Medical Billing Careers

Medical Billing & Coding Career Overview

Medical billing and coding are among the fastest growing professions in the country. Billing and coding professionals are found in every corner of the healthcare industry, from small physician offices to large hospitals with entire departments dedicated to this work. Many also find work with insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies.

Because billing and coding both require intimate knowledge of healthcare, from medical terminology and jargon to subtle aspects of insurance contracts, billing and coding careers usually require a two year associate's degree and certification from a recognized organization. Due to the rapidly advancing nature of the medical field, continuing education and recertification is required by most employers.

Medical billing and coding both require the memorization of specialized knowledge, and individuals with exceptional memories and organizational skills should thrive in these professions. Medical records technicians also are employed to work with medical billers and coders to ensure that the massive amounts of patient data kept by healthcare providers remains organized and confidential.

Medical Billing & Coding Training & Education

Though their job is in some ways similar to business clerks and administrators, medical billers and coders require their own specific sub-set of knowledge to succeed. Medical billers, coders, and other health information technicians usually enter the field with an associate's degree and possibly a certification.

Classes in medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology are required for medical coders. Many schools offer specific classes for medical billing. Many employers require their medical coders to be certified as registered health information technicians, which requires a two-year associate's degree and passing a written examination. Medical transcription requires completion of a one-year certificate program or a two-year associate's degree. In addition to classes on medical terminology, these programs require English and grammar classes.

With experience and certification, senior coders may become directors of medical records departments at smaller facilities, while coders are usually required to have a bachelor's degree at larger hospitals. Similarly, medical billers might advance to managerial positions with the proper education and experience.

Medical Billing Career & Salary Outlook

The number of positions for medical coders, records technicians, and other positions in health information management are expected to grow rapidly over the next five to 10 years. This is due in part to more insurance companies, regulators, and consumers paying closer attention to the number of medical tests and procedures being administered.

This increase in scrutiny will also stimulate the need for more medical billers, as insurers look more closely at claims for errors. More technicians and transcribers will also be needed to help healthcare providers comply with new federal legislation, which mandates the use of electronic record keeping.

The median hourly earnings for medical transcriptionists is $13.64, with the highest 10% earning nearly $20 an hour. The median annual earnings of medical records and health information technicians, such as medical coders, is $25,590, with the highest 10% earning more than $41,760. Health information technicians who worked at hospitals earned more ($26,640 a year) than those who worked in physician offices ($22,130 a year).

Career Fields/Specializations

Medical Biller Career

When a patient has insurance, they typically don't pay all of their medical expenses. Medical billers process the fees and charges covered by insurance, and send invoices or insurance claim forms to insurance companies or Medicare.

Medical billing requires an understanding of insurance contracts, Medicare regulations, workers' compensation, and personal liability laws. Medical billers work alongside medical coders and transcriptionists to ensure every patient detail is correct, and that treatments have been properly documented, since poorly documented treatments can result in the loss of fees.

Patient Biller Career

Patient billers, similar to medical billers, work as liaisons between healthcare providers, patients, and revenue sources (i.e. insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, etc.), ensuring that charges are correct and that all accounts are settled properly.

Successful patient billers will know how to use computers to assemble and analyze data in order to determine who to bill and for how much. Patient billers are then responsible for collecting payments and settling any outstanding negotiations. Patient billers often work in smaller offices and take on responsibilities besides billing, such as coding and transcription.

Health Information Coder Career

Health information management is one of the 20 fastest-growing professions, with medical coders at the forefront. Coding involves the translation of diagnoses, performed procedures, and doctor's notes into universal medical code numbers. Medical coders collect, organize, and analyze a patient's health information so that it's easily accessible and comprehensible, even years later.

This process requires intimate knowledge and expertise in the ICD-9-CM coding system. Knowledge of the American Medical Association's current procedural terminology is also extremely helpful. Many hospital coders also take classes in disease processes and pharmacology. Medical coders often work in hospitals, but jobs are also found in clinics and private practices.

Medical Transcriptionist Career

Medical transcriptionists type out dictated recordings made by healthcare professionals so they can become part of the patient's permanent records. They transcribe recordings such as discharge summaries, autopsy reports, and physical examination reports. With experience, transcriptionists learn to catch inconsistencies within a recording and report them to the appropriate authority.

To understand recordings correctly, medical transcriptionists must understand medical terminology, anatomy, pharmacology, and diagnostic procedures. Because they deal with sensitive records, medical transcriptionists must comply with patient confidentiality requirements. Due to the advent of high-speed internet, many medical transcriptionists work from home and return their reports electronically.

Medical Records Technician Career

When doctors or surgeons need information from their patient's medical records, they call upon the medical records technician. These health information management professionals ensure that all medical charts and forms are filled out properly, and they assemble data for physicians when clarification or additional information is required. Medical records technicians are also responsible for entering appropriate data into computer systems. Some use computer programs to analyze data in order to improve care, reduce costs, or to help with research. For common diseases, such as cancer, national databases are maintained by medical records technicians so patient follow-ups are easier and survival rates can be tracked.