
How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder
Learn some steps you could take to become a medical biller and coder. Explore different paths to help you enter this difference-making healthcare career.
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If you’ve been treated by a hospital, physician’s office or medical center, chances are you’re familiar with the concept of medical billing and coding. But exactly what is medical coding and what does a professional in this field do?
To start, medical coding is the practice that transforms healthcare diagnoses, procedures, services and equipment into universal alphanumeric codes for medical billing purposes. Medical coders analyze information about diagnoses and procedures within medical records and other documentation – such as physician's notes, laboratory and radiologic results – then assign the appropriate codes and create a claim for submission to insurance carriers.
Medical coding also supports the operation of the healthcare system. Practitioners and facilities rely on the documentation of what's diagnosed, treated and learned about a patient's condition in order to streamline their processes and ultimately generate revenue. Proper documentation of patient diagnoses, testing and treatment allows healthcare providers to be reimbursed quickly and sustain a healthy cash flow.
Medical coding also helps practitioners quickly understand a patient's conditions and treatments during subsequent visits. This helps providers achieve better patient outcomes, especially in large medical practices or hospitals that serve large patient populations.
As you get started on your career path, you might find that many medical coding jobs may require you to obtain a Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification, in addition to earning an undergraduate certificate or degree in this field. Here are some key steps to help you pursue the medical coding training, education and credentials you need for a future in medical billing and coding:
Credentials such as CCA, RHIT, CCS and CCS-P need to be rectified every two years by completing continuing education units through activities such as attending AHIMA meetings, taking formal educational programs, attending teleseminars, delivering presentations, publishing academic work and conducting an independent study.
It can be easier than you may think. While medical coding may sound complicated at first, with the right skillset, education and certifications you can pursue various roles across this dynamic field. At DeVry, you can earn a Medical Billing and Coding Undergraduate Certificate in just 10 courses. Better yet, our Career Services team is here to help you pursue medical coding jobs with one-on-one resume support, interview tips and job leads.
At DeVry, you can earn your undergraduate certificate in Medical Billing and Coding in as little as one year when you're enrolled full-time and taking courses year-round without a break. You can obtain your certificate even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits.
You can choose from two programs – our Medical Billing and Coding certificate program consists of 10 courses, totaling 34 credit hours and our Medical Billing and Coding – Health Information Coding certificate program consists of 13 courses, totaling 42 credit hours.
Medical coders work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, physician's offices, surgery centers, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, dental offices, home healthcare agencies and mental health facilities. While many coders work on-site, some employers may also support remote working options.
Earning a certification – such as the CCA or CCS – can help you to pursue a career in medical coding and billing, a fast-growing field according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 In fact, some medical coding jobs require employees to be certified prior to being hired. Being certified is yet another way that you can demonstrate to employers that you are proficient in medical coding and all that it entails. If you are interested in taking an industry certification exam, consider starting by earning an undergraduate certificate in Medical Billing and Coding that includes exam preparation courses.
Learn some steps you could take to become a medical biller and coder. Explore different paths to help you enter this difference-making healthcare career.
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Read Post1Growth on a national level. Local growth will vary by location. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm