Medical Coding for Physicians: A Comprehensive Guide

Physician offices require medical coding specialists to handle financial affairs. A medical coding specialist communicates with a patient's insurance company when the patient receives medical care. Specially trained professionals are needed for this job.

Coding

• Medical coding is a data language that transcribes the patient's medical procedures. The codes on a health insurance claims form act as a shorthand between insurance companies and health care facilities. Each code contains vital information about a patient's health care.

Two Types of Coding

• Currently, there are two major coding systems. One is the Current Procedural Terminology, or CPT, which is facilitated by the American Medical Association. The other is ICD-10, which is facilitated by the World Health Organization.

Training

• To become a medical coder, some training is required. Community colleges and other educational institutions offer coding programs.

Process

• When a patient enters a physician's office, the medical coder contacts the patient's insurance provider. In a report, the medical coder creates a coded data sheet that explains the physician's reimbursement policies. The medical coder continually communicates with the insurance provider until full reimbursement is received.

Employment

• About 25 percent of all medical coding specialists work in a physician's office. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that physician office medical coders earn around $28,460 a year.