Does Being Certified Effect My Salary as a Medical Coder?

During these tough economic times, it can be difficult to find a job. Finding a job that pays a high enough salary to support your lifestyle can be an even bigger challenge. Even the health care industry is not immune to the changes in the economy. Office salaries for the medical practices, especially for Registered Nurses, Nursing Assistants, and clerical staff, have decreased. Despite this grim news, salaries for medical coders have continued to grow, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There is an even greater demand for certified medical coders. Medical practice relies heavily on proper medical coding to help it run smoothly.

Certification Matters

 

According to a 2009 survey of their members, the AAPC found that despite the recession, the salaries for certified medical coders rose 4 percent from the previous year. Salaries for non-certified coders only rose by 2 percent. Though the outlook was good for the medical coding career as a whole, it is clear that those with certifications had a greater advantage over those who did not.

 

AHIMA Certification

From where an individual receives certification as a medical coder also affects earnings. Getting a certification from AHIMA, the American Health Information Management Association, opens the doors to more job opportunities with better wages. According to the AHIMA website, this certification can help individuals to more job opportunities and greater access to the advancements. The association also provides opportunities for continuing education and conferences, all of which can help an individual advance within their careers.

Getting a Specialized Certification

Getting your certification in specific areas of medical coding can also increase your salary. The AAPC survey found that the specialties for medical coders that have higher salaries than the average. These specialties include radiology, cardiovascular and thoracic, plastic and reconstructive, and rheumatology. Specialized certifications can also open up more career choices within the field.

Additional Salary Factors

The following are additional factors that can affect your salary as a medical coder:

  • Associations. An affiliation with a group like the AAPC.
  • Experience. The more experience you have, the higher your salary will be.
  • Education level. Medical coders with a bachelor’s or master’s degree earned more than those with an associate degree.
  • Location. Where you live can also affect your salary.

You can find more information about what affects a medical coding and billing salary here.

Although it is not the only factor in determining your salary as a medical coder, it certainly pays to be certified. Not only does it make you more desirable to employers, but it helps guarantee you will have a higher salary.

About our expert.
Jan Jacobs has worked in medical offices since the early 1980's. Ms. Jacobs has worked for M.D.'s and D.O.'s in primary care and specialty care. She is employed as a senior medical biller and has been at her current job for nearly 10 years, where she uses three different billing systems.