Explore a career in medical coding

The growth in the global healthcare industry means there are several career opportunities on offer.

Already faced with staffing issues, the industry will witness a rising demand for skilled workforce. Efforts to manage revenues and the increasing demand for economical, efficient care have put pressure on backend support services of most institutions.

Most places are feeling the need to build a more robust revenue cycle management processing system in the backend. And medical coding becomes a key process.

Cumulatively, these factors make medical coding an in-demand career. Medical coding gives the best of both worlds: A stable, financially fulfilling profession and work flexibility. Here are some other advantages:

Growing opportunities: The growing demand for medical coders translates to many opportunities to climb up the corporate ladder. With expertise and new certifications, there are several opportunities for advancement.

Being certified as a medical coding expert places you at the heart of the thriving medical world. With enough experience you can aspire to assume strategic roles, involving analytical and decision-making responsibilities.

Flexibility: Compared to other professions in the healthcare space, medical coding has significant benefits. It provides candidates with an opportunity to balance professional and personal life.

This flexible work option can also help level the playing field.

Financially rewarding: Medical coding is a profession that offers job stability. This is mainly because there is a huge demand for coders in the healthcare sector.

Qualification required

Those with a background in health and life sciences are preferable, as the candidate is already well-versed in medical terminology and other aspects of the profession.

Communication skills: Medical coding is a job where attention to detail is paramount. Good communication skills are crucial to become proficient in the profession. Additionally, one must also be able to recall details easily and ask relevant questions to better understand complex tasks and processes. As in any office setting, having basic computer skills also becomes important.

Because of the flexibility the profession offers, medical coding is also an ideal option for working mothers and women who want to restart their careers.

(The author is assistant director at a health services firm)