In the world of modern healthcare, medical billing and coding specialists are the behind-the-scenes gears working to ensure that the financial aspects of patient care run like clockwork. Communicating with insurance companies, providers, and patients alike means that these administrative professionals serve as a critical link between all three. Consequently, medical billing and coding roles can be ideal for those who want to contribute to patient care and wellness without taking part in clinical duties.
The medical billing and coding career path is also ideal for aspiring administrative professionals who prefer a straightforward trajectory—earn a certificate, complete necessary exams, and enter the field—and don’t want to commit to the longer two- or four-year educational requirements of clinical roles. Those in search of a flexible healthcare career may also find that medical billing and coding is a perfect fit, due to the increasing prevalence of remote medical billing and coding jobs.
To help you understand the role comprehensively, we’re breaking down all of the essential information you’ll need to know before pursuing your career as a medical billing and coding professional, including responsibilities, career outlook, certifications, salaries, and next steps.
In This Article:
What Is Medical Coding and Billing?
Medical coding and billing are core components of healthcare administration. They allow clinics, hospitals, and other facilities to improve the revenue cycle while providing seamless service for their patients.
Technically speaking, medical billing and medical coding are separate procedures. Coding involves gathering data from medical documents and determining which language or codes apply. Information can be classified based on the types of codes used or by where the procedures take place. With billing, those codes are then used to form claims, which, when applicable, are first paid through insurance and then by the patient.
While coding and billing are different and may be handled by separate professionals, these processes must function seamlessly to optimize administrative procedures. Many professionals seek training in both areas. From there, they can specialize according to their unique talents and interests.
Medical Billing and Coding Job Description
Medical coding and billing specialists play a key role in every aspect of the healthcare industry, which in turn means that medical coding and billing jobs can be diverse. Proper coding and billing procedures are essential for making sure that medical practices, hospitals, and other medical providers are correctly paid for all services rendered. As both insurance and individual patients cover medical claims, facilities need to maintain a reliable payment process.
Sometimes, employees are exclusively medical coders or medical billers, while others are responsible for both tasks. In general, professional coders and billers are responsible for ensuring their facilities consistently receive patient payments and insurance reimbursements. The day-to-day tasks of a medical billing and coding specialist will typically fall under this umbrella.
Medical Billing and Coding Responsibilities
Many of the nuances associated with a specific role will depend on where you work and the expectations of your employer. Those who supervise medical coding or billing departments will likely have additional duties, such as making sure employee work is efficient and accurate.
In general, duties for an entry-level medical billing and coding specialist can include:
- Assigning clinical codes using official classification systems
- Compiling and organizing patient information through digital registries or databases
- Reviewing patient information to determine pre-existing conditions or other relevant concerns
- Verifying the accuracy of insurance payments
- Following up on denied or unpaid claims
- Answering inquiries from patients or insurance providers
Where Do Medical Coders and Billers Work?
Medical coders and billers can be found in a variety of healthcare facilities. These range from physician offices and specialty clinics to outpatient surgery centers and hospitals. Some work with government agencies, often focusing on Medicare or Medicaid reimbursements.
Schedules vary from one place of employment to the next, but medical coders and billers are often able to work 9-to-5 hours. Hospitals or other 24-hour settings may call for evening or overnight shifts.
Remote Medical Billing and Coding
Remote medical coding and billing jobs have grown in popularity over the years, enabling an increasing number of professionals to enjoy the flexibility of working from home. Many remote positions are full-time, although part-time jobs are also available. Some remote employees work on a contract basis or serve as freelancers for added flexibility. Due to the increased availability of online medical coding and billing programs, it’s also become possible to pursue a career in medical billing and coding from home.
Medical Billing and Coding Career Outlook
Demand is incredibly high for qualified administrative professionals and throughout healthcare, including medical coding and billing specialists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), for those categorized as "medical records and health information specialists,” the job outlook between 2022 and 2032 is estimated to be 8% growth—a trend that outpaces the national average. In the next 10 years, the field is expected to gain an additional 16,500 positions nationally.
Medical Billing and Coding Salary
Earnings for medical billing and coding specialists vary based on work environment, responsibilities, specializations, state, and region. Statistics on the median salary for medical billing and coding can be found in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) review of the role, which includes the breakdown of salary differences based on facility and industry.
Medical Billing and Coding Career Path Options
Sometimes, an entry-level role in medical billing and coding can serve as a stepping stone into specializations and management positions. Just as healthcare providers can choose to focus on a singular area of treatment, such as oncology or pediatrics, medical billers and coders can also specialize in a particular field of treatment. For example, surgical medical billing and coding specialists working in cardiology will have an in-depth knowledge of codes for cardiac procedures and services.
Outside of specializations, medical billing and coding professionals can obtain further certifications in healthcare administration that they can then leverage to pursue higher-level management roles. This can be done in several ways, such as enrolling in a stackable degree program with transferable credits. For instance, credits earned through the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program at the College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) can be transferred into the Health and Medical Administrative Services AAS Degree or the Coding and Revenue Cycle Management AAS Degree.
How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder
Medical coders and billers must develop targeted skills to navigate tens of thousands of codes and complex insurance claims. For this reason, the typical path for this career begins with taking medical billing and coding classes and earning a certificate through an academic program. From there, you’ll be able to take a certification exam before seeking out entry-level medical coding and billing positions.
Medical Billing and Coding Education Requirements
The education requirements for medical billing and coding specialists can vary depending on state and employer, but generally, the completion of a medical billing and coding training program through an academic institution can help you prepare to take certification exams.
Training may involve a combination of lecture-oriented learning and lab experience, with students completing multiple research projects along the way. These programs may also specifically aim to prepare students for certification exams. Once students have completed online or classroom-based coursework, they can begin to apply their new skills and knowledge in a variety of practical settings. Hands-on learning is vital to success, so students can benefit from completing externships.
Key concepts covered while seeking a medical coding and billing certificate typically include:
- The Health Information Portability and Privacy Act (HIPAA)
- Basic medical terminology, including symbols and abbreviations
- Digital records management and electronic billing
- Insurance programs, including private insurance, workers' compensation, disability benefits, and more
- ICD code systems and procedural coding guidelines
Medical Billing and Coding Certification Options
There are several different medical billing and coding certificate options, each with its unique requirements. For a more in-depth look at medical billing and coding certification routes, you can explore our guide to the medical billing and coding certification at CHCP.
Certification examples include but are not limited to:
How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Coder and Biller?
A specialized coding and billing certificate can take less than a year. The College of Health Care Professions’ (CHCP) Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program typically lasts around 38 weeks for the on-campus program and approximately 48 weeks for the online program. Programs are divided into modules, which include lectures, labs, and externship experience.
Some medical coders and billers may take an extra step in their education and get an Associate of Applied Science in Coding and Revenue Cycle Management. This degree helps to prepare administrative professionals to apply for a wider range of positions. In general, revenue cycle managers make sure that processes involving coding and billing are run smoothly by streamlining interactions between patients, providers, and insurance companies. The CHCP Associate of Applied Science in Coding and Revenue Cycle Management is designed to take around 22 months to complete.
Pursue Your Dream Career in Medical Coding and Billing
CHCP offers a Medical Coding and Billing Certificate Program designed to help you prepare for the opportunities and challenges that this role presents. Our on-campus program is offered through blended learning, which includes in-person training two days a week. Our online programs offer hands-on labs on the weekends as a supplement to virtual learning. Contact us today to learn more about our Medical Billing and Coding Program or to get started with your application.
