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What Is a Coding Auditor and How to Become One


What Is a Coding Auditor?

A coding auditor reviews and evaluates medical coding to ensure the accuracy of patient records and billing. As a coding auditor, your job duties include inspecting medical coding documents for errors, correcting mistakes, reporting repeated errors to management, conducting inquiries into departments that output a significant number of coding mistakes, and providing training and education to medical coding clerks. You need extensive knowledge of ICD-9 and CPT codes to make sure that the medical coding documents you review are accurate and that patients receive accurate bills for their medical services.

How to Become a Coding Auditor

The minimum qualifications for a career as a coding auditor are a high school diploma or GED certificate and a medical coder certification or medical coding auditor certification. You can complete a medical coding program through a community college or online school or get an associate degree in healthcare administration. Some employers prefer coding auditors who have previous experience as a medical coding clerk. You should be proficient with computers and have a keen eye for detail. Excellent communication skills are also critical, as your job requires you to collaborate with other coders, medical providers, and supervisors.