Key Takeaways
- Medical Billing and Coding Roles: Coders translate medical records into codes, and billers process these for insurance claims.
- Career Paths and Education: Various educational pathways include diplomas, associate degrees, and higher qualifications from accredited institutions.
- Job Opportunities and Growth: The field is experiencing faster-than-average job growth and offers various career opportunities in healthcare settings.
- Accreditation and Certification: These are important for career advancement, and several agencies provide credentials for medical billing and coding specialists.
If you have considered a career as a medical biller or coding specialist, you have likely asked these questions –
- What is medical billing and coding
- What is a medical billing and coder?
- What is medical coding and billing, and do they differ?
- How does a medical billing and coder do their job?
- What is medical billing and coding, and why is it needed?
To find the answer to these questions, and What is a medical billing and coder? – consider the following –
What is Medical Coding and Billing?
Medical coders are tasked with the responsibility of extracting information from medical records and translating that information into billable insurance claims for services rendered.
What does a medical billing and coder do?
A medical coder transforms a health care diagnoses, procedures, and equipment into a system of medical alphanumeric codes.
What is a medical billing and coder?
Medical billers take information from a medical records and documentation and then translate the doctor’s notes, lab results, and any other relevant medical data.
What is medical billing and coding as a profession?
Medical billing professionals are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring all patient information is applied correctly during the process of medical coding, which ultimately ends with a coded claim submitted to an insurance carrier for payment for those medical services rendered to the patient.
What is medical billing and coding exactly?
Medical coding and billing is an essential part of the health care workplace. Medical coders work with a patient’s treatment records by assigning alphanumeric codes for each of a patient’s diagnoses so that this information can be submitted to an insurance company for the appropriate payment of the services rendered by medical professionals.
What is medical coding and billing, and do these procedures differ?
Medical coding and billing are two related features of the modern medical billing model. Each process is an integral part of the healthcare reimbursement cycle, which ultimately pays healthcare providers for the services and medicine provided to a patient.
What is a medical billing and coder? What is the difference between the two?
Medical coders translate the written medical procedures and diagnoses from the patient’s chart to alphanumeric codes. Thousands of codes correspond to –
- Medical treatments.
- Diagnoses.
- Outpatient procedures to name a few.
Further, a medical biller uses the coded healthcare information and forwards the claim to the patient’s insurance carrier. The insurance company assesses the billing and coded claim, and then either –
- Approves the claim in full.
- Approves the claim partially.
- Rejects the claim entirely.
Generally, when the insurance has paid only a portion of the claim, the patient is responsible for paying the difference.
Accreditation for Medical Billing and Coding
When deciding which school to attend to earn your medical coding and billing certificate, diploma, or degree, it is essential to consider the best schools for medical billing and coding that have received regional or specialized accreditation.
Regional Accreditation
Regional accreditation is granted by the United States Federal Government’s USDE – United States Department of Education. There are seven regionally located USDE agencies located throughout the United States tasked with the responsibility of bestowing accreditation to those institutions of higher learning that meet the exalted criteria set forth by the United States Department of Education.
Specialized Accreditation
Specialized accreditation is granted by industry oversight agencies who offer specialized accreditation to those schools that meet the specific accreditation standards set forth by the industry oversight agency. Specialized accreditation is a way for a student to determine which are the best schools for medical coding and billing.
The best medical coding and billing schools will have met the more stringent accreditation standards created by specialty industry oversight agencies.
Several pathways lead to a career in medical billing and coding. The best medical billing and coding schools offer at least one of the following medical billing and coding program options –
- A diploma program from one of the best schools for medical coding and billing.
- An associate degree available by one of the best schools for medical billing and coding.
- An undergraduate and even graduate degree is available as well.
The best medical coding and billing schools are usually accredited by one of the following professional oversight agencies.
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
The American Academy of Professional Coders was established in the late 1980s. Their mission is to elevate the medical coding industry standards by developing professional training, networking, and certification options.
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
The American Health Information Management Association’s mission is to provide educational opportunities, tools, and resources towards the advancement of healthcare information practices. AHIMA offers accreditation to some of the best medical billing and coding schools in the country.
CAHIM – the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management
CAHIIM operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. CAHIM offers nearly 350 accredited billing and coding programs through their searchable database of the best schools for medical coding and billing.
Types of Medical Billing and Coding Degrees
There are several educational pathways to becoming a professional medical biller or coder. Many students consider starting with a medical coding and billing diploma. This can be completed after high school in about six to nine months. However, a diploma only provides basic medical and billing training. That is why many other students choose to earn the next level of medical billing and coding – a medical coding and billing associates degree instead.
If a student has any intention of completing a bachelor’s degree, they should consider an on-campus associates degree for medical billing and coding; however, if there are no local schools, there are associates degree in medical billing and coding online programs.
Let’s review the available associates degree in medical billing and coding online and the associates degree in medical billing and coding available on-campus.
Associates Degree for Medical Billing and Coding
An associates degree in medical coding and billing is a popular pathway towards obtaining a career as a medical coding and billing specialist. While a medical coding and billing associates degree will take longer than a diploma program (typically about two years), most employers prefer hiring graduates with an associates degree in medical coding and billing earned from an accredited school or program.
And while an associate’s degree for medical billing and coding may have a higher price tag, a graduate with an associate’s degree in medical billing and coding will likely have a more substantial starting salary than those medical coders with only a diploma or certificate.
Those who have earned a medical coding and billing associate degree on-campus or an online associate’s degree in medical billing and coding can often apply their completed academic credits towards a baccalaureate degree.
Graduates who hold an associate’s degree in medical coding and billing must complete a comprehensive curriculum that includes math, English, natural science, social science. Additionally, coursework includes medical terminology, coding and billing procedures, like learning to accurately assign medical codes to diagnoses and services.
Medical Coding and Billing Associates Degree Online
There are many different billing and coding online associates degrees available to those students who need the convenience and flexibility that is offered by distance learning education programs. Many working learners or busy parents find that earning an associate’s degree in medical billing and coding online allows them to complete the degree on their own time.
Obtaining a medical coding and billing associates degree online also reduces the cost of education – independent of tuition – as there are no commuting fees, like gas or public transportation. Students interested in earning their online associate’s degree in medical billing and coding should first research the school’s accreditation status.
Accredited Medical Billing and Coding Online Associates Degree
For those students who intend to earn one of the many medical billing and coding certifications, it is important to recognize that many certifications require that an applicant’s degree be earned from an accredited school that offers an associates degree in medical billing and coding online. Further, a student may run up against financial aid limitations if the school has not been regionally accredited or specialized accredited.
Most medical billing and coding employers prefer that an applicant has been trained and educated by a program that has received accreditation regionally or through an industry oversight agency.
Certifications/Licenses for Medical Billing and Coding
If you are interested in obtaining a medical billing and coding certification, it is important to understand the medical billing and coding certification requirements. Individuals interested in a career in medical coding and billing will likely need answers to these questions –
- Can I obtain certification for medical billing and coding online?
- How can I pay for the cost of medical coding and billing certification?
- Which of the requirements for medical billing and coding certification is easiest?
- How difficult is it to earn an online medical billing and coding certification?
- What does medical coding and billing certification cost?
- How will my income change when I earn a medical coding and billing certification online?
- How do I know which medical coding and billing online certification would suit me best?
- Are there any free online medical billing and coding certification programs?
- How can I learn about the medical billing and coding certificate cost?
- What does medical coding and billing certification cost?
- What kind of online programs for medical billing and coding certification are available?
- Do the certification requirements for medical billing and coding differ among certifications?
- Are free online medical billing and coding certification programs worth the effort?
Those who earn their certification for medical billing and coding online will likely enjoy added benefits with regard to job opportunities and higher salaried compensation packages. Students interested in pursuing a career in this field should take review the many medical billing and coding certification programs online programs.
The work that medical billers and coders do will vary based upon the health care setting and exact position. So, a medical coder/biller needs to select the certification that meets their career objectives.
The most common medical coding and billing certification online programs are discussed below. These medical billing and coding online certification programs are offered by different agencies and organizations in the health care industry.
Let’s look at a few of the medical billing and coding online certification programs and the requirements for medical billing and coding certification graduates.
The Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)
The COC certification confirms that the individual is familiar with anatomy and coding guidelines. This online medical billing and coding certification program was formerly known as the CPC-H certification and prepares graduates in regulatory compliance and the utilization of code sets. This medical billing and coding certificate cost is,at present, $399 – with one free exam retake. Note, AAPC students are offered a discount for the cost of medical coding and billing certification program.
Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
In general, the CPC certification is the most recognized medical coding certification in the business. This medical coding and billing online certification prepares graduates to understand and assign the appropriate codes for services in health care settings, complying with the industry’s ethical and regulatory practices. The medical coding and billing certification cost for the exam only is $399, although the AAPC offers more comprehensive study packages.
Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
Those who hold a CPB certification for medical billing and coding online understand the facility’s revenue cycle. Healthcare providers rely on medical coders and billers to submit medical claims for reimbursement. Certified Professional Billers must meet government compliance requirements regarding private payer policies.
Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)
The CPMA online medical billing and coding certification demonstrates certification holders’ skills in coding concepts, medical records, coding risk analysis, and medical records auditing, among others. The cost of medical coding and billing certification program is $399 include a free re-test if needed. CPMA’s are well-versed in the knowledge and compliance of regulatory practice to keep practices operating profitably.
Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM)
The CPPM online programs for medical billing and coding certification prepares graduates to understand and manage all of the facets that are included in the administration of a medical office. The certification requirement for medical billing and coding CPPM specialists includes proficiency of compliance, human resources, and the revenue cycle, among others. The cost of these medical billing and coding certification programs online is $399 include a free re-test if needed.
Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO)
A CPCO is one of the medical coding and billing certification online programs available from the AAPC. A CPCO must meet the medical billing, and coding certification requirements, which includes an understanding of the design and maintenance of a doctor’s health care compliance program. The cost of these medical billing and coding certification programs online is $399 include a free re-test if needed.
Medical coding and billing certification requirements permit for these certifications to be valid for two years. Medical coding and billing online certification generally require certification holders to complete prescribed continuing education.
Different credentials have different requirements for medical billing and coding certification programs. Visit AAPC’s medical coding and billing certification requirements AAPC’s requirements for additional information.
Medical Billing and Coding Jobs
When you have completed your education and certification, the next important consideration is determining the availability of medical billing and coding careers. It is best to begin by finding the answers to these questions –
- Is medical billing and coding as a career a smart decision for my goals?
- Is medical coding and billing a good career for me?
- What kind of careers in medical billing and coding are available online?
- What careers in medical coding and billing are available with my education?
- Is medical billing and coding a good career choice?
In 2018, there were more than 215,000 medical coding and billing jobs in the United States. The government’s statisticians anticipate a job growth rate for medical billing and coding as a career of 11%, which is much faster than the national average.
There are a large variety of jobs in medical coding and billing available in a large number of settings. The amount of education and certification required for a career in medical billing and coding depends upon the student’s time commitment to their education and career. Examples of some of the most common jobs in medical billing and coding are discussed below.
Common Jobs in Medical Billing and Coding
Most careers in medical coding and billing are located in the healthcare industry, including hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and healthcare facilities. These include –
- A medical billing specialist – medical billing and coding jobs as a billing specialist maintain medical records for patients.
- A medical coding specialist – a medical coding and billing career as a coding professional specializes in classifying a patient’s medical information.
- A patient account representative – those with careers in medical billing and coding who are account representatives maintain patient’s accounts, particularly with regard to payments.
- An insurance reimbursement specialist – medical billing and coding as a career as an insurance reimbursement specialist, includes the responsibility of billing and collecting insurance reimbursements.
Other medical coding and billing jobs include a coding educator, claims processor, billing technician, and a medical records clerk. Additionally, there are some positions that closely resemble or interact with those with a career in medical billing and coding. These closely related jobs in medical coding and billing include –
- Information Clerks – these jobs for medical coding and billing professionals have a median annual salary of $34,520, for 2018.
- Medical Transcriptionist – these jobs in medical billing and coding complete administrative duties in a variety of health care facilities and settings.
- Medical Services Manager – these jobs for medical coding and billing professionals are responsible for planning and for coordinating healthcare facilities business activities.
- Pharmacy Technicians – these medical billing and coding jobs have a median annual salary for 2018 of $32,700.
- Medical Assistants – these medical billing and coding jobs have a median annual salary for 2018 of $33,610.
As shown above, there are many different jobs in medical billing and coding for each individual who seeks a medical coding and billing career. As you consider your medical and coding careers, take the time needed to select the coding medical billing career that best matches your career, education, and financial goals.
Many professional organizations will offer a job alert system for members looking for new positions.
Medical Billing and Coding Salary
One of the most important things to understand about a career as a medical billing and coding is the medical billing and coding certificate salary. Therefore, it is important to find the answers to these questions –
- What is the salary of medical billing and coding professionals?
- What is the starting salary for medical coding and billing specialists?
- What is a medical billing and coding salary, and which states offer the highest salary?
- What is the salary of medical billing and coding, and which states offer the highest concentration of jobs?
- What is the median salary for medical billing and coding degree holders?
- What can I expect in terms of a medical billing and coding certificate salary?
According to the BLS – the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual medical billing and coders salary in 2018 was $40,350, which translates to $19.40 per hour.
The following table details how the salary for medical billing and coding professionals falls within the industry’s percentile estimates for May 2019, The salary for medical coding and billing specialist falls within the salary percentile as follow –
| Salary for medical coding and billing specialist | Medical Coding and Billing Salary |
| 10% | $ 27,820 |
| 25% | $ 33,760 |
| 50% | $ 42,630 |
| 75% | $ 56,000 |
| 90% | $ 71,150 |
What is the salary of medical billing and coding, and which states offer the most jobs?
| Salary for Medical Billing and Coding Professionals | Medical Billing and Coders Salary |
| District of Columbia | $ 59,450 |
| Alaska | $ 58,000 |
| Hawaii | $ 54,920 |
| Massachusetts | $ 54,370 |
| Washington | $ 53,890 |
What is a medical billing and coding salary, and which states offer the highest concentration of medical coders and billers?
| Highest Concentration of States for Medical Coding and Billing Salary | Medical Billing and Coders Salary |
| West Virginia | $ 41,230 |
| Alaska | $ 58,000 |
| Mississippi | $ 36,410 |
| Ohio | $ 45,330 |
| Louisiana | $ 38,220 |
What is a medical billing and coder’s salary, and which states have the highest employment level?
| The Highest Employment States for Medical Coding and Billing Salary | Medical Billing and Coders Salary | Number Employed |
| California | $ 52,580 | 40,900 |
| Texas | $ 43,760 | 28,940 |
| Florida | $ 42,350 | 22,870 |
| Ohio | $ 45,330 | 16,500 |
| New York | $ 52,540 | 14,990 |
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