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The differences between health information coders and records analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a health information coder and a records analyst. Additionally, a health information coder has an average salary of $54,353, which is higher than the $44,714 average annual salary of a records analyst.
The top three skills for a health information coder include medical terminology, ICD-10-CM and CPC. The most important skills for a records analyst are data entry, powerpoint, and sharepoint.
| Health Information Coder | Records Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $54,353 | $44,714 |
| Hourly rate | $26.13 | $21.50 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 112,238 | 18,442 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A health information coder is responsible for translating the reports of physicians into beneficial medical codes. Health information coders make sure that all important information is appropriately coded for accuracy and consistency. The coders read the medical chart of a patient and analyze it and identify patient diagnoses and medical procedures. They categorize the diagnoses and the necessary procedures based on a national classification system. Also, they assign particular alphanumeric or numeric code to each procedure or diagnosis.
A records analyst is responsible for maintaining the security and efficiency of record management processes for storing information and files in the database. Records analysts review documents and sort data accordingly, following organizational procedures in proper disposal of outdated documents. They also update client accounts and business information in the system, managing retention schedules, and strategizing effective data management techniques. A records analyst must have excellent knowledge of computer navigation, especially in using software applications for filing and coding data.
Health information coders and records analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Health Information Coder | Records Analyst | |
| Average salary | $54,353 | $44,714 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $78,000 | Between $31,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | - | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | - | Guidehouse |
| Best paying industry | - | Professional |
There are a few differences between a health information coder and a records analyst in terms of educational background:
| Health Information Coder | Records Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Health Care Administration | Business |
| Most common college | Georgetown University | California State University - Bakersfield |
Here are the differences between health information coders' and records analysts' demographics:
| Health Information Coder | Records Analyst | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 12.0% Female, 88.0% | Male, 31.2% Female, 68.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 9.0% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3% | Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 8.6% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |