AAPC has released the results of its 2011 Salary Survey, which indicates salaries are climbing for coders, and coders who have invested in their education and professional development are making the most, according to an AAPC report.
According to the report, the survey found a growing demand for skilled coders in a tough economic and health reimbursement environment. Approximately 62 percent of respondents said they work primarily in physician-based coding; 10 percent are hospital coders; and 16 percent said they do both types.
When asked about long-term goals, about half of respondents said medical coding and billing is their planned career, while 20 percent said they are looking forward to pursuing a career in auditing. Another 12.3 percent want to be practice managers, and 9.5 percent want to work in compliance.
According to the survey, the average wage for a certified professional coder in 2011 was approximately $46,800, up $1,400 from 2010. More than half of all respondents reported earnings of more than $40,000 a year.
Around 80 percent of respondents were CPCs, and more than 55 percent said the certification was required for their employment.
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According to the report, the survey found a growing demand for skilled coders in a tough economic and health reimbursement environment. Approximately 62 percent of respondents said they work primarily in physician-based coding; 10 percent are hospital coders; and 16 percent said they do both types.
When asked about long-term goals, about half of respondents said medical coding and billing is their planned career, while 20 percent said they are looking forward to pursuing a career in auditing. Another 12.3 percent want to be practice managers, and 9.5 percent want to work in compliance.
According to the survey, the average wage for a certified professional coder in 2011 was approximately $46,800, up $1,400 from 2010. More than half of all respondents reported earnings of more than $40,000 a year.
Around 80 percent of respondents were CPCs, and more than 55 percent said the certification was required for their employment.
Related Articles on Coding, Billing and Collections:
ASC Quality & Access Act of 2011 Adds Two Co-Sponsors
New York Rate Hike Data to Go Public
MedPAC Releases Updated Medicare Payment Basis Document