Do you find yourself dreaming of being a nurse but also enjoy working with numbers? In the wise words of Hannah Montana, being a nurse coder might just be the best of both worlds for you!
If you’ve never heard of a nurse coder, don’t fret! In this post, we’re going to break down the “who, what, where, when, and hows” of a nurse coding, plus break down the typical nurse coder salary.
Let’s get started!
6 FAQs about Being a Nurse Coder
1. Who can become a nurse coder?
The short answer is…anyone! Anyone can become a medical coder by obtaining a medical coding certificate through an accredited program. However, to become a nurse coder you need to have a registered nurse license.
2. What does a nurse coder do?
If you’ve never heard of medical coding, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people in the medical field have no idea that medical coding even exists.
As a nurse coder, you’re responsible for translating diagnoses, treatments, and procedures into medical codes (such as ICD-10 or CPC). These codes are super important because they ensure accurate billing and insurance claims. Plus, they’re an efficient way to manage a massive amount of healthcare data.
Besides assigning codes, other specific roles of a nurse coder include making sure all documentation is accurate and complete (including a follow-up with the healthcare provider for missing information) and ensuring regulations and policies are followed to avoid issues with insurance claims (because no one wants that 🤯).
3. Where does a nurse coder work?
A nurse coder can work in a variety of settings, including from home! So if a remote or hybrid position is what you’re after, consider medical coding. Medical coders can also work in the hospital, physician offices, and insurance companies to name a few.
4. What are some requirements to become a nurse coder?
In most cases, you’ll need to get some clinical experience first. So if you’re currently a nursing student and interested in becoming a nurse coder, working a few years as an RN is a must!
Consider gaining experience in medical surgical, emergency department, or intensive care units to really help you stand out when the time comes.
5. How do I become a nurse coder?
So….still interested in becoming a nurse coder? 🤔 Let’s talk about how you can achieve this (after you get some clinical experience).
A great way to stand out is to get your nurse coder certification. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers a certification exam for nurses looking to become certified coders. The exam costs $399 with the option to take it at home with an online proctor. They also offer exam preparation including practice exams and a live online course.
For more information, check out the AAPC website: CPC Exam→Certified Professional Coder→Medical Coding Certification.
Keep in mind that this is only one example of a coding certification. Your employer may require several different ones depending on your job role!
6. What is a typical nurse coder salary?
Last but not least, what is a typical nurse coder salary? According to NurseJournal.org, RN coders make an average of $84,699 per year.
Before you think about being a nurse coder or what your nurse coder salary will be, there’s something you need to do: pass the NCLEX!
Do you find yourself needing help with the NCLEX before you can even think of becoming a nurse coder? Blueprint Nursing has your back with that! We offer an NCLEX prep program that’s really flexible and helps you stay on track. Whether you’re looking for a self-paced study program or need live instruction, we’ve got you covered. ✨
Check out our brand new NCLEX Complete Self-Prep Package! It includes a personalized study planner (because you CAN have a life and study for the NCLEX), 23 hours of learning modules, a 2,000+ question bank, and test anxiety management techniques. The best news? It’s free for 60 days! 😱 🙌
Or for more (free!) nursing guidance, check out these other posts on the blog:
