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Every time a patient receives health care, a record is maintained of the observations, medical or surgical interventions, and treatment outcomes. This record includes information that the patient provides concerning his or her symptoms and medical history, the results of examinations, reports of x rays and laboratory tests, diagnoses, and treatment plans. Medical billers, coders and information technicians organize and evaluate these records for completeness and accuracy.
They assemble patients’ health information, making sure that patients’ initial medical charts are complete, that all forms are completed and properly identified and authenticated, and that all necessary information is in the computer. They regularly communicate with physicians and other health care professionals to clarify diagnoses or to obtain additional information.
Some medical records and health information technicians specialize in coding patients’ medical information for insurance purposes. These workers assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure, relying on their knowledge of disease processes. Technicians then use classification systems software to assign the patient to one of several hundred “diagnosis-related groups,” or DRGs. The DRG determines the amount for which the hospital will be reimbursed if the patient is covered by Medicare or other insurance programs using the DRG system.
How long will it take?
Medical records and health information technicians entering the field usually have an associate degree from a community or junior college. At Amarillo College, you can earn a certificate in 41 semester hours.
How much can you earn?
In 2006, salaries fell in the $25,000 - $30,000 per year range.
Where can you work?
About a third of medical billers and coders work in hospitals. The rest work in offices of physicians, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers and home health care services.
AC can help you get there!
