2013 Coder’s Salary Survey: Ortho coders average substantial raises in 2012 based on coding accuracy, compliance

Why This Topic Matters

Understanding compensation trends and the workplace factors tied to raises can help coding professionals evaluate their market position and career development path. It is also useful for managers and educators who track staffing, retention, certification, and compliance-related responsibilities.

Article Sections

1. Survey overview and pay trends

   Introduces the survey findings and summarizes reported pay changes for orthopedic coders. Provides the general context for the compensation data discussed in the article.

2. Take on new responsibilities; the money follows

   Describes how changes in job duties, workflow, and practice initiatives were associated with compensation outcomes. Also discusses role differences among coding professionals and managers.

3. Document why you deserve a raise

   Explains how respondents described their contributions when seeking compensation increases. Highlights compliance-related work, productivity efforts, and ways employees documented performance.

4. Regional salary differences

   Compares reported pay levels across U.S. regions and notes variation in raise frequency. Focuses on geographic differences in the survey results.

5. Coding certification gives you a boost

   Summarizes survey responses about certification status and its reported relationship to compensation and career advancement. Also notes how pay distributions differed between certified and non-certified respondents.

6. College helps you advance

   Reviews the relationship between education level and income among survey respondents. Discusses how formal education corresponded with higher pay ranges and advancement.

7. Join the $100,000 club

   Profiles the highest-earning respondents in broad terms and describes common career characteristics among them. Includes general information about their roles, practice size, and work settings.