Healthcare providers actively work to ensure that their patients receive safe, effective, and high-quality care. However, they would not be able to do what they do each day without the work of medical billing and coding specialists. These are healthcare professionals who work to translate diagnoses, treatment plans, and healthcare services into consistent codes that can be interpreted by insurance providers. These codes ultimately determine what type of coverage a patient receives as well as how much the healthcare facility has to bill both insurance providers and patients.
If you are interested in a career training in medical billing and coding, now is the right time to begin exploring your options. Furthering your education through programs like a medical billing and coding specialist diploma could help equip you with the practical and technical skills required to pursue an entry-level position in medical billing and coding.
The following guide will introduce you to the field of medical billing and coding, helping you determine if a medical billing and coding career is right for you.
Understanding Medical Billing and Coding
Medical billing and coding is defined by the American Medical Billing Association as the payment process used by healthcare providers and insurance providers in the United States. This payment process relies on a series of standardized codes that allow medical billing and coding specialists, healthcare providers, and insurers to easily process claims and obtain payments for healthcare services.
The medical billing and coding process involves:
- Medical coders translate information from a patient’s medical record into standardized medical billing codes.
- Medical billers submit those claims to the insurance company for reimbursement. In the event that the insurance company does not reimburse for healthcare services rendered, medical billers create invoices for individual patients.
- Medical coders and billers may have to follow up with unpaid claims or appeal claim denials in order to ensure that patients receive the coverage they deserve and healthcare providers receive all payments for services rendered.
The Role of a Medical Biller and Coder in Healthcare
Medical billing and coding specialists play a pivotal part in the modern healthcare landscape. At a time when healthcare costs are rising across the board, medical billing and coding specialists ensure that healthcare providers receive the payments they need to continue providing patients with the exceptional service that they both need and deserve. In addition, these healthcare professionals work to ensure that patients receive the coverage they need from their health insurance providers.
Key Differences Between Medical Billing and Coding
Medical billing and coding specialists often work in tandem, but there are distinct differences to understand between the two positions. Medical coders work to translate the information within a patient’s medical records into a standardized code that is understood by both healthcare providers and insurance providers, while medical billers submit claims to insurance providers and create invoices for patients.
Why Choose a Career in Medical Billing and Coding?
A career in medical billing and coding offers great potential. For those wanting to work in the healthcare field and with a passion for ensuring that patients receive the best possible care, then this could be an excellent opportunity for you. Medical billing and coding specialists typically work in office settings, but they are still sometimes able to interact directly with patients, with the ability to have a positive impact on each patient’s experience at the healthcare facility.
Job Market Outlook and Growth Potential
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job market for medical billing and coding specialists is strong. The BLS anticipates that employment levels for medical billing and coding specialists will increase by about 9% between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than average compared to all other occupations. Over the course of the next decade, there are projected to be at least 15,000 openings for medical billing and coding specialists each year in the U.S.
Flexibility in Work Environment and Hours
Typically, medical billing and coding specialists work in offices, rather than in clinical work environments. However, due to the nature of their position, medical billing and coding specialists may have the flexibility to work full time or part time, allowing them to pursue a position that best aligns with their personal needs and professional goals. Due to rapidly advancing technology, some medical billing and coding specialists have found that they are able to work remotely, though the opportunity to do so varies significantly based on the healthcare facility.
Getting Started in Medical Billing and Coding
Interested in the field of medical billing and coding? A range of opportunities are available. Oftentimes, medical billing and coding specialists are in high demand among healthcare providers, thanks to their advanced and specialized skill set. By understanding the skills required for this field and the steps you need to take for an entry-level position in medical billing and coding, you can start creating a plan to launch your medical billing and coding career.
Essential Skills According to Indeed, medical billers and coders need a comprehensive set of practical, technical, and soft skills in this field. You may have the right personality to become a medical billing and coding specialist if you are:
- A detail-oriented individual
- An organized professional
- An effective communicator
- An adept problem-solver
- A willing professional who is both flexible and agile
In addition to possessing the critical soft skills as a medical billing and coding specialist, you will need practical and technical skills like:
- A strong understanding of medical billing codes
- An ability to use medical billing software
- A foundational understanding of healthcare regulations
- An ability to analyze financial data
Equipment and Resources Needed to Begin
As an aspiring medical billing and coding specialist, you do not need to invest in a lot of equipment in order to pursue this career. The best way to prepare for a career in medical billing and coding is to pursue a skills-based educational program and consider industry certifications. In most cases, the healthcare facility you work for will provide you with the equipment and resources needed to perform your job duties each day.
Step-by-Step Guide to Entering the Field
Knowing that you want to become a medical billing and coding specialist is the first step. Next, you must move forward to become qualified to work in this field. Here are the key steps to gaining the skills and qualifications required to pursue an entry-level position as a medical billing and coding specialist.
Step 1: Understanding the Basics of Medical Terminology
Before you can begin your education, you will want to master the basics of medical terminology. You can do this by borrowing books on medical terminology from the library or researching the basics of medical terminology online. Once you become familiar with the basics of medical terminology, you will find it easier to begin training to work as a medical billing and coding specialist.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Education Program
To become a medical billing and coding specialist, you should complete an educational training program. Choosing a skills-based diploma program that focuses specifically on medical billing and coding will enable you to develop the niche skills required for this field.
Step 3: Gaining Certification and Its Importance
According to the American Medical Billing Association, medical billers and coders are not required by law to become certified. However, most healthcare organizations prefer to hire certified medical billing and coding specialists because they feel more confident knowing these professionals have completed the advanced training to become proficient in the top medical billing and coding skills. Industry certification must be obtained separately from a diploma program.
Step 4: Applying for Your First Job and Building a Resume
Once you have completed a diploma program and/or passed your certification exam, you can begin applying for your first job as a medical billing and coding specialist. As you begin to build your resume, be sure to highlight your skills-based educational experience as well as proof of industry certification, as this can help you set yourself apart from other candidates in a crowded job market.
Step 5: Preparing for the Interview Process
The interview process is the final stage of your job search and a crucial moment in your career journey. You can successfully navigate the interview process for medical billing and coding positions by:
- Using the interview to demonstrate your extensive knowledge of medical coding principles.
- Becoming familiar with common scenarios that you may face as a medical billing and coding specialist so you can participate in practical exercises during the interview process.
- Communicating clearly and effectively throughout the interview process in order to showcase your soft skills.
- Asking thoughtful and informed questions at the end of the interview to highlight your interest in this position and your understanding of the medical billing and coding landscape.
Career Pathways and Advancement Opportunities
While a medical billing and coding specialist diploma program can equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue entry-level positions in this field, there are also career advancement opportunities available. Learn more about the various career pathways and possibilities:
From Entry-Level to Specialist Roles
Graduates from a medical billing and coding specialist diploma program may go on to pursue these roles. However, according to Indeed, there are other more specialized roles you could consider, such as:
- Medical records technician
- Medical collector
- Billing analyst
- Coding specialist
- Coding educator
- Coding auditor
Continuing Education and Certification Upgrades
In order to pursue specialized positions or advance your career in medical billing and coding, you may need to invest in ongoing education. Should you choose to become certified, you will need to complete continuing education programs to maintain your certification and upgrade your credentials over the course of your career.
The Financial Aspect: Salaries and Earning Potential
Choosing to pursue a medical billing and coding specialist education is an investment in your education and your medical billing and coding career — allowing you to develop industry-ready skills. Thus, you will likely want to know more about the earning potential of this healthcare career.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take to become a proficient medical biller and coder?
The amount of time it takes to become a proficient medical biller and coder may vary based on the program and pace that you choose along with your understanding of the key concepts in the coursework. For instance, a medical billing and coding specialist diploma or certificate program may take about nine months to complete, more or less. Other advanced training and education (like an associate degree) can take up to about two years.
Can medical billing and coding be done remotely?
Yes, medical billing and coding can be done remotely, with more healthcare facilities allowing medical billing and coding specialists to work flexible schedules. Advanced technology, such as cloud-based billing software and electronic health records (EHR), makes it easy for medical billing and coding specialists to work remotely and enjoy a more flexible work schedule.
Begin Your Medical Billing and Coding Career Training at Florida Technical College
The healthcare system relies on experienced and qualified medical billing and coding specialists to ensure patients receive the coverage they need — and that healthcare facilities receive the payments required to maintain operations. At Florida Technical College, we offer a medical billing and coding specialist diploma program designed to equip you with relevant knowledge and skills in this specialty. This skills-based diploma program prepares you for certification while helping you become proficient in the medical billing and coding skills applicable to entry-level positions in this dynamic field.
Request more information about our degree and diploma programs today.
This article presents a general overview of the field of medical billing and coding, including job opportunities within that field; it does not describe the educational objectives or expected employment outcomes of a particular Florida Technical College program. Florida Technical College does not guarantee that students will obtain employment or any particular job. Some positions may require licensure or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular career you desire.
Sources
https://ftccollege.edu/program/diploma/medical-billing-and-coding-specialist-diploma/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-a-medical-billing-and-coder
https://www.americanmedicalbillingassociation.com/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/medical-biller-skills
https://codingclarified.com/cpc-interview-tips/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/certificate-medical-billing-coding-jobs
