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 degree required ADN or BSN how long to become 2-4 years* (*One year for existing RNs) job outlook 9% growth from 2020-2030 Are you interested in a career change? Do you want to stop working nights, weekends, and holidays? Making the transition from clinical nurse to medical coder may help balance your work and life. Registered nurse (RN) coders are in demand. RN coder careers are expected to grow 9% from 2020-2030 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. RNs are vital to the healthcare system. They can lend their experience and knowledge to the billing process to help keep accurate records and prevent insurance fraud. Read more to find out about this job opportunity and how it may fit your lifestyle. What Is an RN Coder?Nurse coding applies medical coding and reimbursement policies in the claims process. Nurse coders review patient charts and provide diagnosis codes based on International Classification of Diseases or Current Procedural Terminology guidelines. They also help create and carry out cost strategies that ensure healthcare providers' success. Nurse coders may work in hospitals, offices, clinics, or insurance companies. Some RN coders work remotely at home. A nurse coder works closely with medical billing specialists to identify errors and achieve team goals. For example, RN coders may audit the work of other coders for accuracy. (This differs from a clinical documentation specialist who reviews a patient chart for potential errors before being discharged.) Steps to Becoming an RN CoderThe path to a billing and medical coder career does not always begin with a nursing degree. However, those who have a nursing degree are in high demand. They have the education and skills to read medical records and choose the right diagnostic codes for billing. Additional education and requirements can vary among states and employers. Earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)Students who are seeking a nursing degree have two entry-level options. Nurses who complete an ADN may begin working as a nurse in as little as two years. Nurses may also complete nursing prerequisites through a four-year BSN program. A BSN degree increases career and salary potential. Pass the NCLEX examThe National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) is a national licensing exam that evaluates nursing competency. Nurses must pass the NCLEX to get their state license to practice. Each state board of nursing maintains its own eligibility requirements to take the exam. Gain experience in nursingRN coders who have clinical experience are highly valued and sometimes better paid. It is best to seek an entry-level clinical position after licensure before pursuing a coder position. Hospitals offer the best clinical experience. A clinic or physician’s practice can also provide experience. Become a certified coder or auditorThe American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers four medical coding certifications and additional ones in medical specialties. The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Certification is the gold standard for RN coders. Nurse coders may also add outpatient, inpatient, or risk adjustment certifications. Candidates must have two years of experience as a medical coder for full CPC certification. Those without two years of experience are awarded an apprentice status until the two years are complete. Aspiring RN coders can sit for the CPC exam after paying the required fee and becoming an AAPC member. Find employmentAny area with hospitals and doctors’ offices need RN coders. Nurse coders may also find a remote position, which does not limit the job search by location. Many employers post openings on job boards and their websites. Also, the AAPC forum and social media groups offer networking opportunities with other RN coders. RN Coder EducationNurses can enter the nursing field with a two- or four-year degree. While either is acceptable, a four-year degree offers more flexibility, opportunities for advancement, and greater RN coder salary potential. ADN DegreeAn associate degree in nursing is best for students who prefer to begin working as quickly as possible. This degree has a high clinical focus. It allows ADN nurses to work while completing a four-year degree if they choose. Although many employers will accept an ADN, most prefer a BSN.
BSN DegreeCandidates may complete a bachelor of science in nursing degree as their first choice or attend an RN-to-BSN program online or in person. This degree covers everything in the ADN program with more emphasis on critical thinking, research, management, and communication skills. The additional education can offer advantages for an RN coder.
Featured Online MSN ProgramsRN Coder Licensure and CertificationRN coders are highly sought after for their medical expertise. Maintaining an RN license and earning coder certification demonstrates commitment to the profession. It also helps protect an employer's compliance with insurance companies and agencies like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. To get a nursing license, candidates must master NCLEX-type test questions and pass the NCLEX-RN. This proves a job candidate has the competency to practice as a new nurse. The NCLEX-RN covers subjects learned in nursing school. Nurses who have graduated from an accredited program are eligible to take the exam. Before registering for the exam, graduates must get an authorization to test and pay the required fee. Each state may have additional eligibility requirements, so it's important to check with the state's nursing regulatory body. The AAPC does not have any eligibility requirements to take the CPC exam, but applicants must be an AAPC member. Student membership is $100 and individual membership is $180. The test is 150 multiple-choice questions and takes five hours and 40 minutes. Exam locations are across the U.S. Certification is not official until two years of medical coding experience are completed. RN coders often seek additional certifications in specialty areas. For example, the Certified Risk Adjustment Coder Examination focuses on codes in risk adjustment. Risk adjustment is important in patient populations where there is a greater burden of disease. A certified professional medical auditor can be critical for a healthcare system's revenue cycles. This certification allows nurse coders to audit medical documentation for fraud and abuse. Working as an RN CoderIt's helpful to have at least two years of experience as an RN coder before taking the CPC examination. AAPC grants full certification to those who pass the exam and can submit proof of experience. Full certification improves job options and salary potential. Hospitals, doctors' offices, and medical coding companies advertise on job boards and job fairs for RN coders. Potential nurse coders can raise their job appeal by completing a medical coding course before certification. The average annual salary for an RN coder is $74,130, according to ZipRecruiter data as of May 2022. This falls below the average annual salary of RNs ($82,750) according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additional certifications can increase job prospects. RN coders can find employment in several different settings: Becoming an RN Coder: FAQHow long does it take to become an RN coder?Candidates who hold a BSN degree may complete AAPC's online course in six months. This can help potential nurse coders get their first coding job. After two years of experience, candidates may take the CPC exam. How do you gain experience as an RN coder?After completing an online or in-person medical coding training program, aspiring nurse coders can gain experience through job shadowing and internships. AAPC membership has networking access to RN coders across the country. Networking is a great way to find internships, job openings, or volunteer positions. Those who pass the CPC exam without two years of experience can take part in the apprentice program which can also be an advantage for job seekers. What qualities are important for RN coders?RN coders have a strong attention to detail and high communication skills. These skills can help nurse coders perform research for coding and billing systems and work with healthcare professionals. RN coders should be able to work independently as many companies are moving to remote work. This means a nurse coder must be able to adapt to new technology and challenges. Which certifications are most important for RN coders?The CPC certification is the standard one that demonstrates competency to employers. Additional certifications can boost employability and salary potential. These include outpatient, inpatient, and risk adjustment coding. AAPC also has certifications for specialty areas like dermatology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and orthopedic surgery. Page last reviewed Sept. 8, 2021 What are the best certifications to have in healthcare?8 Key Healthcare Certification Programs. Healthcare Compliance Certification.. Healthcare Administration Certificate.. Healthcare Management Certification.. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Phlebotomist Certificate.. EKG Technician Certification.. Medical Biller and Coder Certification.. What is the easiest certification to get in the medical field?Here's a list of 7 quick certifications that pay well:. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT). Professional Coder.. Pharmacy Technician Professional.. Medical Assistant.. Medical Front Office Administration Specialist.. Behavioral Technician Specialist.. Patient Care Technician (PCT). Which organization offers a variety of certifications for health informatics careers?The Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) is a standing commission of AHIMA dedicated to assuring the competency of professionals practicing health informatics and information management (HIIM). CCHIIM provides strategic oversight of all AHIMA certification programs.
What certifications look good for medical school?10 useful medical certifications. Certified Coding Specialist Physician-Based (CCS-P) ... . Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) ... . Certified EKG Technician (CET) ... . Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) ... . Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) ... . Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) ... . Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). |
Which certifications would most benefit a medical coder seeking a position in a hospital?
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