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Medical Coders are skilled professionals who translate medical reports into a universal code used by healthcare providers and insurers for billing purposes. As a medical coder, you're a crucial link between insurance companies and doctors, ensuring that procedures are being correctly billed. In recent years, there's been a surge in outsourcing coding jobs; despite this, highly proficient coders are still in demand stateside. When crafting your resume, remember it's an opportunity to showcase your attention to detail, knowledge in medical terminology, and your proficiency in ICD-10 codes, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding.
Employers value certifications as they demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field. On your resume, highlight any coding certifications you have like CPC, COC, CIC, or specialty coding certifications from AAPC or AHIMA.
Proficiency in EHR software is a must in this digital era. List any EHR software you're familiar with, like Epic or Cerner, under your skills section. This will emphasize your adaptability and familiarity with digital health platforms.
A medical coder is a healthcare information management professional. A medical coder is responsible for the data management and security of patient files. Medical coders use a system of alphanumeric codes to privately secure patient information and records. The medical coder will also facilitate billing patients and processing insurance claims in a confidential manner.
To get a job as a medical coder, a degree is not necessary but is recommended. A relevant degree in healthcare, healthcare administration, or something similar will make you a stronger candidate. You will want to obtain certification as a registered medical coder to land this job. In addition, relevant experience in billing or IT can catch a hiring manager's eye. A good candidate for this role will have impressive attention to detail and great data entry skills.
Most people who land a job as a medical coder have a certificate in medical coding. An accredited ICD-10-AM course educates you on the medical coding system and best practices. Once complete, this certificate is nationally recognised. Having this credential on your resume shows hiring managers you understand the foundational knowledge to be a successful medical coder.
Since medical coders are typically responsible for managing the billing process, it’s important to get experience with billing to heighten your chances of landing the role. Landing an entry level role as a billing assistant, and building a year or two of experience, will show the hiring manager you have hands-on experience with billing processes and expectations.
As a hiring manager who has recruited medical coders at companies like UnitedHealth Group, Anthem, and Humana, I've seen countless resumes over the years. The best medical coder resumes effectively highlight the candidate's coding skills, certifications, and experience in a clear and concise manner. Here are some tips to help your medical coder resume stand out:
Employers highly value coding certifications as they demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field. Make sure to prominently display your certifications on your resume, such as:
Don't just list the certification acronyms; spell out the full name and include the issuing organization. If you have multiple certifications, consider creating a separate "Certifications" section on your resume to draw attention to them.
A resume summary, also known as a professional summary or summary statement, is an optional section that appears at the top of your resume. It's a brief paragraph, typically 3-5 sentences long, that highlights your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. While a summary is not required, it can be a valuable addition to your medical coder resume, especially if you have extensive experience or are making a career change.
On the other hand, an objective statement, which focuses on your career goals rather than your qualifications, should be avoided. Objective statements are outdated and can make you appear self-centered rather than focused on how you can contribute to the employer's success.
The work experience section is the core of your resume as a medical coder. It's where you show hiring managers how you've applied your skills in real-world settings. It's also the perfect place to highlight your career progression and achievements.
To make the most of this section, focus on the following tips.
Start each bullet point with a strong, specific action verb. This makes your contributions clear and impactful. It also keeps your writing concise.
Good action verbs for medical coders include:
Avoid starting bullets with weak, vague phrases like "Responsible for" or "Worked on".
Responsible for coding and auditing medical records
Coded and audited 50+ medical records per day with 98%+ accuracy
Your education section is a vital part of your medical coder resume. It shows employers that you have the necessary training and knowledge to perform the job effectively. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling education section that will catch the eye of hiring managers.
The skills section of your medical coder resume is a critical component that showcases your expertise to potential employers. It's an opportunity to highlight your proficiencies in coding systems, medical terminology, and relevant software. By strategically crafting this section, you can demonstrate your value and increase your chances of landing an interview.
Here are examples of popular skills from Medical Coder job descriptions that you can include on your resume.
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Medical Coder job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.
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