5 Exciting Reasons Why You Can Start a Medical Billing and Coding Career
What is Medical Billing and Coding?
There are a variety of components that make up the medical billing and coding field. The individuals in this field are certified healthcare workers who process and input data for patients that can include a variety of information such as treatment records and insurance details.
They also work to ensure that reimbursements and payments are processed correctly for both patients and the medical facility where services occurred.
Medical billing and coding also encompasses knowledge on processing claims and inputting codes that include CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II.
In addition to the technical side of medical billing and coding, this field also requires soft skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem solving. Communication is vital when receiving information from doctors, insurance companies, or another party because medical billing and coding specialists are responsible for making sure the correct information is put into a patient’s record. With multiple people sharing details on a patient’s record, teamwork is necessary to ensure all parties are informed and tasks are completed in a timely manner. With any position, problem solving is also necessary such as when technology doesn’t work correctly or an adjustment needs to be made.
All of these details go into the medical billing and coding field and are the foundation to the stepping stones you can take on making this career choice your future endeavor.
5 Exciting Reasons to Start Your MBC Career
1. You don’t need to attend medical school to earn a certification.
Obtaining your medical billing and coding certification is as easy as finding a career program that meets your needs and lifestyle. It is a great way to get established in the healthcare field without spending years in medical school. Blackstone’s Medical Billing and Coding Program can be completed in eight to twelve months. Earning your diploma through Blackstone will also provide you with the opportunity to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) exam through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Upon completion, you can have a step up in the job industry with the skills to show for the knowledge you’ve obtained.
2. There is flexibility to work in different places.
The variety of offices that need medical billing and coding professionals continues to grow, which gives you an opportunity to find the right job fit for you. Hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, laboratories, and insurance providers are a few of the companies that are looking for qualified, dependable, and collaborative medical billing and coding specialists. If you prefer a more unique experience, you can even find a position as a travel medical coding professional. Some companies even have remote work available, which provides another level of flexibility depending on your needs.
3. The job outlook is promising.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to monitor various jobs and their outlook over the course of several years. When it comes to pursuing a certification in and finding a job as a medical records specialist, the growth rate is beneficial with an expected rise of 8% from 2022 – 2032. Many factors can be attributed to this growth, including the need for accurate medical diagnostics and information input for those who are growing older and require more medical care.
4. There are career advancement opportunities.
The more experience you gain in any industry, the more your certification will work for you in advancing in your career. As a medical billing and coding specialist, there are opportunities to seek professional development through reputable organizations such as AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders), and it’s a great way to network with others in the industry. In addition, there are specialized certifications you can earn to work in more niche areas of the billing and coding industry. These tailored skills show employers your dedication to the field and the importance of learning and strengthening your understanding.
5. You can impact patients.
While a lot of your job as a medical billing and coding professional is completed digitally or behind the scenes, you are directly impacting patients and ensuring they receive quality medical care. Incorrect billing and coding information will affect a patient’s ability to obtain medical services in the future and may hinder them from receiving life-changing resources. Understanding what information needs to be shared and when is imperative to your role and goes a long way in supporting those who need assistance.
Prospective Overview of Medical Billing and Coding
The average salary is $47,180 for this career field, and there are on average 15,000 jobs available each year. For more information on the outlook for Medical Billing and Coding, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Take Steps Toward Your Career Today
Working as a medical billing and coding specialist is a rewarding job that provides an encouraging environment for patients who know their health is being prioritized with the best communication. The opportunities for using skills as a medical billing and coding professional are endless. There’s no need to wait to start your career and help impact lives.
To get started in a diploma program, visit Blackstone’s Medical Billing and Coding Program Outline for more information on pursuing an education that is flexible and affordable for your schedule. If you have additional questions, a student advisor would be happy to speak with you about the steps that are right for you!
Written by Laura Conaway
Disclaimer: Blackstone Career Institute, an accredited school, cannot guarantee employment, job promotion prospects, or income increases.
