Medical Coder Salaries on the Rise

Salaries for certified medical coding professionals increased an average of 8.4 percent in 2014. The figure was released in an annual salary survey conducted by AAPC, the leading training and credentialing association for healthcare business professionals. Certified medical coder salaries rose to an average of $50,775 annually.

Other highlights from the 2014 survey include:

Education significantly impacts salary level. Medical coders with a bachelor's degree earned an average of $54,522 while a coder with no college degree earned an average of $44,338 in 2014.
Salary levels favored coders with advanced certifications. Individuals carrying the CPC-I certification (Instructors) led all coders, averaging $76,021 annually. CPCO certified members (Compliance Officers) earned an average of $71,542.

Only 9.5 percent of apprentice medical coders who responded to the survey were unemployed. The rate has steadily declined since 2011: down 5 percent since 2013, 13 percent since 2012, and 16 percent since 2011.

"This year's results show a promising future for new medical coders and one of growth and opportunities for experienced coders," said Jason VandenAkker, AAPC CEO. "We expect to see the demand for certified medical coding professionals to remain strong as the healthcare business landscape continues to grow and evolve."

More than 14,000 medical coders responded to the annual salary survey. To view additional survey results, look in the January 2015 issue of Healthcare Business Monthly or view the Salary Survey Results at this link http://news.aapc.com/index.php/2014/12/aapcs-2014-salary-survey-see-how-your-salary-stacks-up/.

About AAPC:
AAPC is the nation's largest training and credentialing association for the business of healthcare, with more than 140,000 members representing physician offices, outpatient facilities and payer organizations. AAPC certifications validate the knowledge and expertise of healthcare professionals in disciplines including medical coding, billing, auditing, compliance and practice management. AAPC offers the industry-leading Certified Professional Coder (CPC®), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC"), Certified Professional Biller (CPB"), Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA®), Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO") and Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM®) credentials, along with more than 20 specialty-specific coding credentials. AAPC also provides a wide variety of continuing education, resources and networking opportunities.

www.aapc.com

Source: AAPC