I doubt if anyone of us ever thought of venturing into medical coding as a profession when we were kids. And why would we? Even as we grew up, professions like doctors, lawyers, actors, and the like seemed much more enticing and lucrative.
For me, though, as far back as I can remember I’d always wanted to be a doctor. As I grew older, it dawned upon me that, maybe, I’m not really cut out to spend half a dozen years in medical school (and that medical science was nothing short of rocket science for me!).
So though I (happily) bid adieu to my dreams of becoming a doctor, I was still drawn to the healthcare industry. So I searched for options where I didn’t need to put in years of study; nor have to get up in the middle of the night to rush to the ER. If you’re like me, then let me tell you why medical coding is a great career option for you.
Pays great and has a promising job outlook: According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for medical coders in 2010 is $32,350 per year. Even better, the job outlook for this profession is a solid 21 percent for this decade, which means that medical coders are in high demand and this demand is only expected to grow.
Educational requirements: The good thing is you don’t need four or five years of rigorous college education to be a medical coder. Most medical coders have an associate degree which can be completed in just under two years from a brick and mortar college. But the current trend of online education is fast catching up and several schools offer online medical coding training which is flexible enough to be scheduled around your daily routine.
ICD-10 will bring better opportunities: If medical coding is what you’re considering, then you’re probably aware of the new coding structure that will be initiated in October 2014. The current system in use, ICD-9, will be replaced by the new one, ICD-10, and this means that the medical coding community needs to be knowledgeable about the new codes, which are greater in number and much more complex than the current set in use.
Experts predict a rise in job opportunities once ICD-10 gets under way, because health facilities will face a dearth of medical coders who are trained to work on ICD-10, and this affects productivity. But if you have received ICD-10 training, healthcare centers will be eager to take you on. In my opinion, the time is ripe to join an ICD-10 training course, such as one approved by AHIMA, and exploit the opportunities that come your way next year.
Steady and flexible work schedule: The healthcare industry is noted for its long and erratic working hours — but not so for medical coders. Even though you might be working in large healthcare facilities, you can still expect a regular 40-hour work week and a clear-cut demarcation between your personal and professional life.
This is also a profession that allows you a lot of flexibility. Though most medical coders work the regular 9-5 job hours, a growing number of professionals have opted out of this routine and work as freelancers for doctors’ offices and hospitals. Technological advances have made it possible for medical coding to be performed remotely, and this has given rise to a number of self-employed medical coders who can work from home.
A chance to be a part of the healthcare industry: A desire to help others is the biggest factor in making people want to be a part of the healthcare industry. There’s immense satisfaction in knowing that you have in some sort of way helped those in need. And medical coding allows you just that, without getting involved in any clinical tasks. Plus, the healthcare industry is relatively recession-proof, which translates into better job stability, security, and job growth. The advances made by medical science and the increasing and aging population ensure that healthcare industry never faces a shortage of career opportunities.
So what do you say — how does medical coding sound? It may not be glamorous profession, but it is one that’s in great demand, offers a steady paycheck, and provides a range of learning opportunities nonetheless. And once you have gained a strong foothold as a medical coder, it throws open new administrative opportunities for you in the healthcare industry. So take your time and give it some serious thought.
For the past 12 years, Frida Cooper has worked as a career guidance counselor, staying on top of growing industry trends through market research and her interaction with young students and working professionals.
