http://cpc.certifiedcodertraining.com/index.php/what-is-medical-coding | Explore a cost efficient and potentially lucrative career with Medical Coding. This may be the career option you’ve been searching for!

1. Exploring Medical Coding
Medical coding provides a great pathway to a career with income growth potential, relocation
options, and flexible scheduling. Pursuing certified professional coding credentials can help
individuals interested in improving their job opportunities, with a fast track to success.
What Is Medical Coding?
Medical coding involves taking doctor’s or other medical personnel’s notes concerning patient
diagnoses and treatments, and translating them into codes used to create claims to bill payers for
services rendered. Medical codes provide a standardized means of translating diagnoses and
treatments in to billable claims for insurers and other payers. Medical coders often work in the
billing office of clinics and hospitals, or at home.
Medical coding requires knowledge of medical terminology, and some basic anatomy and other
medical information, as well as knowledge of the codes used to denote diagnoses and treatments.
Inaccurate coding can lead to billing errors that cost medical practices money.
How Do I Become a Medical Coder?
The great thing about medical coding is that it’s a remunerative career that you can get into with
a small investment of time in training. Medical coders with certified professional coding
credentials have the best chance of getting jobs and a better shot at high-paying work. The
American Academy of Professional Coders offers the most widely recognized credential for
coders: the Certified Professional Coder certification.
AAPC classes typically take from 12 to 18 months to complete. In these courses, students will
learn ICD-9-CM codes, ICD-10-CM codes, medical terminology, anatomy HCPCS codes, and
other skills needed by coders. At the end of the course, they’ll take the AAPC National
Examination. A score of 70 percent is needed to pass the exam and receive Certified Professional
Coder certification.
A Mobile Career
Medical coders have a job just about anywhere they go. Coders are typically in demand by
doctor’s offices and hospitals, among other medical service providers. According to employment
data, the top states for medical coding jobs are:
California
Texas
Florida
Georgia
North Carolina
Many working adults feel that they are stuck in one locale because their skills won’t be in
demand in other parts of the country. With certified professional coding credentials, you can
write your own ticket to nearly anywhere in the U.S.

2. Employment Outlook
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, medical coders have a solid career outlook.
Demand for medical coders is expected to grow over the coming decade, as the implementation
of the Affordable Care Act and the growing ranks of seniors in need of care will cause a surge in
medical procedures and treatments.
The average starting salary for medical coders typically ranges between $34,000 and $43,000 per
year, although it may be lower in some areas of the country. With a few years of experience and
professional training, medical coders can make salaries of more than $50,000 per year. Coders
who want even more career advancement can pursue further education to become medical
auditors.
Getting medical coder training can help adults looking for a new career find work that is
challenging and financially rewarding. LS Coding and Education, LLC can help, providing
qualified training that works with student schedules.