebooks such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Though most of their work is done alone, coding specialists sometimes consult doctors, colleagues or supervisors for clarification and additional information.

Most medical coding specialists work full time. In inpatient settings, they sometimes work evening or overnight shifts.

Medical Coding Specialist  Education Requirements

Education

While there are no set educational requirements to enter the field, success as a medical coding specialist requires a strong knowledge of biology, anatomy, physiology and medical terminology. Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent and prefer candidates with at least a year of study beyond high school.

Certificate programs in medical coding generally take about a year to complete and are available through community colleges, continuing education centers and four-year colleges. Two professional organizations, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) also offer online certificate programs. To become certified, students must pass one of several exams available through AHIMA and AAPC.

A growing number of for-profit career schools offer certificate programs and associate degrees in medical coding. An investigation by the Government Accountability Office found that some of these programs engage in fraudulent and deceptive educational practices while charging very high tuition. To avoid educational scams, consult the list of approved certificate programs on AHIMA’s website.

Training

In some cases, medical coding specialists are trained entirely on the job. This may be an option for people who already have a strong background in the sciences or experience in other areas of health information management.

The US Department of Labor classifies medical coding as an apprenticeable occupation. Registered apprenticeship programs provide paid on-the-job training and academic instruction. For more information, contact a state apprenticeship office or a local chapter of AAPC.

Licensing and/or Certification

Certification as a medical coding specialist is voluntary but well worth pursuing. Candidates with AHIMA or AAPC credentials are strongly preferred by employers and often earn more. In fact, AAPC estimates that coders who hold its Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential earn 20 percent more than their non-certified counterparts.

In addition to its entry-level CPC credential, AAPC offers a variety of certifications that demonstrate expertise in certain settings and branches of medicine. To become certified, candidates must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and pass an exam. Some AAPC credentials require additional work experience.

AHIMA offers two levels of certification: the entry-level Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and the mastery-level Certified Coding Specialist. To be eligible, candidates must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and pass an exam. Three years of work experience is recommended (but not required) for CCS candidates. There are no educational requirements for either exam.

Necessary Skills and Qualities

Because medical coding rules are complex and sometimes ambiguous, the job requires strong analytical skills. Coding specialists must pay attention to many details in order to translate records precisely and accurately. They must also be comfortable working and making decisions independently. Computer skills are essential in the coding field due to the growing use of health informatics software and electronic health records. Experience interpreting and applying federal regulations is also valuable.

Opportunities for Advancement

Experienced medical coding specialists often supervise coding teams or serve as directors of coding at hospitals, health systems or insurance companies. Due to the growing emphasis on accountability, some organizations are even creating executive-level positions to direct coding strategy and operations. A bachelor’s or advanced degree in health information management or healthcare administration increases a coding specialist’s opportunities for advancement.

If you would like to gain the necessary education to become a medical coding specialist, we highly recommend that Call us on 877-650-7391

Medical Coding Specialist Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that the annual median salary for medical records and health information technicians was $32,350 as of May 2010. The lowest paid 10% earned less than $21,240 while the highest paid 10% earned more than $53,430. Experience, education and certification all increase a medical coding specialist’s earning potential.

Medical Coding Specialist Job Outlook

Medical coding specialists are in demand. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the shortage of qualified health information management and technology workers will hit 50,000 by 2015.

According to the US Department of Labor, job growth for medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 21% between 2010 and 2020, which is considered faster than average for all occupations. This increase is partly due to the aging of our population—Americans will be using more and more healthcare services in coming decades. New regulations that demand more accountability from healthcare providers are also creating jobs for qualified medical coding specialists.

Demand is highest for candidates with mastery-level credentials (CCS or equivalent), those with several years of work experience and those with expertise in certain medical fields such as interventional radiology.

Medical coding jobs are posted on the websites of hospitals, health systems and other healthcare providers. The AAPC and Health Information Careers websites also list medical coding jobs.

Medical Coding Specialist Related Career

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Overview

A hospital is a bustling treatment center for patients, and a complex, interdisciplinary workplace for healthcare personnel. One person is responsible for keeping this symbiotic infrastructure running smoothly - the hospital administrator.

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As the head of operations, a hospital administrator oversees clinical units, departments or an entire hospital. These professionals manage personnel, finances and facility practices according to a distinct set of policies and procedures established by trustees. They keep abreast of new laws and regulations in the industry and advances in medicine and medical technology. A hospital administrator also represents the institution she manages at investor meetings, on governing boards, and within the greater community.

Hospital administrators are the true leaders of the institutions they helm. Their decisions reverberate throughout the workplace and the community at large. Administrators' influence even extends internationally, as their actions and policies affect global healthcare standards.

Hospital Administrator Work Environment

Hospital administrators ply their trade in many different environments, including urban and general care community hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, group medical practices and outpatient care locations. They make up the largest portion of the healthcare administrative workforce. The majority of them are full-time employees and most work typical business hours except when called upon for administrative issues or emergencies during evening hours, overnight or on weekends and holidays.

Hospital Administrator Education Requirements

Education

Hospital administrators hold at least a four-year bachelor’s degree and many pursue graduate education (such as a master’s or doctorate degree), necessary at larger facilities or for executive positions high on the administrative ladder. Graduate education programs in business or health administration take two to three years to complete. A curriculum specific to hospital administration includes courses in hospital organization, strategy, healthcare and business law, finance and economics and healthcare technology systems.

Prospective hospital administration students should check a program’s accreditation status at the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education in order to ensure that they receive an education that meets predetermined quality standards.

Training

A hospital administrator is expected to already have the required skills, knowledge and experience when taking on a new position, as practical training is a part of any degree program. On-the-job training that is specific to a facility is provided by the outgoing administrator, an experienced associate or by the new administrator’s immediate supervisor.

Licensing and/or Certification

Administrators who work in hospitals do not need to have licenses. However, those employed at long-term care facilities must have them, as required by all US states. Administrators must take an exam for initial licensure, then maintain proof of active practice or continuing education to keep a license active.

Though the law does not require board certification, many hospital administrators get certified in order to maintain their professional standing and to validate their competency in their field. Board certification is available for hospital administrators at the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Necessary Skills and Qualities

Hospital administrators must be analytical problem-solvers who can also tap into their creativity. A detail-oriented personality helps balance effective healthcare delivery and the cost-efficient operation of a hospital, while creative acuity will help an administrator to foresee the broader effects of decisions and policies. 

These professionals are leaders, and as such they have well-honed interpersonal skills, needed to mitigate conflict and negotiate changes that affect many. They know how to motivate staff and communicate with people from various cultural backgrounds and educational levels.

Opportunities for Advancement

Thanks to their varied knowledge and breadth of experience, hospital administrators are well suited to move beyond a single facility and take on higher levels of responsibility as administrators in healthcare networks or government organizations. They are also qualified to serve as educators or as consultants for new facilities or healthcare organizations.

If you would like to gain the necessary education to become a hospital administrator, 

Hospital Administrator Salary

According to the US Department of Labor, healthcare administrators collectively had a median salary of about $84,000 in 2010, with a range of about $51,280 to over $144,880. Many command wages on the higher end of this range, depending on the size of the facility they oversee. Higher levels of education do not necessarily result in a higher salary, but greater levels of responsibility do.

Hospital Administrator Job Outlook

The overall job market for healthcare administrators is expected to grow by about 22 percent until at least 2020. In the ever-changing landscape of the healthcare industry, many hospitals are streamlining roles and responsibilities to cut costs. Administrators who used to manage one department may now be in charge of several. And with more hospitals joining large networks, some administrators are responsible for operations at more than one facility. Administrative professionals who are highly cross-trained are the most likely to thrive in this dynamic environment.

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Hospital Administrator