What Is a CPC Coder and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A CPC coder is a certified professional coder that typically works in medical billing. In the healthcare industry, there are several coding systems that insurance companies use to describe a given diagnosis, procedure, or record. As a CPC, your responsibilities involve ensuring that all coding is accurate and in compliance will laws and facility guidelines. This helps the department make sure that patients receive the correct billing information. Your other duties may include occasionally interacting with patients, answering physician inquiries, and communicating with insurance agencies.

To become a CPC coder, you need to go through training courses on medical coding and pass a certification examination on the subject. Some jobs may require you to earn your associate's degree while going through coding training, while others accept certification alone. Earning an associate's degree along with your training can help to set you apart during your job search. In addition to educational qualifications, you need at least basic knowledge of practice management systems and state and federal coding laws and regulations. Excellent communication and typing skills are also beneficial in this role.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, medical coder jobs are expected to grow by about 22 percent in the next four years, and the demand is even higher for CPC coders. The growth rate of 22 percent is much higher than the average rate of growth for jobs across the United States. As the medical billing and coding change over time, CPC coders are in even higher demand because of their flexibility of skills and understanding of a wide variety of health information and classification systems. As a CPC coder, you also have a professional network of other coders available to help you keep up with changes and trends in coding.