|
Health Information
Management Coder
Health information management (HIM) coders assign a code to
each diagnosis and procedure documented in the patient's record. They code
symptoms, diseases, operations, and treatments according to a recognized
classification system. After the information is coded, the HIM coder may use a
computer program to assign the patient to one of several hundred "diagnosis-related
groups" (DRGs). The HIM coder must enter complete and accurate data
because the information is used for clinical decisions, as well as
documentation for insurance and Medicare reimbursement. An HIM coder should
like to work with numbers, be detail-oriented, and have good eye-hand
coordination to enter codes correctly and efficiently into the computer.
Work Environment
Health information management coders work with little
supervision in hospitals and physicians' offices, and many are self-employed.
In large facilities such as hospitals and insurance companies, HIM coders work
under the supervision of a health information manager or an HIM technician.
Job Outlook
Demand for experienced health information management
coders is expected to be very strong because of the emphasis on accuracy in
coding and reimbursement based on DRG codes.
|
|
Length of Training/
Requirements
High school graduates and personnel working in medical or
insurance offices can apply to either a one year or less certificate program
offered in a university or a two-year associate degree program offered in a
community college.
Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $18,000 - $30,000.
Educational Programs
Certificate Programs
Angelina College
Central Texas College
Education America - Dallas
Education America - Ft. Worth
Education America - Houston
Houston Community College
San
Antonio College
St. Philip's College
Tarrant County Junior
College District - Northeast
Transworld Academy
Victoria College
Western Technical Institute
Professional Associations
American Health
Information Management Association
919 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1400
Chicago, IL 60611-1683
312/787-2672
Fax: 312/787-9793
|