三十年前，事业在 医疗保健信息管理 需要大量的文书工作. But not anymore—the implementation of electronic health records is 重塑卫生信息管理领域, and opening up many new and exciting opportunities in medical billing and coding.
As the baby boomer population ages, the demand for health services in the U.S is expected to increase, along with demand for health information professionals. In fact, the U.S Department of Labor predicts that employment for health information technicians will grow by as much as 15 percent through 2024—much faster than average for most occupations.
Today’s 医疗编码员和健康信息管理员 are in an increasingly digital field that requires them to integrate their specialized knowledge, 有新技术的技能和经验. In the future, medical coders need to not only understand the importance and applications of new coding technology but be able to use these new tools to ensure accuracy and increase efficiency.
What do medical coders do?
Medical coders transcribe information about a patient visit—from symptoms to diagnosis to medication prescribed—into an electronic code that can be easily stored in a hospital’s patient database and later interpreted by health insurance companies for reimbursement of healthcare services, 根据美国专业编码员学会(AAPC).
In the past, coding professionals had to translate and document this information using a codebook manual. Today, digital coding software—also known as an encoder—streamlines the coding process to a few simple “clicks.”
Why are encoders important?
Encoders are designed to not only make the job of coding professionals easier but to improve the accuracy of the coding process by reducing the risk of human error. 医疗代码每年更新一次, and codebooks must always be kept current to ensure proper documentation of a patient’s visit. In the past, 设施必须每年购买新的密码本, but encoders are continually updated with the most current codes.
There are several types of encoders that are designed to meet the specific needs of hospitals or medical facilities. 一些实践可能会使用3M编码器, which is a signature partner of American 健康信息管理 Association (AHIMA), 而较大的医院可能有住院设施编码器, 以及不同版本的编码器的实验室, 放射科和其他科室.
How are encoders changing the jobs of medical billers and coders?
Although technology is a big piece of the puzzle when it comes to improving medical coding, we will always need coders who are trained in the use of the coding manuals.
While encoders can help make it easier to research and identify the appropriate code for a specific procedure, coders should also use their knowledge and reasoning skills to accurately report each medical transaction.
Relying on an encoder alone, 不使用密码本作为备份方法, could result in costly errors that could hurt the practice or hospital. 编码器当然很重要, but coders also need to have a deep knowledge of medical procedures and terminology to be successful in documenting the health services provided.
我如何成为一名医疗编码员?
It’s becoming a popular trend for professionals in this field to obtain their degree or certification (CCA). 一些医疗编码员也继续赚取他们的 卫生信息管理本科学历 追求更高的职业发展机会.
The 在线医疗计费和编码程序 options at Herzing University are focused on providing graduates with the specific skills and capabilities they will need to succeed as billers and coders 在医生办公室、医院和其他护理机构. This includes a strong understanding of anatomy and physiology and different coding programs and procedures. The 3M Encoder is just one of the tools that are embedded in Herzing’s coding classes and curriculum to provide students with hands-on experience in the field.
选择你在医疗账单和编码方面的职业道路
*美国劳工统计局(BLS).S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, 你想要工作的地理市场和学位领域, 会影响职业成果和收入吗. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, 加薪或其他职业发展.
