What Is an RN Coder?

If you are a registered nurse (RN), you might consider making the move into a non-clinical career as an RN coder. RN coders use their nursing knowledge and training to work with medical data that is essential for accurately diagnosing conditions. This helps maintain updated patient records and ensures accurate billing and insurance information.

RN coder jobs may provide a more predictable schedule and better work/life balance than traditional clinical nursing work — without the stress and long hours. RN coders may be “behind the scenes” but can still play an important role in patient care and the operations of their facility.

Have questions? Continue reading to learn more about how you can break into this rewarding career.

Medical coding involves taking a patient’s health information — including diagnoses, procedures, and various other services information — and converting it into universal medical codes. An RN coder works with healthcare providers and administrators to manage this process.

An RN coder takes information from patient charts and medical records and assigns codes based on International Classification of Diseases or Current Procedural Terminology guidelines.

RN coders use their nursing training and knowledge of medical terminology to assign codes for use in Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies, ensuring that claims are processed quickly and in a way that maximizes reimbursement.

Depending on employer needs, nurse coders often investigate unpaid claims and billing and insurance discrepancies. While RN coder jobs involve little or no direct patient care responsibilities, these professionals will sometimes work with patients to resolve billing and insurance issues.

RN coders work in a variety of healthcare settings. Wherever medical diagnoses are a part of the workflow, RN coders are likely to be a part of the equation. Some even own their own business and set their own hours.

Nurse coders need medical knowledge, an understanding of the healthcare system, technical skills, and analytical ability. If you have these skill sets, this career might be a fit for you. Some RN coder jobs may be performed from home, unlike many other nursing jobs.

Some pros and cons to becoming an RN coder include:

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual RN coder salary is $57,182, with the highest earners making about $72,000 a year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide specific RN coder salary information, but it does report a median annual salary of $47,180 for all medical records specialist occupations.

How much you can make as an RN coder salary depends on your training level, experience, certifications, geographic location, and employer.

The 2023 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report published by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) showed that certifications can significantly boost your income. Medical documentation specialists with two AAPC certifications earn an average salary of $66,198, while those with three or more make an average of $71,361.

In addition to work experience and certifications, where you live and where you work can also impact your earnings. The AAPC report indicates that California pays the highest yearly salaries, averaging $67,660, while Indiana offers the lowest at $47,176. Average medical coding earnings vary by type of employer, with larger hospitals and healthcare systems paying the highest salaries.