Can Medical coders work from home?

In recent years, working from home has gained significant traction in many industries, including healthcare. One profession that has been at the forefront of this trend is medical coding. Medical coders play a crucial role in the healthcare industry by translating medical diagnoses and procedures into codes used for billing and reimbursement purposes. With technological advances and the rise of electronic health records, the question arises, Can medical coders work from home? Traditionally, medical coders have worked in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics. However, with the advent of electronic health records and other technologies, many medical coding jobs can now be performed remotely. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this trend, with many healthcare providers and medical coding companies transitioning to remote work to ensure the safety of their employees.
This article will explore whether medical coders can work from home and the potential benefits of remote medical coding.

Medical Coding work from Home

If you wonder Can coders work from home? The straightforward answer is yes; medical coders can work from home. Many medical coding companies and healthcare providers now offer remote work options for their medical coders.

In 2020, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) was surveyed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the health information workforce, including medical coders. The survey found that the shift to remote work has been successful for many medical coders, with 86% of respondents stating they could perform their job duties remotely.

However, it is essential to note that not all medical coding positions are suitable for remote work. Certain coding specialties, such as inpatient coding, may require on-site work due to the need for collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Additionally, remote work may not be feasible for newly trained coders who require more guidance and support.

Employers Seeking Remote Medical Coders

Many employers are seeking remote medical coders, especially in the current times when remote work has become more prevalent. Here are a few examples of employers who may be hiring remote medical coders:

Healthcare organizations: Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations often require the services of medical coders to ensure that patient records are accurately coded and billed. Insurance companies: Insurance companies also require medical coders to review medical claims and ensure they are coded correctly.

Medical coding companies: Many companies specialize in medical coding and billing services and hire remote medical coders to work on their projects.

Government agencies: Some government agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), also require the services of medical coders to ensure that healthcare claims are accurately processed.

Requisite Experience to Start Medical Coding from Home

Can you work from home as a coder? Yes, you can work from home. But here are the requisites to start remote medical coding.

Experience makes a difference: Many employers mandate that candidates possess at least two to five years of coding experience before considering them for remote positions. The experience is beneficial for coders and well as healthcare organizations.

Professional certification: Irrespective of whether one chooses to work remotely or on-site, obtaining professional certification is a prerequisite for some employers. It is imperative to note that employers attach significant importance to credentials that demonstrate one’s expertise and competence in a given field. Thus, professional certification serves as a litmus test for evaluating a candidate’s knowledge and skillets, making it a crucial factor in the recruitment process.

Practical knowledge: For those lacking experience, there are opportunities to gain practical knowledge and experience by working in-house, which can lead to remote work opportunities.

Skills: Many employers also consider necessary computer skills and knowledge of medical terminology.

How do medical coders work from home?

Step 1: The first step to working from home as a medical coder is to have the appropriate equipment and software. Medical coders must have access to a secure computer with proper software, a reliable internet connection, and a private workspace free from distractions.

Step 2: Next, medical coders must have access to patient medical records. Healthcare organizations may provide secure remote access to patient records or require coders to use a virtual private network (VPN) to access records securely.

Step 3: Once medical coders can access patient records, they must review each patient’s medical record, including physician notes, lab results, and radiology reports, to determine the appropriate codes. Coders must also ensure their assigned codes are accurate and up-to-date with the latest coding guidelines and regulations.

Step 4: Coders may need to communicate with physicians or other healthcare professionals to clarify diagnoses or procedures. They may also need to communicate with insurance companies to ensure that claims are accurate and processed on time.

Step 5: Medical coders must maintain patient confidentiality and comply with all relevant regulations and laws.

How much does a medical Coder make working from home?

Regarding remote work, medical coders working from home can expect to earn competitive salaries with their on-site counterparts.

In the May 2023 survey of ZipRecruiter, the average hourly salary of remote medical coders in the U.S. is $22.

Based on ZipRecruiter’s recent analysis as of March 17th, 2023, the mean yearly compensation for a remote Medical Coder in the United States is $49,741.

	Annual salary
Average	$49,741
25th Percentile	$31,000
75th Percentile	$62,500
Top Earners	$85,500

However, credentials, experience, location, and specialization can also affect a remote medical coder’s salary.

For example:

ZipRecruiter’s May 2023 report says that Certified Medical Coders earn an average of $52,097 annually in the U.S.

What Is the Average Remote Medical Coder Salary by State

According to ZipRecruiter’s report, the states and salaries are given below:

State	Annually wage	Hourly wage
New Jersey	$51,779	$24.89
New York	$50,911	$24.48
Alaska	$50,232	$24.15
California	$47,261	$22.72

5 Benefits of a Work-From-Home Medical Coding Job

Medical coding is a critical component of healthcare operations, and remote medical coding work, also known as telecommuting, offers numerous benefits for employers and employees.

You Have Flexibility With Hours

Working from home offers flexibility that traditional office jobs do not. According to a study published by the Harvard Business Review, remote workers report feeling less constrained by their work schedules and having more control over their work-life balance.

This flexibility means that employees can work from anywhere with an internet connection. They can have the comfort of their homes hence providing them with convenience.

More Comfort and Productivity

Remote workers can be more productive due to fewer distractions and interruptions of a busy office and its meetings. According to a study conducted by Stanford University, remote workers were found to be 13% more productive than their office-based counterparts.

You Are Free From The Stress Of Commuting

A remote medical coding job can also help reduce commute time and costs associated with traditional in-office jobs. According to a survey conducted by Buffer, remote workers save an average of 40 minutes per day on their commute, which equates to an extra 22 workdays per year. Additionally, remote workers can save on transportation and parking costs, which can be a significant expense in some areas.

Improved Health and Wellness

Working from home can also improve the health and wellness of medical coders. Studies have shown that remote workers exercise more, eat healthier, and experience lower stress levels than office-based workers. By working from home, medical coders can have more control over their environment and make healthier choices that promote their overall well-being.

Cost Savings

Another advantage is cost savings for both employees and employers. Working from home can save medical coders money on transportation, gas, parking, and other expenses associated with working in an office environment. According to a survey by FlexJobs, remote workers save an average of $4,000 per year on transportation costs.

Furthermore, healthcare organizations can also save on overhead costs by not having to provide office space or equipment for remote coders.