how to become a medical biller

What Is Medical Coding and Billing?

Medical coding and billing clerks, also known as medical billing specialists, are health information professionals who work in medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and doctor's offices. How to do medical billing involves reading the information doctors record about a patient's visit and translating that into billable codes, which represent standardized pricing agreements made with insurance companies and other parties liable for the costs of healthcare.

This article will explain how to become a medical biller

Medical coding and billing is an expanding field. As healthcare increasingly turns to electronic medical records, more medical coders and billers will be needed. Medical coding and billing can be a great option for people who wish to work in healthcare, but don't directly want to interact with patients. Medical coders and billers also can get started with only a certificate program, making it an easy career choice to access with the correct education and training.

How to Become a Medical Coder & Biller

If you're wondering how to become a medical coder without experience, you might be disappointed to learn that most medical billing and coding jobs will require specialized education in the field. Medical coding and billing education is typically done through certificate, diploma, and associate's degree programs, with the main difference between credentials being the duration of the program and the amount of general education required. Coding and billing are sometimes separated into two different positions, but most educational or training programs available will cover both topics together. Medical billing and coding programs are also commonly available online.

Courses that must be taken during medical coding and billing programs could include:

Diagnostic coding
Medical terminology
Pharmacology for health information
Insurance and billing

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are the fastest way to start earning a medical billing and coding salary. Certificate programs typically take less than a year to complete and focus on basic course topics needed to pass a certification exam, such as:

Basic coding in ICD-10
Disease processes
Anatomy
Treatment and terminology

These programs will set you up to start with immediate employment following completion of the certificate program and earning certification.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree is a more flexible option for students and provides more information about different aspects of working in healthcare. An associate's degree may also be more attractive to employers and increase salary options. An associate's degree typically is in a field related to medical billing, such as healthcare administration or healthcare information management. This degree can be applied towards other positions, or even towards a bachelor's degree in a related field. However, an associate's degree can take two years to complete and may be more expensive than a certificate program. Additional courses to the certificate program include writing, critical thinking and other core requirements.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree in healthcare management or healthcare information management can take four years to complete. However, this is a much more comprehensive program and includes course topics like:

Healthcare policy
Legislative issues in healthcare
Project management
Human resources
Healthcare reimbursement
Ethical issues in healthcare

Bachelor's degrees can open more employment opportunities and provide options for advancement in the healthcare field. In addition, advanced education such as a bachelor's degree can increase the possible medical billing and coding salary for a candidate. Bachelor's degree programs offer a wide range of courses as well that include writing skills, communication, problem solving skills and other core requirements that produce a more well rounded education.

All of these different programs can be completed online or in person. Online learning has the advantage of being flexible, allowing students to complete the coursework at times that suit them. For adult learners with family or work responsibilities, online learning can be a great option. In person learning offers more opportunities for networking and in person resources, such as libraries and quiet places to study.

Medical coding and billing programs can be completed in person or online

Training

Some medical billing and coding programs, even those offered online, will require a practicum or other form of real-world experience to be completed prior to graduation. Many programs are designed to provide the knowledge needed to pass particular certification exams after completion. Always ensure that any program you take will fit with the certifications and education needed for your situation; including specific state requirements. Medical billing and coding clerks also benefit from having a specific skill set. These can be enhanced through matriculation in one of the education programs described here. Some important skills for medical billing clerks include:

Attention to detail
Knowledge of medical procedures and coding
Good written communication
Ability to work in a team
Desire to work in healthcare
Good organization and documentation skills

Certification for Medical Coding and Billing

The last thing to know about how do you become a medical billing specialist is certification. Medical billing and coding specialists often seek to obtain certification. While not required, many employers will prefer applicants with certification. Available certification in the area of medical coding and billing is handled by organizations like the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Association of Professional Coders (AACP).

AHIMA offers the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credentials, with CCS being the more advanced version and demonstrating a higher degree of mastery. Obtaining the CCA credential requires a high school diploma or equivalent and passage of a certification exam, with completion of an approved program recommended but not required. CCS requires either a previous credential, experience, or a list of particular courses common among medical coding programs completed.

AACP offers the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Professional Biller (CPB) credentials, as well as a host of more specialized certifications that are primarily relevant only for those working in a specialist doctor's office, such as urology or rheumatology. The CPC credential requires 2 years of experience, membership in AAPC, and passage of the exam, and recommends holding an associate's degree. Requirements for CPB are similar, but no work experience is mandatory. All AACP certifications are considered separate, and individuals must pass each certification exam on its own.

Medical billing certification requires a passing exam score

Medical Coding and Billing Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical records and health information technicians, the category in which medical billing and coding specialists belong, was $49,850 in May of 2019. Medical billing and coding clerks can earn different salaries depending on the state. Some of the highest paid salaries are as follows:

State	Annual Mean Medical Billing and Coding Salary as of May 2019
District of Columbia	$81,920
Maryland	$81,280
New Jersey	$80,260
Minnesota	$79,490
Connecticut	$78,620

Experience, education and the particular employment setting can all influence salaries for medical billing and coding clerks.

For the ten-year period between 2019 and 2029, the employment of health information technicians was expected to increase by 8%, faster than the national average. Hospitals are increasingly using electronic medical records and this increased growth represents this change as more medical billing and coding clerks are needed.