What Is a Coding Manager and How to Become One
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What Does a Coding Manager Do?
A coding manager oversees medical coding operations in a health care facility, such as a hospital or medical clinic. In this position, you ensure that coding staff perform their duties accurately and handle records and data according to health privacy regulations. As a manager, your responsibilities include hiring and training new medical coders and facilitating audits to assess employee performance and security and privacy practices. A coding manager may also work with facility administrators and medical staff to establish policies and procedures that improve medical records and coding accuracy. Some managers work for third-party contractors that provide coding services to medical facilities.
How to Become a Coding Manager
A coding manager supervises a medical coding staff in a hospital or other health services facility. In this job, your duties primarily center on developing and implementing policies for the coding department. You must also coordinate with other departments and team leads to ensure that coding data is secure and available to authorized personnel. Regarding academic qualifications, you need a bachelor’s degree in a medical field. During school, you should complete an internship or part-time job in a health care facility, ideally in the billing department. This helps you gain the skills and experience needed to advance in the career. Once you earn your degree, amass at least two years of medical coding experience and obtain the certified professional coder (CPC) certification. The certification requirements include an exam, proof of work experience, and AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) membership. Apply for positions that involve some level of supervision to gain the leadership skills necessary for a coding manager job.
