Medical Coding: One of the Fastest Growing Career Options in India

New Delhi, April 06, 2015
Nowadays there is an extraordinary rise in the career opportunities available in the different fields. A lot of new opportunities are arising in the Indian job market. Among the various upcoming career opportunities, Medical Coding is also a very good career option for the youth of our country. With the growth of the various sectors, healthcare sector is also witnessing a sudden growth in our country. This sector is generating millions of jobs not only in India and United States but also in other developed and developing countries.

Medical Coding is one of the fastest growing fields in the India. As industries are growing day by day according to industry data, the offshore healthcare services industry is growing at a rate of 25-35 % per year. Medical coding is the fastest-growing outsourced business process in India, so trained and certified coders are required but currently very few of healthcare employers are adequately staffed with trained medical coders. The most common reason for this is the lack of qualified candidates. In United States currently only 49% employers have adequate staff of medical coders due to the lack of trained candidates.

Medical coding as a profession requires a lot of accuracy which comes with practice. A sound knowledge of the human anatomy and biology is very essential for performing the task of medical coding. Now, here comes a very important question: who can do medical coding or is there any eligibility criteria for the profession of Medical coding?

In most of the cases bachelor’s degree in the life science stream is a must. For example: A bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Botany, Zoology, Physiotherapy, B. Pharma etc. Medical coding is basically the outsourcing work we do for the US healthcare industry.

Another question that arises in the mind is whether Medical Coding the same as Medical Billing?

The answer is No. Medical coding and medical billing are two separate processes. The medical coder and biller may work together to check whether a claim is paid properly. At times, same person can perform both the tasks. The medical coder is responsible for abstracting and assigning the appropriate coding on the claims. In order to complete this, the coder checks a range of sources within the patient’s medical record, i.e. the transcription of the doctor’s notes, ordered laboratory tests, requested imaging studies and other sources to validate the work that was done. Then the coder must assign appropriate ICD-9 codes for the diagnosis, CPT and HCPCS codes to both report the procedures that were performed and to provide the medical biller with the information essential to process a claim for reimbursement by the appropriate insurance agency.

So there is a tremendous chance of career growth in the Medical coding streams. Many healthcare companies are operating in India and abroad which are providing healthcare services. Every year, they hire thousands of trained coders from the medical, pharma and other life sciences backgrounds for the Medical coding functions. In terms of compensation medical coding industries are very good. Companies are providing a very handsome package and proper growth in this industry.

A qualified medical coder can be expected to earn a very handsome package in United States as well. You too can be a part of a fast growing industry with potential for growth.

The Medical coding certifications by various bodies have its own importance. A certified medical coder is paid more for the same work profile in comparison to the non-certified medical coder. The fresh life sciences graduates having interest in this field as well as working medical coding professionals must opt for training and certifications in medical coding for their career enhancement.

Here is a step by step plan to become a certified coder and let your career sour to great heights.

• Get medical coding training
• Get prepared for industry certification
• Hands-on training
• Practical experience
• Do practice sample test papers

Anyone with a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Botany, Zoology, Physiotherapy, B. Pharma, B.D.S., B.P.T, B.O.T, etc. can opt for the medical coding training at Academy of Medical Coders India (AMCI) where he/ she will be awarded with Post Graduate/ Executive Diploma in Medical Coding jointly by Academy of Medical Coders India, IGMPI and Quality Council of India (QCI).

After completing the training and certification person will find tremendous rise in career options and excellent opportunities to enhance their professional carrier.
CCI Newswire