The demand for trained medical coders is expected to increase leading up to the ICD-10 transition as the number of coders seeking retirement before the switch increases, according to research from KLAS.
Fifty-seven is the average retirement age for coders, though many professionals may consider early retirement to avoid taking on the additional education and burden of ICD-10, according to the report. ICD-10 contains 68,000 diagnostic codes, nearly five times that of ICD-9.
KLAS found many providers holding off on ICD-10 training in case they lose coders to retirement or recruitment by other organizations. However, early training may be a practice's best bet for a smooth transition in October 2014.
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Fifty-seven is the average retirement age for coders, though many professionals may consider early retirement to avoid taking on the additional education and burden of ICD-10, according to the report. ICD-10 contains 68,000 diagnostic codes, nearly five times that of ICD-9.
KLAS found many providers holding off on ICD-10 training in case they lose coders to retirement or recruitment by other organizations. However, early training may be a practice's best bet for a smooth transition in October 2014.
More Articles on Coding, Billing and Collections:
Opinion: SNOMED-CT Not Realistic Alternative to ICD-10
New Jersey Hospital Association Expands Bundled Payment Pilot Program
NYU Langone Medical Center Selects Accenture for ICD-10 Switch