What Is a Remote Coding Consultant and How to Become One

As a remote coding consultant, you provide medical coding services. Your duties depend somewhat on the area in which you specialize; a coding consultant can examine medical files, billing information, and insurance and reimbursement data to ensure accuracy. Other coding consultants review patient data, apply the proper code for each diagnosis and procedure, and submit an invoice for billing or insurance purposes. Remote coding consultants can also review coding practices and systems in a health care facility. You assess coding practices and suggest improvements for both inpatient and outpatient facilities. As a remote professional, you handle your responsibilities from home and access records and databases via the internet.

The qualifications you need to become a remote coding consultant include a degree or equivalent experience and knowledge of medical codes. Since you work remotely, you also need computer skills and the ability to access medical records systems and databases. Some employers hire nurses with knowledge of coding procedures for these positions. You can choose to pursue a degree in medical coding and billing or health information systems. Also, you can seek professional certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).