Medical Billing and Coding
Who Are Medical Billers and Coders?

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Medical Billers and Coders, often referred to as billing clerks, manage all aspects of patients medical billing records and payments. They review patient billing records, make and verify calculations, and ensure bill accuracy. Medical coders are fundamental to medical record keeping in that they file claims with the patient's health insurance provider or managed care organization.

What Do Medical Billers and Coders Do?

Medical Billers and Coders review hospital records and charge slips to calculate total amount due from patients, and contact insurance companies or Medicare to determine reimbursement. They code diseases and procedures, compute charges and prepare itemized statements, bills, and invoices for billing and records. Medical Billers and Coders act a liaison between patients, doctors, and insurance companies by handling follow up questions from patients and resolve any errors or discrepancies, accurately completing forms and documenting activities with correct medical terminology, and enter updates to accounting records.

Medical Billing and Coding Training

Medical Billers and Coders are required to have a high school diploma and most employers prefer to hire those who have completed some college or a degree. Medical Billing and Coding courses usually cover basic biology, anatomy, and physiology in addition to training on coding and computer billing software.

Medical Billing and Coding Certification

Numerous community and career colleges, as well as secondary education institutes, offer certificate programs in medical billing. Those who acquire additional skills, experience, and training improve their advancement opportunities. Medical Billers and Coders need to understand and follow the regulations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which maintain the confidentiality of patient medical records.

Medical Billing and Coding Job Prospectus

In that Medical Billers and Coders work with confidential material, should be discreet and trustworthy. They should be careful, orderly, and detail oriented. They must be skilled at working with numbers to avoid errors and to recognize errors made by others. There is a high rate of turn over and more Medical Billers and Coders will be needed due to the growth in health care services, and in that weeks or months are spent training medical billers and coders one-on-one, chances are good that their positions will be long term.

Medical Billing and Coding Job Security and Salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Billing and Coding is one of the ten fastest growing allied health occupations and employs over a third of all billing clerks. Their specialized training and skills lets them acquire jobs easily. Median hourly earnings of billing and posting clerks were calculated at $28,850 in 2006. Hospitals and physicians’ offices use contract billing companies and growth can be developed through these companies. Once hired, medical coders and billers hold secure jobs and solid career futures.