Clinical Coding: The Hidden Gem of Healthcare Careers

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TalentMed

Date Posted:

August 9, 2024

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In the vast landscape of healthcare careers, there’s a profession that often flies under the radar but offers incredible opportunities for those in the know. Clinical coding might not be the first job that comes to mind when you think about working in healthcare, but it’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-after roles in the industry. Let’s dive into why clinical coding is one of the most underrated healthcare careers in Australia and why you might want to consider it for your future.

What is Clinical Coding?

Before we delve into the benefits, let’s clarify what clinical coding actually involves. Clinical coders are the unsung heroes of the healthcare system, responsible for translating medical records and diagnoses into standardised codes. These codes are crucial for hospital funding, research, and health policy planning. It’s a role that combines medical knowledge with analytical skills, offering a unique blend of healthcare and information management.

The Growing Demand for Clinical Coders

Australia’s healthcare system is constantly evolving, and with it, the need for skilled clinical coders is on the rise. As our population ages and medical treatments become more complex, accurate coding becomes increasingly vital. Hospitals, health insurers, and government agencies all rely on the work of clinical coders to function effectively.

Why Clinical Coding is Underrated

Despite its importance, clinical coding often gets overlooked when people consider healthcare careers. This oversight is what makes it such a hidden gem. Here are some reasons why clinical coding deserves more attention:

  1. Flexible Work Environment: Unlike many healthcare roles that require long hours on your feet, clinical coding often allows for a more flexible work environment. Many coders work from home or have the option to do so, providing an excellent work-life balance
  2. No Direct Patient Contact: For those who are interested in healthcare but prefer not to work directly with patients, clinical coding offers a perfect solution. You’re still making a significant impact on patient care, but from behind the scenes.
  3. Continuous Learning: The medical field is always advancing, and as a clinical coder, you’ll be at the forefront of these changes. Your job will involve ongoing education and staying up-to-date with the latest medical terminology and procedures.
  4. Critical Thinking Skills: Clinical coding isn’t just about data entry. It requires analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. You’ll be piecing together information from medical records to accurately represent a patient’s journey through the healthcare system.
  5. Job Security: As long as there’s a healthcare system that relies on classifications, there will be a need for clinical coders. This job security is a significant advantage in today’s ever-changing job market.

To truly appreciate the value of a career in clinical coding, let’s compare it to one of the most popular roles in healthcare; enrolled nursing.

Enrolled Nursing: The Traditional Path

Becoming an enrolled nurse in Australia typically involves completing a Diploma of Nursing, which usually takes 2 years of full-time study. While this is shorter than a bachelor’s degree (3 years full-time), it still represents a significant time investment. The cost of this diploma can vary, but it’s not uncommon for students to pay around $34,388 for their Diploma and $54,876 for the Bachelor’s degree. This is an average of $44,632 between the two courses.

After completing their studies, enrolled nurses can expect to earn between $65,000 and $85,000 per year, so an average of $75,000 according to seek.com.au. While this is a respectable salary, it’s important to consider the physical demands of the job, including shift work, long nights and the emotional toll of direct patient care.

Clinical Coding: The Hidden Gem

Now, let’s look at the path to becoming a clinical coder. With TalentMed, you can complete our Diploma of Clinical Coding in less than 18 months, studying online, from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. This flexibility allows you to balance your studies with other commitments, potentially even working while you train.

The cost of the TalentMed Diploma is just $6,300 – significantly less than the cost of becoming an enrolled nurse. We also offer a range of flexible tuition options and instalment plans. This lower financial barrier means you can start your new career with less debt and stress.

Here’s where it gets really interesting: the typical salary for a clinical coder in Australia is currently around $90,000. That’s higher than the average for enrolled nurses, despite the lower cost and time investment in training.

Enrolled Nursing

  • Training time: 2-3 years full time, on campus
  • Course cost: $34,388-$54,87

  • Average salary: $65,000 – $85,000

Clinical Coding

  • Training time: Less than 18 months, self-paced, online learning.
  • Course cost: $6,300
  • Average salary: $90,000

Here’s a visual representation

Training Time

Course Cost

Average Salary

When you consider the return on investment, clinical coding clearly comes out on top. You’re spending less time and money on your education, but potentially earning more once you enter the workforce.

Beyond the Numbers: Quality of Life

While the financial aspects are compelling, it’s also worth considering the quality of life differences between these careers. Enrolled nurses often work long shifts, including nights and weekends. They’re on their feet for hours at a time and deal with the physical and emotional challenges of direct patient care.

Clinical coders, on the other hand, often enjoy more standard working hours, working from the comfort of a desk. Many have the option to work from home, eliminating commute times, added costs and allowing for a better work-life balance. The nature of the work is also less physically demanding, which can be a significant factor in long-term career satisfaction and longevity.

The Skills You’ll Gain

Choosing a career in clinical coding doesn’t just offer financial benefits; it also provides you with a unique skill set that’s highly valued in the healthcare industry. You’ll develop:

  1. Attention to Detail: Accuracy is crucial in clinical coding, and you’ll hone your ability to spot and interpret important information.
  2. Medical Knowledge: You’ll gain a broad understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and healthcare procedures.
  3. Analytical Skills: Interpreting medical records and applying the correct codes requires strong analytical thinking.
  4. Technology Proficiency: As healthcare becomes increasingly digital, your comfort with various software systems will be a valuable asset.
  5. Communication Skills: You’ll often need to liaise with healthcare providers to clarify information, improving your professional communication abilities.

These skills are not only valuable in clinical coding but are also transferable to many other roles in healthcare administration and information management.

The Future of Clinical Coding

As we look to the future, the prospects for clinical coders appear bright. The increasing digitisation of healthcare records and the growing emphasis on data-driven decision making in healthcare policy mean that the role of clinical coders is likely to become even more crucial.

Furthermore, as artificial intelligence and machine learning begin to play a larger role in healthcare, clinical coders with their unique blend of medical knowledge and data skills will be well-positioned to adapt and thrive in this changing landscape.

 

Making the Choice

Choosing a career path is a significant decision, and it’s important to consider all aspects. While enrolled nursing and other traditional healthcare roles certainly have their merits, clinical coding offers a unique combination of benefits that make it an attractive option for many.

With its lower barriers to entry, strong earning potential, and flexible work environment, clinical coding represents an opportunity to enter the healthcare field in a role that’s both rewarding and sustainable long-term.

If you’re considering a career in healthcare, but are unsure about the physical demands of nursing or the lengthy education required for many medical professions, clinical coding could be the perfect fit. It offers a chance to make a real difference in the healthcare system, continually learn and grow, and enjoy a stable, well-compensated career.

In conclusion, clinical coding truly is one of the most underrated healthcare careers in Australia. It offers a unique blend of healthcare involvement, analytical work, and lifestyle benefits that are hard to match in other roles. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the importance of clinical coders is only set to grow, making now the perfect time to consider this hidden gem of a career.

So, why not take a closer look at clinical coding? You might just discover your ideal path in the exciting world of healthcare.

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