When it comes to the healthcare sector, medical coders play an essential role. They are equipped with the skills and knowledge on how to navigate rules and regulations that govern the business side of healthcare. However, when you want to hire one for your facility or outsource to medical billing companies, here are some of the qualities that you should look for:
Education and Training
A medical coder should at least have a six-month certificate in medical coding. That is the minimum requirement that you should check. Find one who has earned at least a two-year associate degree since they have more knowledge. However, a certificate alone is not enough; ensure that they have done well in school to acquire those certificates.
Detail Oriented
This is one of the essential qualities required in medical coding. When a coder is processing insurance claims, it’s essential that they do not mix up patients, hence undercharging or overcharging one. Also, imagine a situation where a coder assigns the wrong alphanumeric code to a patient. Maybe one was getting brain surgery, and then they are assigned the wrong code, and they end up with stomach surgery. They, therefore, need to be keen since an error in the hospital can even lead to death.
Good Communication Skills
Just because a coder will not be talking to patients does not mean that they should not have good communication skills. They will constantly interact with staff members like doctors, nurses, surgeons, and medical billers. When that happens, they need to relay information about patient records, medical bills, or any other things effectively.
Good Character
Medical coders from reliable medical billing companies will be handling confidential medical records on patients. They need to maintain a patient’s privacy so that the hospital is not sued for leakage of information. Since hospitals are required to retain records for five years by the Medicare Conditions of Participation, a medical coder should ensure that the information is still safe and can be accessed.
Driven and Focused
There is hardly any monitoring when it comes to medical coders. Some even work remotely since their presence in the hospital is not always required. Therefore, they need to be disciplined enough to perform required tasks without a supervisor. Also, they should learn to manage distractions like social media or games and focus on their tasks.
When you are looking for a coder from medical billing companies, ensure they have the above qualities.
