The advancement of EMR's ability to identify an E&M code and tracking procedure codes linked with dx is going to eliminate billing/data entry positions overall, however qualified staff are necessary to audit and use their skills to educate the physicians in documenting with specificity with ICD9 codes. We've seen the trend of payments linked to quality of care and the severity of illness as opposed to justified documention for E&M codes. It's a different challenge. A Coder has the ability to drill down, in other words get to the 5th digit, and know when to ask questions. So a well educated person that takes initiative with their education, passes a course and keeps up to date with the newest trends will be essential, along with good communication skills, has the advantage.
The transition to ICD10 will be a huge for physicans, and yes EMR's will have these codes built in too. There will need to be a 2 way dialogue with knowledgeable staff and provider. We have billers/data entry personnel that rarely take the initiative to learn the new trends, new codes, payer policies, they have to be told. So a person that takes initiative to pass a course and keeps up to date with the newest trends and can see the whole picture will be essential. The entire industry is changing.