How much of a need will there be for coders?

I just talked to a lady that works for a large hospital and she was telling me that it is required to go to computer records. She also was telling me that when they went to the electronic records, that the code was looked up for them automaticaly.

Is this just large hospitals or do all medical places have to go to that electronic records?

re: How much of a need will there be for coders?

Small clinics don't employ coders, the doctors tend to do their own coding. Generally what they really need are billers with experience in coding who can work with the entire process of billing services, from checking the initial coding and eligibility to follow-up, appeals, and collections. Some credentialing knowledge is also helpful. I do all of these things.

HIPAA requires everyone to move to electronic records and claims billing eventually. In my state it's already illegal to submit claims any other way.

re: How much of a need will there be for coders?

I have worked for several large hospitals, using electronic records as long as 12 years ago. Still consult for other hospitals. They not only have coders, they audit employed physicians that may be using code selections generated by the record with expectation of accuracy in the 90 + percent. Some hospitals have outsourced their coding functions, but coding is done from real records, not computer generated code suggestions. Although some small clinic records and the facility E & M may be done through the electronic records, the complexity of inpatient coding is done by credential coders with high level requirements for accuracy and productivity.

re: How much of a need will there be for coders?

I think coders who are knowledgeable in both CPT® and diagnosis coding will find jobs.