If you’re looking for a new career that has the potential for growth, you may consider becoming a medical and billing coder. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment in this field will grow significantly over the next decade, making it attractive for those who are interested in joining the field.
As our healthcare system continues to grow and becomes more complex, so do the opportunities within it. A few decades ago, this career didn’t even exist, but today it’s an important role within the healthcare industry.
While this career choice may provide professional opportunities, many people don’t fully understand what the role actually entails. According to the BLS, medical and billing coders review patient information for preexisting conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, to properly code patient data. They also assign codes for appropriate diagnoses and patient care procedures. And they work as a liaison between the healthcare providers and billing offices. The information they code is then used for billing purposes as well as to generate population health statistics.
If the job sounds interesting to you, you may be surprised to learn that several types of employers hire medical and billing coders.
- Hospitals and Physicians’ Offices
Hospitals and doctors’ offices are the largest employers of medical and billing coders, which should be no surprise. In this role, you will review charts and research and assign codes to medical procedures and diagnoses using medical coding software in order to process insurance claims and billing. - Professional Healthcare Services Companies
Companies that provide services to healthcare facilities also need medical and billing coders. These types of companies often specialize in IT or systems that streamline healthcare processes. Medical and billing coders are employed to help them apply the correct codes for reporting and review their products and services to ensure accuracy. - Insurance Companies
Medical and billing coders also work for insurance agencies to review the validity of incoming claims and identify any missing or incorrect information. Coders are responsible for comparing the treatment a patient receives to the coverage offered by their insurance plan. - Law Firms
Lawyers hire medical and billing coders to help investigate billing errors. While some incorrect coding claims are accidental, medical providers can face criminal charges if they commit insurance fraud. Law firms hire medical and billing coders to examine records to determine if irregularities are truly a mistake or could be intentional. - Government Agencies
State and federal governments also employ medical and billing coders. These agencies review information in order to extract data that can affect healthcare programs. Coding data provides valuable insights about the health of an area or country and can be used to help design public programs or investigate potential problems affecting specific populations.
If the job of a Medical Biller and Coder sounds interesting to you, a Fortis education can prepare you to enter this important part of the medical field. Fortis offers a medical billing and coding program at select campuses in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas. Visit our site for more information about a career as a Medical Biller and Coder, and the pathway to this in-demand profession.