Health

Code Talkers For those with a mastery of anatomy and physi- ology, combined with a basic mastery of computer programs, the career path has never been better. MWCC's Bowie recalls that medical coding operations were once relegated to hospital base- ments. Now, that function has a boardroom pres- ence because of changes in the healthcare system. With the emergence of accountable care organiza- tions, physician groups with five or more provid- ers will now have to look at hiring a coder to come into their own practices because of the complexity of ICD-10 and the extra work it requires. State projections for job growth for coders, many of whom fall under the Medical and Health Records Technicians classification by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, stand at 19 percent from 2010 to 2022. But, she says, that may not take into account the large number of current practitioners nearing retirement age. Statistics from MWCC indicate that 23 percent of the region's coders are over age 55 and may be expected to retire rather than retrain for the expanded coding standard, ICD-10, set to become effective on October 1, which significantly expands the number of diagnostic codes. ICD-10 is the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. The predecessor, ICD-9 dates back to 1979 andis no longer adequate to docu- ment advances in medical treatments and tech- nology. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the American Medical Association have teamed up to help the medical community get ready to use the system by October 1, 2015. Providers have a grace peri- od in which they can use ICD-9 to code all ser- vices delivered before that date, but must use ICD-10 for services performed that date or after, or they will not get paid. "For every coder you have now, you will need 1.5 coders [to implement ICD-10]," Bowie says. Margaret Gillette, MWCC's assistant dean of health, says the school's program currently trains students in both ICD-9 and ICD-10 so they can transition easily. MWCC also offers continuing education courses for coders who need to refresh their knowledge. Bowie also stays up to date on openings in different regions, to help students moving from the area to continue their education at MWCC. Applicants to the program include many adult, non- traditional students – the younger generation appears to be unaware of the Health Information Management (HIM) career track, Gillette says. Bowie concurs, crediting her father, a dean of health care, for advising her in 1978 that non- clinical jobs were available that would always be secure. Tracey Butler, a licensed practicing nurse from Athol, enrolled in MWCC's coding program this semester to build upon her skills to include cod- ing. She is enrolled as a full-time student while continuing to work. Butler seeks to shift her career to an administrative nursing role, or to perform case work for an insurance company. "I decided to take my career in a different direc- tion," Butler said. "I didn't picture myself going back to school at 51, but things are changing in the field very fast." Many non-direct-care nursing positions now We reviewed the fastest-growing jobs in both short-term outlook, 2014-2016, and long-term outlook, 2012-2022 in Massachusetts (see charts). Just to establish a benchmark: the marker for faster than average job growth is any percentage increase of 14 percent or more on the long-term side. The larger number is the long-term percentage growth for Massachusetts. NON-CLINICAL JOBS IN MASS., BY THE NUMBERS Health Specialties Teachers and Nursing Instructors and Teachers: (36.1 percent U.S.) High demand, but many jobs may be part-time and/or non-tenured. Additionally, filling positions will be dependent on school funding. (On the upside: A great resume addition and a plus for networking with the research community.) Medical Secretaries: (36 percent U.S.) Medical secretaries will be needed to handle administrative tasks related to billing and insurance processing. Medical Repairers: (30.3 percent U.S.). The complexity of the equipment being repaired, and the urgency to get it back on line contribute to growth. Many new entrants will be needed to fill vacated positions – indicating that high turnover will be a factor fueling job growth. Health Technologists and Clinicians: (26.7 percent U.S.) Medical laboratory technologists and technicians will be in demand, to use and maintain the equipment needed for diagnosis and treatment. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians: (30 percent U.S.) An increase in the aging population will lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures. Federal health legislation will increase the number of patients who have access to health insurance, increasing patient access to medical care. Health Educators: (19 percent U.S.) The need to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by teaching people about healthy habits and behaviors and utilization of available health care services are driving job growth. Community health workers who have completed a formal education program and those experienced in working with a specific population may enjoy favorable job prospects, with additional opportunities for candidates who speak a second language. Medical Health Services Managers: (23 percent U.S.) Employment is projected to grow in offices of health practitioners. Many services previously provided in hospitals will shift to these settings, especially as medical technologies improve. Demand in medical group practice management is expected to grow as medical group practices become larger and more complex. 34.8% 27.1 % 26.9% 26.6% 24% 2 3.8% 2 1.2 % Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition HEALTH • September 21, 2015 17 Bowie Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 2012 2,670 2022 3600 930 34.8% 130 Medical Secretaries 2012 19,030 2022 24,190 5160 27.1% 750 Medical Equipment Repairers 2012 990 2022 1,260 270 26.9% 60 Health Technologists and Clinicians, All Other 2012 1,600 2022 2,030 430 26.6% 60 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians 2012 5,300 2022 6,580 1,280 24% 270 Health Educators 2012 1,850 2022 2,300 450 23.8% 90 Medical and Health Services Managers 2012 10,460 2022 12,670 2,210 21.2% 480 Medical Records and Health Information Technicians 2012 6,070 2022 7,190 1,120 18.5% 270 Medical Equipment Preparers 2012 1,250 2022 1,470 220 17.3% 50 Pharmacy Technicians 2012 7,480 2022 8,610 1,130 15.2% 190 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists 2012 6,540 2022 7,300 760 11.6% 250 Pharmacists 2012 6,650 2022 7,410 760 11.4% 240 Base Projected Percent Avg. annual Occupation Name Year Base year Projected Change change openings Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-2015 Edition OCCUPATIONAL PROJECTIONS, MASSACHUSETTS, 2012-2022 Continued on Page 32

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