Some of the many places that employ coders include the following:
Health Care Providers – this is by far the largest employer of coders and includes all different provider types from large health care corporate systems to small hospitals, physician groups, long term care facilities, clinics, home health agencies, and labs.
Payors – every third party payor needs excellent coders on its staff for review of claims, auditing, and training. Although the numbers of actual insurance companies has decreased in recent years due to mergers, the size and hiring potential for coding staff has increased. Some of the larger health care insurance companies who employ coders include Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Prudential, and The Guardian.
Consulting Companies – health care consulting companies come in all shapes and sizes and will generally employ coders with some significant amount of experience who can act as "expert’ consultants to their clients. Consulting companies can include the "Big 5" Accounting Firms, Health Information Outsourcing firms, coding companies or third party billing firms.
The Government – Both state and the federal government have need for coding skills in areas like the Department of Health and Human Services, the Health Care Financing Administration, Medicare and Medicaid, the Agency for Health Care Policy Research, NIH, and the Centers for Disease Control. Coders may be involved in research projects, reimbursement issues, or development of coding policy.
Teaching and Education – there is a serious shortage of skilled coders who can also provide effective training to individuals interested in becoming coders. Whether it is with an institution of higher education or a firm that specializes in coding training, excellent coders who are committed to education and training are always in demand.
Research – the many research firms who provide services to the Federal Government have a need for coding professionals. In addition, firms like 3M and SNOMED who provide research on current coding and reimbursement systems offer interesting positions that involve the analysis of coded data.
Vendors/Product Development – there are many firms who provide coding software and related products to health care providers . Here, coders may find themselves validating or creating software products. Some coders even venture into sales, given that their expert take on the products adds to the consumers perceived validity of the product itself.
Professional Associations – many professional associations provide education and other services that require the expertise of coding professionals. Working with a non-profit association also gives the coder a chance to "give back" to their profession.
