Medical Billing and Coding Jobs

When you think of medical billing and coding specialists, think of them as the bridge between healthcare providers and insurance companies. Typically, medical billing and coding jobs involve the management of insurance claims, invoices and payments. The primary goal of these roles is to ensure the proper coding and processing of procedures, diagnoses and treatments so that patients are billed correctly for the services that they received.

It’s important to note that, in many cases, medical coders and medical billers are two separate but interrelated roles. Take a look at how the day-to-day tasks can vary between the two:

• Medical Coders: Medical coders analyze clinical statements and patient records, then transcribe diagnoses and medical information into universal codes. These codes are used by healthcare providers and insurance companies to process insurance claims. Attention to detail is an important skill for this role.
• Medical Billers: Medical billers use the codes assigned by medical coders to submit claims to insurance companies and send billing statements to patients. They ensure the healthcare provider receives timely payments and are responsible for appealing denied claims and resolving payment discrepancies with insurance companies.

There can be many benefits to pursuing billing and coding jobs. Here are some reasons to consider a career in this field:

• Medical billing and coding jobs allow you to work in the caring and nurturing field of healthcare, without being in a clinical, patient-facing role.
  
  
• The healthcare industry is expanding and the demand for medical billers and coders is projected to rise. The medical coding and billing field is growing, on a national level, at a rate of 8% between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than average for all occupations.²

You can pursue a medical billing and coding job in many employment settings, including hospitals, physician's offices, nursing homes, dental offices, home care services and outpatient facilities. You can also work for insurance companies, law firms and government agencies. If you choose to further your education, you can consider positions in medical coding management and other administrative roles within larger facilities, such as hospital networks.

Medical coders review and analyze patient records to match diagnoses and treatments with the correct billing codes. They work with physicians or their assistants to ensure accuracy while keeping track of patient information and treatments over multiple visits. They also need to ensure the highest level of information security to protect sensitive patient information.

Medical billers submit insurance claims and prepare patient statements using the codes prepared by medical coders. They're also responsible for verifying insurance eligibility and obtaining insurance referrals or pre-authorizations for patient procedures. They negotiate with insurance companies to resolve payment discrepancies, set up payment plans for patients and check all payments for accuracy.

Medical billers and coders should be detail-oriented, possess excellent communication skills and have a good command of computers and billing software. They should be able to provide outstanding customer service and have basic knowledge in accounting and bookkeeping.

It depends. Today, most medical billing and coding tasks are performed electronically. Some medical facilities offer billers and coders the option to work remotely so you can enjoy location flexibility and reduce commute time.

If you work for an employer, expect to be available during specific hours. Some companies offer shift work, so you may have the option to work during evenings or weekends. You can also consider working as a contractor or starting your own medical billing and coding business, which may give you more time and location flexibility.