Careers in Medical Billing and Coding: Employment and Job Titles

Serving as a crucial link between providers, patients, and insurance companies, medical billing and coding professionals work to facilitate physician reimbursement. Because these specialists play a vital role in the healthcare field, they must be both diligent and detail-oriented. Let’s explore the ins and outs of this career, including typical responsibilities, career options, and the impact these professionals make.

Request more information about the Medical Billing and Coding Diploma and Associate of Applied Science in Medical Reimbursement & Coding degree offered at Bryant & Stratton College.

Is Medical Billing and Coding a Good Career?

Pursuing careers in medical coding and billing can be a smart and fulfilling choice. Many professionals in the field enjoy the ability to enter the workforce relatively quickly while benefitting from long-term career growth and specialization opportunities.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that approximately 15,000 medical records specialist jobs are projected to open each year between 2023 and 2033, with an expected growth rate of about 9%. *Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

In general, coding and medical billing careers offer stability, consistency, and the satisfaction of contributing to the healthcare system. These roles directly impact the patient experience and support the operational success of medical facilities.

Medical Billing vs. Medical Coding

The terms medical billing and medical coding are often used interchangeably. However, in reality, there are distinct differences between these two fields. According to Indeed, medical coding is the process of translating healthcare services into standardized medical codes, while medical billing involves using those codes to create itemized invoices to bill insurance companies and other payers. Understanding the difference between medical coding and medical billing careers can help you zero in on the career opportunities that best align with your strengths, interests, and career goals.

Job Titles in Medical Billing and Coding

As a vital part of the healthcare industry, the medical billing and coding field offers a wide range of job opportunities. Most medical billing and coding employment opportunities require candidates to have a postsecondary degree or diploma; however, each employer will have individual requirements for education, certification, and work experience.

Here are some top careers in medical coding and billing to consider:

Medical Coder or Coding Specialist

A medical coder or coding specialist is a healthcare professional who translates medical notes — including notes about diagnosis, treatment, tests, and procedures — into universal medical codes. These codes are then used by medical billers to generate claims for insurance providers and patients, helping to facilitate physician reimbursement. It’s important for medical coders to have a solid background in science, anatomy and physiology, as well as an advanced understanding of medical terminology.

Medical Biller or Billing Specialist

Medical billers and billing specialists use the codes provided by medical coders to create invoices and submit claims to insurance providers. Because they often collaborate with coders, insurance companies, and patients, they need strong communication and problem-solving skills. According to Indeed, medical billers and billing specialists who hope to succeed should have a comprehensive understanding of both the healthcare and insurance industries.

Insurance Reimbursement Specialist

The insurance billing and reimbursement process can be quite complex, particularly at large healthcare facilities and provider groups. As a result, many healthcare employers hire insurance reimbursement specialists to manage the process. Job responsibilities for insurance reimbursement specialists may include managing patient financial records, preparing and reviewing insurance claims, and submitting insurance claims.

Coding Support Specialist

A coding support specialist is a medical coding professional who verifies that the correct universal medical codes are used when processing patient files. Medical coding accuracy is incredibly important, as improper codes can lead to insurance billing mistakes that may force the patient to overpay for healthcare services. Coding support specialists need to be knowledgeable and detail-oriented, and they should have experience with data management.

Outpatient Coder

Outpatient medical coders work to translate diagnosis, treatment, and procedure information for patients who receive outpatient services at a healthcare facility. In general, outpatient coding covers most healthcare services for patients who are discharged from a healthcare facility within 24 hours. It may include diagnostic testing, outpatient procedures, or emergency room visits.

Inpatient Coder

Inpatient medical coders work to translate diagnosis, treatment, and procedure information for patients who have been admitted to a hospital. The work involved can be fairly advanced; as a result, inpatient medical coders may have to work more closely with healthcare providers to verify that all patient information is accurate.

Medical Records Technician

Medical records technicians work closely with medical coders to verify that the medical records of patients are accurate and ready to be translated into medical code. They may also be responsible for updating patients’ medical history and past claims in order to ensure that insurance companies are properly billed.

Medical Records Analyst

Medical records analysts are responsible for maintaining accurate and precise patient records. Using strong data analysis skills, they review and interpret patient records to extract insights that help improve patient care and outcomes.

Health Information Clerk

A health information clerk is an administrative healthcare professional who maintains and manages patient files. They may be responsible for filing patient documents, processing patient records, reviewing patient records, and creating digital versions of patient records. Because they have access to vast amounts of private healthcare data, they must adhere to strict ethical standards and maintain confidentiality at all times.

Claims Coding Specialist

Claims coding specialists process medical billing claims. Not only do they submit medical codes to insurance companies, but they also review and manage insurance claim denials. They often serve as a liaison between healthcare facilities, insurance providers, and patients, requiring them to have both soft skills and technical medical coding abilities.

Billing Analyst

Medical billing analysts verify that patients receive the correct bill for services rendered after insurance payments have been made. They often play a pivotal role in patient support, working to address billing inquiries and assist with corrections.

Medical Collector

Medical collectors work directly with patients to collect overdue payments for healthcare services. Some are employed directly by healthcare facilities, while others work for third-party organizations that specialize in collection services. As part of their job responsibilities, medical collectors may work with patients to set up payment plans that help make medical bills more manageable.

Coding Auditor

Coding auditors take on leadership positions in the medical coding field, often working to oversee medical coding departments. They often review medical codes and ensure accuracy before submitting them to the billing department. In addition, they collaborate with medical coders to provide professional feedback and suggest training opportunities that may help them improve.

Medical Billing and Coding Educator

Medical billing and coding educators are experienced billing and coding professionals who are responsible for creating medical billing and coding training programs. They may develop curriculum for medical billing and coding diploma programs, or they may create effective training programs for medical billing and coding professionals looking to advance their skills. To create future-forward educational programs, they need to stay aware of emerging trends in the healthcare industry.

Hospital Coding Manager

Hospital coding managers oversee medical coding departments at hospital facilities. This role can be incredibly complex, particularly since they need to navigate both inpatient and outpatient medical coding. Furthermore, coding managers need to be able to train, supervise, and evaluate medical coders on staff.

Medical Records Coordinator

Medical records coordinators manage patient records and work to secure confidential health data. They often collaborate closely with healthcare providers, including doctors and nurses, to ensure that patient medical records are accurately processed and properly maintained.

Training for Medical Billing and Coding Jobs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those who want to pursue entry-level positions in medical billing and coding should consider a postsecondary certificate or diploma program. While this foundational training is often enough to get started, additional education and credentials can help medical billing and coding professionals prepare for career advancement opportunities. Since education, certification, and work experience requirements vary based on the employer, it’s important to review the specific qualifications for each available position.

Education and Degrees

Most entry-level medical billing and coding careers require a high school diploma and a postsecondary certificate or diploma. However, earning a specialized degree, such as an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Reimbursement & Coding, can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry. It can also help develop specialized skills that promote career growth and development.

Certifications

Medical billing and coding professionals may want to pursue specific certification programs based on their own career goals. There are a wide range of medical billing and coding certifications available that can help improve job prospects and validate expertise. These certifications often require passing a specific test, which a degree or diploma can help prepare you for success. Keep in mind that each position requires its own mix of credentials, making it essential to tailor your training path to your desired role.

Prepare for a Medical Billing and Coding Career With Bryant & Stratton College

As you prepare for your medical billing and coding career, it’s important to choose a college that supports both your immediate goals and long-term professional growth. For example, you can launch your career with a Medical Billing and Coding Diploma, which equips students with the skills required to pursue entry-level careers. After entering the workforce, you can return to Bryant & Stratton College and earn an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Reimbursement & Coding degree, setting you up for career advancement opportunities.

Request more information about how our degree programs may prepare you for medical billing and coding employment opportunities.