Medical billers and coders are qualified medical professionals who have gained specific knowledge in matters concerning health care. They assist medical practitioners or physicians in getting payments or claims from patients or their insurance companies. Hence, they play an important role in collecting payments, maintaining patient medical records, handling correspondence, and preparing and filing medical claims forms.
There are many types of medical billers and coders in the United States today. A majority of them work at medical facilities. However, there’s also a growing number of them working freelance.
A General Overview Of What Medical Billers And Coders Do
Medical billers and coders use a variety of methods to determine diagnoses and treatments. A majority of them use computer databases to make their assessments.
They are often responsible for interpreting diagnostic reports, patient information, and research studies. Medical billers and coders sometimes work directly with physicians or doctors under the supervision of a senior physician or doctor.
They are responsible for assigning bills for services rendered and collecting payments from insurance carriers or payers. Medical coders and billers also are involved in coordinating payment with healthcare providers such as hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities.
Medical Billing Is Different From Medical Coding
Medical billing and coding are two different fields in the healthcare industry. Although they both belong to the information sector of the healthcare industry, they entail different sets of specialization and certification. To differentiate the two fields, it’s best to define each one.
Medical billing is the process of submitting health insurance claims on behalf of the patient to various health insurance payors for the purpose of acquiring payment for services rendered in a medical facility. (1)
Medical coding is the transformation of healthcare diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment into universal medical alphanumeric codes. The diagnoses and procedure codes are taken from medical record documentation, such as transcription of physician’s notes, laboratory and radiologic results, etc. (2)
Training in this field may be provided by an internship program, a college internship, or a distance learning program. Those who complete a formal education and certification program are considered proficient and ready for the job market.
Before embarking on a career in this area of healthcare, it’s best to understand the description of medical billing job.
They typically take four years to complete a bachelor’s degree program. Those who want to continue their education and advance their careers can complete master’s degrees.
Benefits Of Working In Medical Billing And Coding Fields
There are many benefits to working in medical billing and coding. The most obvious is the opportunity to work at the forefront of medical care.
Many jobs involve helping to organize and create systems that keep track of the records of patients. Other positions may involve working with administrators in the offices of doctors. Medical billers and coders can help set up an office and train employees.
There are also vocational or technical schools that offer billing courses. Training for these jobs may be necessary, but training for the actual job does not typically have to be completed before obtaining employment.
Billing software can assist with the coding process and individuals interested in this career can make a great career decision by choosing to obtain a certification or bachelor’s degree in this field.
While medical billing job is different from medical coding job, specialists from both fields work as a team.
