Medical record coder vs records analyst

The differences between medical record 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 record coder and a records analyst. Additionally, a medical record coder has an average salary of $54,162, which is higher than the $44,714 average annual salary of a records analyst.

The top three skills for a medical record coder include medical terminology, patients and CPC. The most important skills for a records analyst are data entry, powerpoint, and sharepoint.

Medical record coder vs records analyst overview

	Medical Record Coder	Records Analyst
Yearly salary	$54,162	$44,714
Hourly rate	$26.04	$21.50
Growth rate	11%	11%
Number of jobs	51,197	18,442
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 44%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	12	12

What does a medical record coder do?

A medical record coder is responsible for translating medical files and documents to comprehensive files required by insurance companies and other non-medical institutions. Medical record coders disclose all the patients' information on the file, including their treatment procedures, diagnosis, and medications. They serve as the representative of a medical institution to respond to inquiries and concerns, resolve record discrepancies, and submit additional documents as necessary. A medical record coder must have excellent communication skills, as well as extensive knowledge of the medical industry to discuss medical terms accurately and efficiently.

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Records analysts review documents and sort data accordingly, following organizational procedures in proper disposal of outdated documents.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 record coder vs records analyst salary

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

	Medical Record Coder	Records Analyst
Average salary	$54,162	$44,714
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $75,000	Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	-	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	-	New Jersey
Best paying company	-	Guidehouse
Best paying industry	-	Professional

Differences between medical record coder and records analyst education

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

	Medical Record Coder	Records Analyst
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 44%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common major	Health Care Administration	Business
Most common college	University of Southern California	California State University - Bakersfield

Medical record coder vs records analyst demographics

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

	Medical Record Coder	Records Analyst
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 12.7% Female, 87.3%	Male, 31.2% Female, 68.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 8.6% White, 58.4% 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 record coder and records analyst duties and responsibilities

Medical record coder example responsibilities.

Create documentation education classes to general surgery residents, increasing the leveling of reporting which lead to increase revenues.
Obtain medical records through electronic health records (EHR).
Bill all Medicare, Medicaid, BlueCross, PPO claims electronically.
Maintain the strictest confidentiality and adhere to all HIPAA guidelines and regulations.
Code and charge ER records, apply E/M codes, correct billing errors, and code infusion records.
Process all charges receive from outside services to include CPT, ICD-9, or any other necessary information.

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 record coder vs records analyst skills

Common medical record coder skills

Medical Terminology, 12%
Patients, 12%
CPC, 10%
ICD-10-CM, 10%
Physiology, 8%
AHIMA, 8%

Common records analyst skills

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

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Medical Record Coder
Medical Record Coder vs Records Analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

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