What Can You Do With a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate?
Delve into the world of medical billing and coding careers and explore the certifications required for success in this field.
As the healthcare system faces ongoing challenges due to COVID-19, the demand for well-trained medical professionals remains high. Beyond doctors and nurses, the industry also relies on support personnel to fill various crucial roles.
Many individuals work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of the healthcare system. Medical billers and coders offer essential services to both patients and physicians.
Struggling to meet your deadline?
Get your assignment on What Can You Do With a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate? done by certified MDs and PhDs in the USA. ORDER NOW!
Continue reading to discover the roles and qualifications of medical billers and coders and how they can succeed in the job market.
How Much Do Healthcare Administrators Make?
Highlighted Online Programs for Medical Billing and Coding Certificates
Medical Billing and Medical Coding Certificate Programs
While medical billers and medical coders hold different certifications, many programs incorporate both disciplines into a single curriculum. Those who complete a program in medical billing and/or medical coding can choose from a variety of certifications that match their work environment and responsibilities.
Overview of the Medical Billing Certificate Program
The internet offers numerous programs designed to help aspiring medical billers prepare for certification examinations. Typical Medical billing courses cover the following topics:
- Understanding medical terminology
- Managing health information
- Utilizing medical billing technology
- Navigating electronic medical records
- Grasping anatomy and physiology
- Exploring law, liability, and ethics in healthcare
Prospective medical billers can pursue various certifications, including:
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB): This exam assesses knowledge of insurance types, billing regulations, HIPAA, and reimbursement and collection protocols. Test-takers must comprehend the rules and regulations of the industry and the procedures for processing medical billing claims. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) administers this certification, qualifying candidates to work as billers in almost any medical setting.
- Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS): The CMRS examination consists of 694 questions divided into 16 sections. Test-takers have 45 days to complete this open-book exam. Holding the CMRS credential enables billers to oversee the entire claims process, which concludes when a patient pays their balance in full. The American Medical Billing Association’s certifying board grants this credential, which, while not mandatory for employment, showcases the holder’s competence and proficiency.
- Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS): The CMBS certification targets individuals working in provider offices, health insurance companies, or independent billing centers.
Overview of the Medical Coding Certificate Program
The AAPC provides an online program to prepare candidates for certification exams. This program covers the following subjects:
- The business aspects of medicine
- International classification of diseases
- Anatomy and physiology
- Systems, including integumentary, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, digestive, reproductive, endocrine, nervous, and auditory systems
- Specialized areas like anesthesia, radiology, and pathology
- Evaluation and management of medical records
Certifications in medical coding allow professionals to specialize in particular settings and fields. These certifications include:
- Certified Personal Coder (CPC): The CPC exam contains multiple-choice questions presenting various coding scenarios. Administered by the AAPC, the exam can be taken online or in person. Individuals holding a CPC certification can work in various medical settings that use general practice coding, from large hospitals to private practices.
- Certified Outpatient Coder (COC): COC exam questions relate to current procedural terminology, procedure and supply codes, and diagnosis codes used for coding and billing outpatient services to insurance companies. This certification is granted by the American Medical Association. Most coders with a COC certification work at outpatient facilities, ambulatory surgical centers, or billing and coding departments.
- Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC): This certification is issued by the AAPC and focuses on the test-taker’s understanding of coding for acute care facilities, outpatient and inpatient reimbursement concepts, medicare severity diagnosis related groups, and inpatient prospective payment systems. Individuals with a CIC certification can work in any inpatient hospital or medical facility.
- Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC): This exam evaluates coders’ knowledge of diagnosis codes used in clinical cases, the chronic illness and disability payment system, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ risk adjustment program. Professionals holding the CRC credential often work in physicians’ offices or inpatient facilities.
Exploring the Role of a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
In a manner similar to academic programs for medical billing and coding, companies often combine both specializations under one category. Both specialists are responsible for organizing, managing, and coding patient information for use by medical facilities and insurance companies.
While billers and coders can take on distinct roles, such as medical information clerk or medical records analyst, many of their responsibilities overlap. Typically, both positions involve the following tasks:
Medical Billing
- Submitting and tracking claims with insurance companies to receive payment for medical services.
- Reading and comprehending medical records.
- Converting healthcare services into billing claims.
- Confirming healthcare coverage and collecting copayments.
- Securing insurance authorizations.
Medical Coding
- Translating medical documentation into standardized codes for use at medical facilities and by insurance companies.
- Receiving and reviewing patients’ charts for completeness and accuracy.
- Gathering information from medical professionals to compile various reports.
- Establishing and implementing procedures for accuracy checks.
- Training healthcare professionals and staff in the correct use of medical codes.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical records and health information specialists earn a median annual salary of $45,240. The job outlook for both positions appears promising, with a projected job growth rate of 9% from 2020 to 2030.
Where Do Medical Billers and Coders Work?
Medical billers and coders find employment in various settings, with BLS data indicating the largest employers are as follows:
- 33% in General Medical and Surgical Hospitals (State, Local, and Private)
- 10% in Physician’s Offices
- 7% in Educational Services (State, Local, and Private)
- 6% in Federal Government
- 5% in Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
The AAPC identifies the most common work settings for medical billers and coders as:
- Health systems
- Inpatient hospitals
- Outpatient hospitals
- Solo/small group practices
- Medium group practices
- Large group practices
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Billing and Coding
How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Coder?
Typically, medical coders need a high school diploma or GED, and while there is no formal education requirement for becoming a coder, most employers seek candidates with a medical coding certificate. Certification programs typically take around 9-12 months to complete.
Is Medical Coding and Billing Challenging?
The level of difficulty in medical coding and billing depends on the individual. Those who are technologically inclined, enjoy data analysis, and are proficient in software tend to find the job easier than those who focus on the bigger picture rather than the finer details. In the end, medical coding and billing can be an excellent career choice for individuals interested in the medical field but who prefer non-clinical roles.
What Is the Average Salary of a Medical Coder?
According to the BLS, health information technologists, medical registrars, and similar professionals earn a median annual salary of $51,840. Medical records and information technologists command the highest salaries in the federal government, with a median annual wage of $99,750.
Which Medical Coding Certification Is Best?
The best medical coding certification can vary depending on an individual’s desired salary, work environment, and job responsibilities. According to the AAPC, annual salaries for medical coding and billing are broken down as follows:
- CPCO: $80,550
- CPC-I: $74,820
- CDEO: $73,720
- CRC: $63,920
- CPB: $53,900
The choice of certification should align with the professional goals of billers and coders, helping them select the most suitable credential.
Dont wait until the last minute.
Provide your requirements and let our native nursing writers deliver your assignments ASAP.