2014 coders’ salary survey: Orthopedic coders report new demand for their services, higher pay

Why This Topic Matters

The report helps readers understand how compensation and advancement patterns are changing in orthopedic coding and administrative roles. It also highlights broader workforce pressures affecting hiring, retention, certification, and training in practices and health systems.

Article Sections

1. Survey overview and compensation trends

   Introduces the salary survey and summarizes overall pay movement for orthopedic coders and related office staff. It frames the report as a resource for comparing compensation and career opportunities.

2. Coding certification now key for advancement

   Discusses the relationship between certification, hiring, promotions, and salary growth. It also touches on preparation for ICD-10 and related education expectations.

3. Coders get unionized

   Reviews reported salary experiences in unionized offices and how compensation practices differ from merit-based settings. It also compares union and non-union survey responses at a high level.

4. Geography, type of practice play roles

   Summarizes salary differences by region and practice environment, and notes that certain roles tend to report higher average pay. It also includes examples illustrating the range of work settings represented in the survey.

5. Experienced coders are in demand

   Describes how market demand for experienced and credentialed coders is affecting hiring and retention. It references organizational changes, mergers, and ICD-10-related staffing needs.

6. Above-average effort that increases revenue also nets raises for coders

   Highlights survey-reported career behaviors associated with raises, including work that supports practice operations and revenue improvement. It presents broad examples of responsibilities that go beyond routine coding duties.

7. Ortho coder snapshot: She’s a veteran and she’s facing big changes

   Provides a composite profile of the typical orthopedic coder from the survey. It outlines background, work environment, benefits, and the kinds of operational changes affecting the role.