Choose Your Career Path: Inpatient or Outpatient?
Medical Coding & Billing - Curriculum Created by Industry Experts
Within medical coding there are two distinct career paths: outpatient and inpatient. Both inpatient and outpatient medical coding are promising fields in the growing healthcare industry. Eugene Vocational School has two distinct training programs
- Inpatient and Outpatient Medical Coding and Billing
- Outpatient Medical Coding and Billing
These programs have been specifically tailored to each career path to ensure that you are well prepared for the field that fits your preferences and career goals.
The following side-by-side comparison will help you discover which career path and program is right for you.
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What is the difference between the fields?
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Inpatient coding:
Inpatient coders use different coding guidelines and separate sets of procedural codes to code records for longer inpatient visits. These records are generally more complex than outpatient records, increasing the time spend on each report.
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Outpatient coding:
Outpatient coders use different procedural codes and usually code short-visit medical records. Coding these records is often faster paced and increases the number of reports the coder can work on in a day.
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Do I have to be certified?
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Inpatient coding:
Inpatient coders are primarily certified by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and, with very few exceptions, employers require certification. Eugene Vocational School's program prepares students to take the CCA exam. Graduates may also sit for the CCS exam (AHIMA recommends on-the-job coding experience before taking this exam).
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Outpatient coding:
Outpatient coders are primarily certified by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). According to a 2008 AAPC survey, only about half of outpatient coders are certified, but this percentage is increasing every year. Eugene Vocational School's program prepares students to take the CPC exam, which is one of the most common outpatient certifications.
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How much can I expect to make?
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Inpatient coding:
CCA certified coders (entry-level exam): $36,900* annually
CCS certified coders: $57,900* annually
*From 2008 AHIMA salary survey
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Outpatient coding:
Entry-level coders: $30,600* annually
CPC certified coders: $43,100* annually
*From 2008 AAPC salary survey
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Are there a lot of job opportunities?
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Inpatient coding:
Hospitals nationwide have demand for inpatient coders. A 2006 AHIMA study reported that over half of coding employers had open coding positions in the previous year.
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Outpatient coding:
The larger outpatient coding market has created a variety of work opportunities in physician practices, hospitals, government facilities, ambulatory surgical centers, billing companies, and a variety of other healthcare facilities.
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Are there opportunities for career advancement?
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Inpatient coding:
Inpatient coders have opportunities for advancement to medical records management and supervisory positions in hospitals, insurance companies, and various other healthcare facilities.
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Outpatient coding:
Outpatient coders have opportunities to advance within clinics, physician practices, and other outpatient facilities.
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