What is the primary responsibility of a medical coder?

The primary responsibility of a medical coder is to interpret medical records and assign coding for billing. This process involves reviewing patient charts and documenting medical diagnoses and procedures using standardized coding systems such as ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases) for diagnoses and CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes for procedures. This coding is essential for healthcare billing, as it ensures that services rendered are accurately represented and billed to insurance companies or patients. By translating complex medical information into standardized codes, medical coders play a critical role in the financial aspect of healthcare, aiding in the reimbursement process for providers.

In this context, the other options involve different aspects of medical office operations but do not pertain specifically to the core duties of a medical coder. Collecting payments from patients, managing appointments, and verifying insurance eligibility are all important functions within a medical office, but they fall under the responsibilities of other roles such as billing specialists, front desk personnel, or insurance verification staff. Thus, the focus on coding reflects the unique expertise and functions necessary for this position.