Coding Requirements
Medical record coding is a government-regulated, systematic method of categorizing healthcare services. Coders convert medical diagnoses, procedures, services and supplies into numeric or alphanumeric codes for billing and statistical purposes.
Like most positions in the healthcare profession, medical coding requires specific education as well as professional certification. Two professional organizations offer certification for coders: the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). If you’re interested in a coding career, the basics are listed below:
Education RequirementsAssociate or bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management preferred.
Credential RequirementsCandidates must possess one of the following credentials:
RHIA - Registered Health Information Administrator, which requires a 4-year degree
RHIT - Registered Health Information Technician, which requires a 2-year degree
CCS - Certified Coding Specialist
CCS- P - Certified Coding Specialist, Physician-based
CPC - Certified Professional Coder
CPC- H - Certified Professional Coder, Hospital Based
MedQuist requires at least three years of on-the-job coding experience along with one of the above credentials.
More Information
For more information about careers in the coding profession, visit http://www.ahima.org/
MedQuist does not offer education or training required to become a credentialed or certified coder, but we recommend that you check with your local community college regarding the programs they offer. In addition to the official AHIMA Web site, more information about educational options may be available from your state’s Health Information Management organization and/or Web site. |