How many hours a day do medical coders work?

As the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve, the demand for skilled medical coders is at an all-time high. These professionals play a vital role in ensuring that healthcare providers are accurately reimbursed for their services, and as such, their work schedules can be quite rigorous. Without their hard work, efforts, and dedication, the medical practice can be prone to decreased revenue or distorted Revenue Cycle Management. The work of medical coders can be demanding, and the number of work hours can vary. Their work hours play a critical role in the quality of the service they offer.

However, individuals who want to pursue a career in medical coding often wonder about the working hours of a medical coder. One of the aspiring medical coders’ most frequently asked questions is, “How many hours a day do medical coders work?” The answer is not straightforward, as it varies depending on the work setting, job responsibilities, and workload. This article will explore the work hours, flexibility, and various factors that determine how many hours a medical coder works in a day.

What is a typical medical biller and coder work schedule like?

You should anticipate that your schedule will change based on the type of work you do if you decide to pursue a career as a medical biller and coder. Some organizations mandate that workers put in 8 to 10 hours a day, five days a week, with Saturdays and Sundays off. According to a survey by AAPC, a leading medical coding certification organization, medical coders work an average of 39.5 hours per week, which is almost 8 hours per day. However, the schedule and working hours also depend on several factors mentioned below.

Factors that impact medical coders work schedule

Work setting

The work setting is a significant determinant of the number of hours a medical coder works daily. Medical coders can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, and insurance companies. Each of these settings has unique demands that affect the hours worked. According to the AHIMA 2019 Healthcare Salary Survey, medical coders who worked in organizations with more than 1,000 beds tended to work more hours per week than those in smaller organizations.

• In a hospital setting, medical coders may work shifts to ensure that someone is always available to code patient records. A typical shift may last eight hours, and medical coders work five days a week. However, they may be required to work overtime during peak periods, such as at the end of the fiscal year. In a 2019 survey by AAPC, coders who worked in hospitals reported working an average of 42 hours per week,
• Medical coders in a clinic or physician’s office may work regular office hours, typically from 8 am to 5 pm. They may also be required to work additional hours to catch up on coding work if there is a backlog. In a 2019 survey by AAPC, coders who worked in physician offices reported working an average of 39 hours per week.
• In an insurance company, medical coders may work regular office hours, typically from 9 am to 5 pm. They may also be required to work overtime during peak periods, such as enrollment.

Job responsibilities

The job responsibilities of a medical coder also affect the number of hours worked. Medical coders with more responsibilities may work longer hours than those with fewer responsibilities. For instance, a medical coder who works as a team leader may be required to work longer hours to ensure that the team meets its goals.

Workload

The workload of a medical coder is a significant determinant of the number of hours worked. During peak periods, such as the end of the fiscal year, medical coders may be required to work overtime to meet the increased demand for coding services. Similarly, medical coders may work longer hours to catch up on backlogged work. Medical coders who work for multiple clients may also work longer hours, as they may have to meet the coding needs of all their clients within tight deadlines.

According to a survey conducted by AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association), 46% of medical coders said they had too much work to do, and 31% reported frequently having to work overtime to complete their tasks.

Geographic location

The geographic location of a medical coder can impact their work hours. For example, medical coders in urban areas may have more job opportunities but may also be required to work longer or irregular hours due to high patient volumes.

According to the 2020 AHIMA HIM Workforce Study, coders in the Western US worked the most hours per week (an average of 43 hours).

Complexity of cases

The complexity of cases can also impact a medical coder’s work hours. Medical coders who work in specialties such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology may require more time to code medical records due to the complexity of the cases.

Do medical coders work from home?

Yes, many medical coders have the option to work from home, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. While meeting deadlines is still required, numerous billers and coders operate from home and choose their own timetables daily. Remote work arrangements can be a convenient and flexible way for medical coders to perform their job duties. However, it depends on the specific job and employer. Some employers may require on-site work, while others may allow for remote work full-time or part-time.

Do medical coders have flexible hours?

With the growing demand for medical coders, many aspiring coders often wonder if the profession offers flexible hours. The good news is that medical coding does provide flexible hours. Medical coders can work full-time, part-time, or even on a per diem basis.

You can frequently have a flexible schedule and work from your home. Depending on their preference and expertise, coders may work in hospitals, clinics, or from home. This flexibility enables medical coders to balance their work and personal lives, allowing them to meet their professional and personal commitments.

Do medical coders set their own hours?

The healthcare industry is heavily regulated, and there are numerous rules and regulations that medical billing professionals must comply with. One of the biggest challenges of medical billing is the complex regulations that healthcare providers must navigate. As medical coders work with patient’s data and information daily while handling patients’ personally identifiable information or records and dealing with patients’ payment information, coders must adhere to updated privacy laws, including the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). You can maintain compliance by adhering to these modifications.