Physician Practice Coder Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of modern healthcare, the importance of physician practice coders is increasingly significant.

As healthcare practices evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can decode, apply, and manage medical coding systems is steadily increasing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a physician practice coder?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of medical coding,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable physician practice coder job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Physician Practice Coder Duties and Responsibilities

Physician Practice Coders play a critical role in the healthcare industry.

They are responsible for accurately coding healthcare claims in order to obtain reimbursement from insurance companies and government healthcare programs.

This requires a detailed understanding of the medical, administrative, ethical, and legal requirements related to healthcare services.

Their responsibilities and duties include:

• Review and interpret medical information and patient charts to accurately assign ICD-10 and CPT codes
• Work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to clarify and obtain specific documentation, ensuring that coding accurately reflects the services provided
• Submit claims to insurance companies and follow up on any denials or requests for additional information
• Stay up-to-date on coding guidelines, healthcare regulations, medical terminologies and new procedures to ensure accurate coding
• Conduct regular audits and coding reviews to ensure compliance with coding standards and regulations
• Identify, compile and code patient data, using ICD-10 coding systems and CPT codes
• Provide education and feedback to physicians and other healthcare providers on documentation practices, coding, and billing
• Maintain strict patient and physician confidentiality

 

Physician Practice Coder Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a detail-oriented Physician Practice Coder to translate healthcare services into medical codes.

The responsibilities include reading and analyzing patient records, determining the correct codes for patient records, and using codes to bill insurance providers.

Our ideal candidates are familiar with medical terminology, have a strong understanding of medical coding rules and regulations, and are skilled at details and accuracy.

Ultimately, the role of the Physician Practice Coder is to ensure that our healthcare providers are properly compensated for the services they provide.

 

Responsibilities

• Review patient records and assign accurate medical codes for diagnoses and procedures
• Submit coded patient records to billing department
• Adhere to strict confidentiality regulations when handling patient information
• Stay up-to-date with current coding practices and guidelines
• Communicate with medical billing professionals to ensure a smooth billing process
• Participate in educational programs to maintain professional competence
• Maintain high level of accuracy in all coding assignments

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a medical coder or related role
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology
• Proficiency in ICD-10-CM and CPT coding
• Excellent attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), or similar credential
• High school diploma or equivalent; a degree in Health Information Management or a related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Physician Practice Coder
• Work Environment: Office setting within a healthcare facility. May require occasional travel to other facilities within the healthcare network.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Coding Manager or Billing Department Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Physician Practice Coder Do?

A Physician Practice Coder, also known as a medical coder, plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry.

They work primarily in healthcare facilities like hospitals, physician’s offices, and clinics.

Their primary responsibility is to review patients’ medical records and translate the information into universally accepted codes, known as International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes.

These codes provide a uniform language that allows the healthcare providers, insurance companies, and other relevant parties to understand the procedures performed and diagnoses made on a patient.

Physician Practice Coders work closely with healthcare providers to accurately determine the procedures and diagnoses.

They might also need to communicate with doctors or other medical staff to clarify information or ensure the accuracy of records.

They are also responsible for ensuring that the billing process runs smoothly by submitting claims with these standardized codes to insurance companies.

Furthermore, they might be involved in auditing and managing electronic health records, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and maintaining patient confidentiality.

In some cases, Physician Practice Coders may also be required to educate healthcare providers about coding updates and regulations.

They play a critical role in maintaining the financial health of the medical practice by preventing billing errors and ensuring that the practice receives appropriate compensation for services rendered.

 

Physician Practice Coder Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Physician Practice Coder should possess the following skills and qualifications that align with your job description:

• Extensive knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology to accurately translate doctors’ diagnoses and services into codes for billing.
• Detail-oriented and precision in coding to minimize billing errors and ensure accurate reimbursement.
• Strong computer skills to work with electronic health records (EHR) systems and medical coding software.
• Proficiency in International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding systems.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet coding deadlines to maintain the flow of medical billing process.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve any coding discrepancies or issues.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with healthcare providers for clarification on documentation and coding.
• Commitment to continuous learning to stay updated with changes in coding standards and healthcare regulations.
• Prior experience in medical billing or coding, and certification from a recognized body such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) would be advantageous.

 

Physician Practice Coder Experience Requirements

Physician Practice Coders typically start their careers by earning a certificate or associate degree in medical coding, health information management, or a related field.

These programs provide foundational knowledge and practical experience in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and coding systems.

Entry-level candidates generally have less than a year of experience, usually gained through an internship, practicum, or temporary role in a healthcare setting.

These professionals might also have experience in medical billing or health information technology roles.

Candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience are typically proficient in using coding systems such as ICD-10-CM and CPT.

They are often familiar with reviewing medical records, abstracting relevant information, and accurately assigning codes for diagnoses and procedures.

Those with more than 3 years of experience usually have a deep understanding of coding guidelines and principles, are adept at ensuring compliance with legal and contractual requirements, and may have experience with auditing medical records for coding accuracy.

Individuals with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience, are likely to have a specialty coding certification, and could be ready for a supervisory or management role in a medical coding department.

 

Physician Practice Coder Education and Training Requirements

Physician Practice Coders are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent as a basic educational requirement.

It is strongly recommended that they complete a post-secondary degree or certificate program in health information management, healthcare administration, or a related field.

These programs provide foundational knowledge in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and the health data standards necessary for medical coding.

In addition to formal education, Physician Practice Coders are typically required to hold a professional certification, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

To maintain their certification, coders must complete continuing education units (CEUs) annually to stay up-to-date with changes in coding standards and healthcare laws and regulations.

Furthermore, practical coding experience is highly valued, often gained through internships, externships, or entry-level coding positions.

Advanced roles may require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in health information management or a related field.

Advanced certification, such as the Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P), may also be required or preferred for more specialized or senior coding positions.

Overall, to be successful, Physician Practice Coders need a combination of formal education, certification, and practical experience in the field.

 

Physician Practice Coder Salary Expectations

A Physician Practice Coder earns an average salary of $48,055 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can significantly vary depending on the years of experience, level of certification, and the location of the practice.

The employing healthcare facility or medical practice also has a significant impact on the salary.

 

Physician Practice Coder Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Physician Practice Coder need?

Physician Practice Coders should have a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.

They should also have knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT.

Attention to detail and accuracy are crucial for this role.

Moreover, they should possess good communication skills, as they will often interact with physicians, insurance companies, and patients.

 

Do Physician Practice Coders need a degree?

While a degree is not explicitly required, employers often prefer candidates who have completed a health information technology or medical coding program at a university or community college.

Additionally, professional certifications such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) are often required or highly preferred.

 

What should you look for in a Physician Practice Coder resume?

Look for formal education in health information management or a related field.

Relevant work experience, especially in a healthcare setting, is a big plus.

Certifications like the CPC or CCS demonstrate a candidate’s commitment and proficiency.

Also, look for specific skills such as knowledge of ICD-10 and CPT coding, medical terminology, and experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems.

 

What qualities make a good Physician Practice Coder?

A good Physician Practice Coder is meticulous and accurate, minimizing errors in coding.

They should have a strong understanding of medical procedures and treatments to accurately code them.

Good coders also possess strong problem-solving skills to tackle complex coding situations.

They are highly ethical, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.

 

How difficult is it to hire a Physician Practice Coder?

Hiring a Physician Practice Coder can be challenging due to the specialized knowledge required for the role.

The demand for skilled coders often outweighs the supply.

However, offering competitive salaries, opportunities for continued learning, and a positive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve exposed the intricacies of being a physician practice coder.

Surprised?

It’s not just about deciphering medical jargon.

It’s about charting the future of healthcare, one medical code at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive physician practice coder job description template and authentic examples, you’re ready to stride forward.

But why not go the extra mile?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating meticulous job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every medical code is a part of the broader healthcare narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.