Medical Billing and Coding Careers and Programs
Join a Fast Growing Field: Become a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Medical billing and coding specialists provide a vital link between employers and insurance companies. Without billing and coding specialists the healthcare industry wouldn't function. Most healthcare providers don't have the time or skills to complete the complicated paperwork required for payments, so they rely on skilled coding specialists to get every dollar they deserve.
The medical coding occupation seems like a straight foreword job; matching diagnoses and procedures to the proper codes, but it's not easy because coding specialists have a lot of guidelines to follow. It's detective work; it's almost as if you're solving mysteries. To be a competent billing and coding specialist you'll need good computer skills because you'll be working with computers throughout the day.
Big Demand for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
Join the rapidly growing health information field; the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects a big demand for medical coding and billing specialists. They're in high demand due to the ever-changing government regulations and precise insurance policies.
After you get certified you have a variety of employment opportunities to choose from. The average yearly salary is a little over $35,000 and some medical coders make much more.
The education requirements vary by the employer, but most employers seek coding specialists who have a two-year associate degree in health information technology. For some jobs you only need a diploma, completed in just nine months to a year.
The Type of People Who Enjoy Being a Coding Specialist
If you're an independent decision maker, detailed oriented and have a penchant for number-crunching, a coding specialist job may be for you. Being organized is also essential because you're dealing with a lot of patient files and documents.
Coding specialists don’t constantly interact with people. They gather information from patients, healthcare providers and insurance companies but most of the process is not done face-to-face, so if you enjoying mingling with other people throughout the work day a medical billing and coding specialist job may not be for you. Also, some medical coders are self-employed and work from home.
Career Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding
Enter a Flourishing Job Market
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a whopping 20 percent employment growth through 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Skilled medical coders are in high demand; the ever-changing government regulations and strict insurance policies make accurate medical record keeping extremely important. We live in an increasingly sophisticated healthcare world, with a ton of medical tests, procedures and treatments; it's not surprising the demand for skilled medical billing and coding specialists keeps increasing.
Almost all medical facilities need medical coding and billing specialists. The medical coding industry has more than 172,500 jobs. Hospitals employ about 39 percent of these specialists.
Becoming a whiz kid with the industry's technology and computer software is a great way to get a good job in the profession. Electronic health records are state-of-the-art; rise to the top of the competition by learning how to perform tasks connected to electronic data management.
Employers are looking for fast and accurate medical coders; doctors and other medical professionals want payment for their services as soon as possible! The smallest mistake can cause big delays in processing payments.
Besides the standard credential, getting an advanced specialty certification increases your chances of getting a job. For example, cancer registrars have good job opportunities.
Salary Forecast for Medical Billing and Coding
According to the BLS, in 2010 the average salary for medical coders was $35,010, with an average hourly wage of $16.83. The highest paid 10 percent earned over $53,430 with an hourly wage of $25.69 and the lowest paid 10 percent earned $21, 240 with an hourly wage of $10.21.The type of company you work for and the location affects the size of your paycheck. In descending order here's a list of the top paying states for the occupation:
- 1. New Jersey: $47,050
- 2. District of Columbia: $43,140
- 3. Hawaii: $42,430
- 4. Maryland: $40,930
- 5. Massachusetts: $40,230
The top paying metropolitan areas for the occupation:
Getting advanced specialty certification is one way to increase your pay. Usually, advanced specialty certification is experience-based, but depending on the certifying organization you may also need more education.
After you gain experience, you can increase your salary by getting a bachelor's or master's degree in an applicable field and move up to a health information manager position.
Education and Skill Requirements
Easy to Meet Education Requirements
Medical billing and coding programs are available at bricks and mortar schools and conveniently online. Many employers seek medical coders with an associate degree in health information technology, which only take two years to complete. Getting a diploma is a shorter path to the occupation; you go to technical or an allied health school full-time for nine months to a year. However, think about getting a two-year degree, it increases your chances of landing a job. If you're going the short route, find out which certifying organizations accept people with a diploma.
Most employers hire credentialed medical coders. Make sure the education program you take emphasizes passing the credentialing exam. With some credentialing organizations you'll need to gain a specific amount of work experience before you can take the exam.
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) provides the Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT) credential. You'll need a two-year associate degree accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education and pass a written examination. Other major organizations offering coding credentials include the BMSC, AAPC and PAHCS.
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with Medical Billing And Coding programs
Westwood College
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Medical Insurance Coding and Billing (A)
This program, taught by a faculty of working professionals, focuses on the skills needed to assist in the business and financial operation of a hospital or medical office, providing students with:
•a keen focus on healthcare terminology, procedures and administration
•training in industry-standard ICD-9, CPT and HCPCS coding
•skills in working with patients and in submitting claims to insurance companies
Program names, course topics and outcomes may vary by location. Please speak with a Westwood College admissions representative for full program details.
Ashworth College
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Career Diploma - Medical Billing/Claims
Earning a diploma in Medical Billing/Claims can prepare students to work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies. Courses include medical terminology and human anatomy, standardized diagnosis and treatment codes, how to read and submit insurance claims, and how to comply with federal regulations.
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Career Diploma - Medical Transcription
Earning a diploma in Medical Transcription prepares students in the skills needed to transcribe doctor's oral diagnosis and treatment plans to written form for medical records and billing procedures. The program is a "learning through listening" course where students practice transcribing audio voices on their own computer. Training includes basic medical procedures and terminology, common disorders and diseases, and how diseases are diagnosed and treated.
Fortis College Online
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Medical Billing and Coding
The Medical Billing and Coding program is meant to help determined students learn to code and classify medical data, correctly and effectively use computer-based software designed as a medical management tool. Dedicated students will also study to learn how to handle payments from third parties, understand abstract data and more.
Daymar College Online
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Associate - Billing and Coding Specialist
Our associate degree in Billing and Coding Specialist program teaches students a general overview of health care and health insurance billing procedures. Training includes learning the universal codes for procedures, instruction for organizing and maintaining medical records, and processing insurance claims. Graduates will also be skilled in medical office administrative duties.
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Certificate - Billing and Coding Specialist
The Billing and Coding Specialist certificate program will help students prepare themselves for careers in physician's offices, hospitals, nursing homes, insurance companies, or even to work from home. Students will learn how to ensure proper billing, medical chart analysis, and standardized procedural coding. This position is integral to the smooth operation of any healthcare facility as well as insurance companies and even some legal offices.
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Diploma - Billing and Coding Specialist
The diploma in Medical Billing and Coding program teaches students a general overview of health care and health insurance billing procedures. Training includes learning the universal codes for procedures, instruction for organizing and maintaining medical records, and processing insurance claims. Graduates will also be skilled in medical office administrative duties.
Campus-based Schools with Medical Billing And Coding programs
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a whopping 20 percent employment growth through 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Skilled medical coders are in high demand; the ever-changing government regulations and strict insurance policies make accurate medical record keeping extremely important. We live in an increasingly sophisticated healthcare world, with a ton of medical tests, procedures and treatments; it's not surprising the demand for skilled medical billing and coding specialists keeps increasing.
Almost all medical facilities need medical coding and billing specialists. The medical coding industry has more than 172,500 jobs. Hospitals employ about 39 percent of these specialists.
Becoming a whiz kid with the industry's technology and computer software is a great way to get a good job in the profession. Electronic health records are state-of-the-art; rise to the top of the competition by learning how to perform tasks connected to electronic data management.
Employers are looking for fast and accurate medical coders; doctors and other medical professionals want payment for their services as soon as possible! The smallest mistake can cause big delays in processing payments.
Besides the standard credential, getting an advanced specialty certification increases your chances of getting a job. For example, cancer registrars have good job opportunities.
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