As more healthcare providers rely on technology and electronic medical records, medical billing and coding specialists have become more in demand.
These specialists ensure that providers are charging insurance companies for the right services. They can work in a variety of healthcare settings like clinics, hospitals, and private practices.
Learn everything you need to know about how to join this expanding field.
What is a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist?
In order for hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities to bill insurance, they need to translate each billable service into a code.
The codes are then sent to the insurance company, which should pay the previously agreed-upon, standardized price for those codes.
The job of a medical billing and coding specialist is to look at a patient's records and determine which billing codes correspond to the services the patient received.
Next, the medical billing and coding specialist uses the codes to create and send a bill to the insurance company.
This is a great career path for those who are interested in healthcare but don't necessarily want to work directly with patients.
How to Become a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
There are a few steps to go through to become a medical billing and coding specialist. We've explained them in depth below.
Step 1: Determine if Becoming a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist is Right for You
To determine if becoming a medical billing and coding specialist is right for you, it's important to understand the skills that medical billing and coding specialists need.
These skills include:
- analysis: to review medical records and correctly assign codes to each service
- attention to detail: to accurately enter and process patient information
- communication: to communicate with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients
- computer literacy: to use special medical software
- discretion: to handle sensitive information and follow privacy laws
- math: to accurately work with numbers
- organization: to collect and process necessary information
Step 2: Complete Any Missing Prerequisites for a Medical Billing and Coding Program
Most medical billing and coding specialists have a degree, diploma, or certificate in medical billing and coding.
A degree, diploma, or certificate provides the foundational knowledge needed for medical billing and coding and gives job candidates an edge in the job market.
Before earning any of these, you'll need to have a high school diploma or an equivalent GED.
Step 3: Choose What Certification You Want
Most employers want their medical coding and billing specialists to have a certification.
Multiple agencies offer certification.
These agencies include:
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Practice Management Institute (PMI)
There are several certifications available including:
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) offered by NHA
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA) offered by AHIMA
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) offered by AHIMA
- Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) offered by AAPC
- Certified Medical Coder (CMC) offered by PMI
- Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) offered by AAPC
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB) offered by AAPC
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC) offered by AAPC
Each certification has different requirements, so make sure you understand those before choosing which one to earn.
Step 4: Determine What Level of Training You Want
Certificates, diplomas, and degrees are all available for medical coding specialists. They offer various levels of education and take different amounts of time to complete.
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate
A medical billing and coding certificate is usually the minimum that employers require their specialists to have and is the fastest way to learn medical billing and coding.
Students may be able to finish their certificate program in as little as a year.
Course topics may include:
- health insurance
- medical billing and coding
- medical terminology
- pharmacology
After completing your certification program, you should be ready to take your certification exam and find a job.
Medical Billing and Coding Diploma
A medical billing and coding diploma is another way to get the training needed to pass a certification exam. These programs take about the same amount of time as certification programs.
Diploma programs typically cover the same type of courses you would have in a certification program.
Medical billing and coding diplomas prepare students to take their certification exams and start entry-level work in the field of medical billing and coding.
Medical Billing and Coding Degree
A medical billing and coding degree is for students who want the option to advance in the field of medical billing and coding.
Associate degrees typically take about 60 credits and two years to complete. They may be more expensive than certification or diploma programs.
They provide many of the same core medical coding and billing courses that certification and diploma programs do but also include general education courses.
It's not possible to earn a bachelor's degree in medical billing and coding, but you can earn a degree in healthcare management or healthcare information management.
These degrees often offer courses on medical billing and coding, and a bachelor's degree will allow you to further your career and possibly earn a higher salary.
Step 5: Train as a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
There are many training programs available for medical billing and coding specialists.
Things to consider when choosing a program include:
- Does the program offer training for the certification you want?
- Does the program offer the level of training you want?
- Does the program offer in-person or online training?
- Is the program affordable for you?
Step 6: Earn Your Certification
Once you're finished with your training program, you may be eligible for certification. In that case, you can arrange to take your certification exam with a granting body.
Some certifications require job experience first. For those situations, you can look for a certification that does not require job experience or begin a job that doesn't require certification.
Find a Medical Billing and Coding Program Today
Medical billing and coding specialists continue to be in demand, especially as medical systems become more reliant on digital technology.
Reach out to Best Accredited Colleges to help you find the perfect medical billing and coding program today.
