After the medical coder itemizes the procedures with their corresponding codes, they add them to a reimbursement claim. Medical codes tell insurance companies and other payers, like Medicare for example, what services were provided and allows them to match the codes to the patient’s plan and determine the coverage for each service. The payer then reimburses the healthcare provider according to the terms of the patient’s policy.
The medical coder’s duties can vary depending upon the type and size of their employer, whether that’s in a hospital, doctor's office, outpatient surgery center, insurance company or government agency. Generally speaking, their day-to-day work will typically consist of: