Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or
business.
Job Description:
An inpatient/outpatient coder enters specific codes for hospital and doctor
visits for health insurance companies, hospitals and doctor offices.
Education: A
degree as a health information technician a plus. Many employers require
certification through the Commission on
Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management.
Skills: The
ability to correctly code inpatient and outpatient medical visits.
Job outlook: U.S.
Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “employment
of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase
by 21% from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. The
demand for health services is expected to increase as the population ages. An
aging population will need more medical tests, treatments, and procedures. This
will also mean more claims for reimbursement from private and public insurance.
Additional records, coupled with widespread use of electronic health records by
all types of healthcare providers, should lead to an increased need for
technicians to organize and manage the associated information in all areas of
the healthcare industry.” Check out the BLS
Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.
Possible employers:
Contact area hospitals, doctors, specialists and other outpatient facilities to
see about gaining work.
Preparation: Join
the Professional Association of Health Coding Specialists
or the American Academy of Professional Coders.
Both organizations offer continuing education or certification courses.
Get your foot in the
door: Ask other local coders for assistance in finding clients, as some
might be turning down work.
Testimony: Denise
L. of Crystal , Minn.
Until next time,
Sarah
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