Medical billing and coding is the process of identifying medical diagnoses, treatments, tests, and procedures found in clinical documentation. The process consists of translating this patient data into standardized codes to bill commercial and government payers for reimbursement.
Medical billing and coding is a great career choice for anyone interested in the healthcare industry. And, as the American health care system modernizes, now is a great time to look at a medical billing and coding career. An aging population and increased focus on using information technology to assist in the management of healthcare information have led to increased demand for healthcare specialists who can process vital data.
Trends in Medical Billing and Coding in Texas
The medical billing and coding industry was steadily growing before the pandemic and is expected to continue to grow. Medical and billing specialists’ employment is expected to grow by 22 percent from 2016-2026. That’s more than 1,5000 jobs just in Texas throughout the next six years. These jobs can be highly lucrativ. The average salary for experienced medical billers is approximatley $39,700 annualy in Texas, with the highest-paid medical coders earning up to $68,000 a year.
A Day in the Life of a Medical Biller and Coder
If you’re detailed oriented and have an investigative mind, this career could be a great fit for you. A medical billing and coding professional helps the healthcare facility manage invoices, insurance claims, and payments. The day-to-day work of a medical coder includes:
- Properly coding diagnoses, procedures, treatments, and services
- Correcting rejected claims
- Preparing and sending claims or invoices for payment
- Following up with insurance companies and patients about outstanding bills
- Tracking payments
Do I Need A Degree to Get a Job in Medical Billing And Coding?
You don’t need a degree to get a job as a medical billing and coding professional. What is necessary is to have a solid foundation of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. You can hone these medical coding skills by enrolling in a certificate program
After completing your education, certification exams are the conclusive step to becoming a certified professional coder. Certification is crucial as it demonstrates to employers your expertise in assigning medical codes for services, diagnoses, and procedures performed by healthcare providers.
How to Get a Job in Medical Billing And Coding
After graduating from a medical and coding program and securing the necessary certifications, you can apply for a medical biller position. And, since you can work in every type of health care facility, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, health care systems, and surgery centers, your job opportunities are immense. Craft an exceptional resume and cover letter and start applying for medical billing and coding work. Tap into referrals, recommendations, and networks.
When looking for a job in this field, look for job titles like:
- Medical insurance billing and coding professional
- Health claims specialist
- Medical coder
- Medical biller
- Medical billing and coding professional
Online Medical Billing and Coding Program
At Southern Careers Institute, we offer an online medical billing and coding training program to help you learn and become a medical biller and coder. Our virtual campus allows you to access courses at home or anywhere with an Internet connection. Most students who complete medical and billing training with SCI do so in 36-51 weeks. Our online courses prepare you to sit for the following certification exams:
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist from National Healthcareer Association®
- Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist from National Healthcareer Association
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant from National Healthcareer Association
- Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Word
Click here to learn more about our online medical billing and coding program.
This article was published on: 12/15/20 1:26 PM
* SCI does not guarantee employment or a starting salary upon graduation, completion, or withdrawal from SCI. As an accredited post-secondary institution, SCI has various federal financial assistance programs available for students who qualify and are enrolled in SCI programs. This does not apply to seminar students.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
