Understanding medical coding at it’s core.
Discover the essential role medical coding plays in healthcare, from accurate billing to supporting patient care and data integrity.
What does a medical coder do?
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Documenting Patient Diagnoses and Treatments
When a patient visits the doctor, the physician will document the diagnoses and treatments.
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Translating Medical Documentation Into Codes
The medical coder reviews each note and translates the documentation into medical codes.
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Preparing the Claim With Accurate Medical Codes
The medical biller will make sure all necessary information is on the claim, including the medical codes determined by the coder.
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Submitting Claims for Insurance or Agency Payment
The biller submits the claim to the insurance carrier or government agency for payment.
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Managing Payments, Denials, and Coding Inquiries
Upon payment, the biller will post payments and handle denials. When the denial includes a coding reason, the coder will be consulted for assistance.
What are the benefits of becoming a medical coder.
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Flexible Schedules
Medical coding offers flexible work hours, making it easy to balance both work and personal commitments effectively.
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Work From Home Opportunities
Many coding positions are remote-friendly, allowing you to work comfortably from home or any location you choose.
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Competitive Salary
Medical coders receive a competitive salary, with potential for higher earnings through experience and certifications.
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High Demand For Skilled Coders
As healthcare expands, the demand for qualified medical coders is on the rise, providing long-term job security.
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Rewarding Career Impact
Medical coders make a difference in healthcare by ensuring accurate records and helping patients receive timely care.
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Clear Advancement Path
With certifications and specializations, medical coding offers a path for steady career advancement and professional growth.
Next course opens 2025-08-18
Fully online and self-paced, our program offers the flexibility you need to succeed. At SMC Academy, we simplify medical coding, empowering you to play a crucial role in the healthcare industry.
2023 and 2024 medical coding and billing salary report.
The 2023 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report and the 2024 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report from AAPC provide a comprehensive overview of compensation trends, career outlooks, and the evolving landscape for medical records specialists, including coders, billers, auditors, and practice managers. Here are the key highlights from both reports:
Strong Industry Growth and Notable Salary Increases
The medical records field continues to expand, with the U.S. Department of Labor projecting a 7% annual growth rate in the healthcare business industry, outpacing the 5% average growth across all professions. As inflation eases and unemployment rates drop, 2023 saw significant salary growth for healthcare business professionals. According to the 2024 Salary Report, this year recorded the largest year-to-year salary increases in the history of the AAPC survey. For example, medical coders and billers experienced a 1.9% salary increase, bringing their average annual income to $54,545, while auditors saw an even higher increase of 4.3%, averaging $74,002 annually.
“2024 report shows that AAPC-certified professionals now earn an average of $62,689 per year—16.6% more than their non-certified peers.”
The Impact of Certification and Education
Certification continues to be a key factor in boosting income. In 2022, certified medical records specialists earned an average salary of $56,290, significantly higher than the $46,321 average for non-certified individuals. The 2024 report shows that AAPC-certified professionals now earn an average of $62,689 per year—16.6% more than their non-certified peers. Those with multiple AAPC credentials can expect even higher earnings, with an average of $76,035 for those holding three or more certifications.
Education also plays a significant role in earning potential. The 2024 report reveals a 9% average salary increase across all academic degrees between 2022 and 2023, with professionals holding a master’s degree earning 28.2% more than those without postsecondary education. Experience further enhances income, with salaries increasing by 43% from entry-level to late career. For instance, a Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) with 31+ years of experience can earn up to $78,746, compared to $44,969 for those just starting out.
Geographic and Workplace Influences on Income
Salaries for medical records specialists vary widely by state and employer size. In 2022, California offered the highest average income at $67,660, while Indiana had the lowest at $47,176. The 2024 report shows even greater variation, with California’s average annual salary rising to $76,695 and West Virginia reporting the lowest at $52,556. These differences often reflect the local cost of living and state economies.
Where you work also impacts your salary. Larger healthcare providers, such as health systems, tend to offer higher salaries—approximately 14% more than solo physician practices. Between 2022 and 2023, salaries in large group practices increased by 8%, reflecting a broader trend towards consolidation in the healthcare industry.
Growing Trend of Remote Work and Job Satisfaction
Remote work remains a significant and growing trend among medical records specialists. In 2022, 55% of professionals worked remotely, a number that increased to 63.7% in 2023. Remote work offers numerous benefits, including reduced commuting costs, increased work-life balance, and greater job satisfaction. The 2024 report shows that 69.4% of respondents are satisfied or happy with their jobs and compensation, a 6.8% increase from the previous year.
Job Outlook and Future Opportunities
The demand for medical records specialists remains robust, driven by the growing need for healthcare services and the widespread use of electronic health records. The U.S. Department of Labor continues to project strong job growth in this field, making it a promising career path for those entering the industry.
Access the full report.
For more detailed insights, including a breakdown of salaries by certification, education level, and job role, you can access the complete 2023 and 2024 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Reports on the AAPC website. These reports are invaluable resources for assessing income potential, negotiating salaries, and planning career paths in the healthcare industry.
To read the full reports
AAPC’s 2023 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report
2024 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report
