CHAPTER 7
Coding as a Career
Is It Right for You?
Now that you have all the details about medical coding, what it is, and how it works, you may be wondering about a career in this field.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2012), job prospects for medical records and health information technicians will grow much faster than average through 2020. About 179,500 individuals are already employed in this field, with about 39% working for hospitals.
This is one of the few health occupations in which there is little or no patient contact.
Average salaries for coders vary by geographic region, size of facility, and type of employer. Entry-level positions are in the $30,000 to $35,000 range. Individuals who are ...
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