Medical coder vs records analyst

The differences between medical 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 medical coder and a records analyst. Additionally, a medical coder has an average salary of $51,563, which is higher than the $44,714 average annual salary of a records analyst.

The top three skills for a medical coder include CPC, medical terminology and ICD-10-CM. The most important skills for a records analyst are data entry, powerpoint, and sharepoint.

Medical coder vs records analyst overview

	Medical Coder	Records Analyst
Yearly salary	$51,563	$44,714
Hourly rate	$24.79	$21.50
Growth rate	11%	11%
Number of jobs	51,316	18,442
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	12	12

What does a medical coder do?

A medical coder's role is to interpret and analyze a patient's medical record and translate particular details according to the universal medical alphanumeric code. Moreover, a medical coder is primarily responsible for ensuring that the translations are accurate, as this will play a vital factor in processing insurance and receiving treatments. Aside from accuracy, it is also crucial for a medical coder to coordinate with other hospital personnel at all times, especially when there inconsistencies in the records.

What does a records analyst do?

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Records analysts review documents and sort data accordingly, following organizational procedures in proper disposal of outdated documents.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.

Medical coder vs records analyst salary

Medical coders and records analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Medical Coder	Records Analyst
Average salary	$51,563	$44,714
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $70,000	Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	Trenton, NJ	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	Hawaii	New Jersey
Best paying company	Meta	Guidehouse
Best paying industry	Health Care	Professional

Differences between medical coder and records analyst education

There are a few differences between a medical coder and a records analyst in terms of educational background:

	Medical Coder	Records Analyst
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common major	Health Care Administration	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	California State University - Bakersfield

Medical coder vs records analyst demographics

Here are the differences between medical coders' and records analysts' demographics:

	Medical Coder	Records Analyst
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 13.2% Female, 86.8%	Male, 31.2% Female, 68.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 9.0% White, 60.1% 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%

Differences between medical coder and records analyst duties and responsibilities

Medical coder example responsibilities.

Manage all EDI relate communication with trading partners and assist to produce all operational documents for all end users.
Manage all aspects of AR including writing letters for medical necessity, claim denials, bundling issues and charge capture.
Manage health records while applying ICD-10 coding to update and process insurance claims for time and accuracy to various insurance companies.
Manage the outsourced transcription company.
Create documentation education classes to general surgery residents, increasing the leveling of reporting which lead to increase revenues.
Adhere to regulations with CPT-4, ICD-9-CM and HCPCS coding with medical terminology and effort meet all audit requirements.

Records analyst example responsibilities.

Manage the research, processing and auditing of maintenance records from all maintenance facilities to ensure FAA compliance.
Ensure compliance with all HIPAA requirements
Assist in the execution of search warrants and submissions of subpoenas.
Train new staff on FDA regulate & non-FDA regulate eBDR procedures.
Examine documents to ensure compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, and other applicable law.
Update forms on an ongoing basis to conform to HIPPA policies and school needs.

Medical coder vs records analyst skills

Common medical coder skills

CPC, 11%
Medical Terminology, 8%
ICD-10-CM, 7%
AHIMA, 7%
Patients, 7%
Clinical Documentation, 5%

Common records analyst skills

Data Entry, 22%
PowerPoint, 13%
SharePoint, 8%
Retention Schedules, 6%
Hard Copy, 5%
FAA, 4%

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Medical Coder vs Records Analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

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