Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Inpatient/Outpatient Coder

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 Specialistsor 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., transferred her job reviewing inpatient hospital stays into an at-home job more than 10 years ago. “I had wanted to work from home for years, but had to wait for technology to catch up,” she says. “The advantages to working from home are endless.”

Until next time,

Sarah