• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical records specialists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

• About 15,000 openings for medical records specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

What is Medical Billing and Coding?

• Medical Billers and Coders are responsible for processing patient data including medical records and related insurance. In this position, you will code a patient's diagnosis and then request payment from the patient's insurance company. You will play an important role in ensuring that healthcare providers are quickly and accurately paid for the treatment they give patients.

Where do you work as a Medical Biller and Coder?

• Medical Billers and Coders work in a variety of settings. The most common settings include hospitals, doctors' offices and insurance agencies. Some medical billing and coding professionals work for companies that develop medical software, and some work for education institutions that work to train other medical billers and coders. Government agencies have also been known to employ medial billers and coders including the National Center for Health Statistics and Medicaid offices. You may also have the ability to work for a reputable company from your own home!

What is a day in the life of a Medical Biller and Coder like?

• A day in the life of a Medical Biller and Coder is a rewarding one. You are responsible for ensuring that healthcare providers receive appropriate compensation for the care they provide as well as helping patients get the maximum benefit of their insurance. It is a job that requires a high level of attention to detail at all times because codes must be correct to produce appropriate bills for services. Much of your time will be spent in front of a computer organizing statements, reviewing bills, and performing quality control. You also may be required to negotiate with insurance companies via phone on behalf of providers or patients. It's also important to coordinate with other coders to ensure accuracy and adherence to standards. Finally, you'll want to keep up on the latest developments and regulations in the industry through continuing education.

What is the difference between a Medical Biller and a Medical Coder?

• Medical billers are mainly responsible for submitting patient records to government agencies and insurance companies for services that have been provided in the care of the patient. Medical coders gather information on patient records and assign the proper codes for patient diagnosis which are then used by medical billers to submit claim forms.

Is medical billing and coding in high demand?

• Yes. There is a high demand for qualified medical billing and coding professionals in the healthcare industry today. Demand will increase as the population in the Unites States ages. Jobs for these professionals are on the rise and expected to grow faster than average through 2026 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is the salary for a Medical Biller and Coder?

• According to the AAPC 2022 Salary Survey results, non-certified medical records specialists average $46,321 per year, while certified medical records specialists can average $56,290 annually — 17.7% more than their noncertified colleagues.

How long do you have to go to school to become a Medical Coder?

• Our medical coding courses are self-paced and completed in 12 months or less. You will then have the option to prepare and sit for one of the following national certifications: 1) NHA's Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), 2) AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC), or 3) AHIMA's Certified Coding Associate (CCA). Once you are certified, you'll have the qualifications you need to find an entry-level job.

How do I become a Medical Coder without experience?

• The path to a career in medical billing and coding typically starts with certification. There are different medical billing and coding certifications offered through certifying bodies, so it's important to choose which one is right for you. This course allows you to choose one of three national certifications to sit for upon completion.

How do I get a medical coding certification online?

• To become a Certified Medical Coder, you need to take an online training course that teaches you the CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II code sets. Most employers are looking for applicants to have a medical coding certification. After successfully completing this course, you will have the knowledge and skillset to become a medical coder and can sit for one of three national certification exams included in your tuition: 1) NHA's Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), 2) AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC), or 3) AHIMA's Certified Coding Associate (CCA).

Prerequisites:

• There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Certification Requirements:

• In order to sit for national certification exams, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Therefore, it is recommended you have this before enrolling in this course. Certification exams offered by AAPC and NHA are only available online to candidates located in the US. AHIMA only offers in-person exams in both the US and Globally.

• Medical Billing and Coding

• Medical coding terminology is required for medical coding, including the structures and functions of the human body

• The disorders and medical procedures common to each body system

• Legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to the field, including HIPAA compliance and third-party guidelines for filing insurance claims

• The main coding manuals: ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II

• How to code diagnoses, services, and procedures for all systems of the body

• Fundamentals of medical billing & coding and medical terminology

• Word parts and the structures and functions of the human body