Pros & Cons of Medical Coding & Billing: Is It Right for You?

Interested in exploring a healthcare role that doesn’t involve direct patient care? If so, a job as a medical coder and biller may be right for you.

So, what exactly does a medical coding and billing professional do, and what are some of the pros and cons of being a medical coder? We’re diving into all this below so you can make your next career move with confidence.

Medical Billing and Coding Basics

Medical billers and coders work on the administrative side of healthcare, handling the ins and outs of patient files and other medical records. Perhaps most importantly, medical billers and coders (sometimes called medical records specialists) are responsible for turning health information into invoices and insurance claims.

More specifically, professionals in this field turn diagnostic/treatment data into codes (known as CPT codes) that insurance companies then use to pay or reimburse providers for their services. This keeps healthcare facility operations running smoothly.

Pros of Medical Coding and Billing

By weighing some of the most notable medical billing and coding pros and cons, you can decide whether this professional path may be right for you. Let’s start with some of the advantages of this line of work.

You Can Work Remotely

While some medical coders and billers work directly in healthcare offices, the reality is that much of this work can be done remotely. If you’re interested in a career that may allow you the freedom to work from home (or elsewhere), this may be an option worth considering.

Less Schooling and Training Required

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), landing an entry-level role as a medical records specialist typically requires no more than a diploma, certificate, or associate degree. With this in mind, a career in medical coding and billing can be a great way to enter the healthcare profession without the need for extensive schooling and training.

Online Job Training

Many schools and even employers offer online training for medical coding and billing. Because this isn’t a patient-facing role, professionals in this job can compete most, if not all, of their hands-on training online and at their convenience.

Cost-Friendly Training

From a cost perspective, acquiring the education and training needed to become a medical biller and coder is significantly more affordable when compared to other healthcare professions. For example, a Medical Billing and Coding Diploma from Bryant & Stratton College can be completed in as little as 12 months with just 36 credit hours. With less time in school and fewer credit hours to complete, students can enter the field more cost-effectively and with the skills needed to thrive.

Good Work for Introverts

Suppose you prefer a line of work that allows you to work remotely with minimal interaction with patients or other healthcare professionals. In that case, a career in medical coding and billing may be ideal for you. Many people in these positions work remotely in their own private, quiet workspaces, with no water cooler small talk required!

Ability to Work as an Independent Contractor

While hospitals and other medical offices employ some medical coding and billing specialists, many of them work as independent contractors, taking on freelance work as they see fit. If you enjoy setting your own schedule and taking charge of your own workload, the flexibility offered in medical coding and billing may suit you well.

Steady Job Outlook

According to BLS data, the job outlook for medical records specialists is projected to grow 9 percent between 2023 and 2033 alone, much faster than the national average for all occupations.* This steady job outlook can provide some much-needed peace of mind in an otherwise unpredictable job market and economy.

Flexible Schedule and Hours

Whether you’re looking for a “typical” 9-5 job with weekends off or prefer to tailor a schedule to suit your busy life, medical billing and coding work offers plenty of flexibility. This is especially true if you decide to pursue the independent contractor route, as you can choose to only take on work that accommodates your desired schedule.

Opportunity to Learn New Things

The world of medical billing and coding is constantly changing, so professionals in this field always have exciting opportunities to advance their skills and learn new things. Medical records specialists can even pursue additional certifications and other designations to differentiate themselves in the job market.

Ability to Work in the Medical Field

If you aspire to work in the medical field but don’t want to spend years in school to become a nurse or doctor, pursuing a medical billing and coding career could empower you to chase your dreams without the time commitment and financial investment. While you may not be providing direct patient care, you can enjoy the fulfillment that comes with helping patients get their insurance companies to pay for covered medical services.

Opportunity for Career Advancement

Medical coding and billing specialists can also enjoy many opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Some, for instance, will go on to become medical coding and billing specialists who take on additional responsibilities and, in some cases, oversee the work of other records professionals.

Cons of Being a Medical Biller and Coder

As with any line of work, there are some potential drawbacks to consider when it comes to working in medical coding and billing.

Requires Technical Training & Updates

For starters, this is a highly technical field. Not only will you need to understand the complex medical insurance reimbursement system, but you’ll also need to grow familiar with specialized software and different types of medical codes.

As new insurance codes and regulations emerge, medical coding and billing professionals need to stay up-to-date and adapt new practices into their everyday work. Staying on top of changing best practices can be challenging and requires a certain level of adaptability.

Continuing Certification and Recertification

While not all employers require medical coders and billers to be certified, many do prefer certification through a reputable third party. Common certifications in medical coding include:

• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

These certifications require you to pass an exam and, in most cases, maintain certification through continuing education and training that must be completed as an additional expense, this can vary slightly amongst employers.

More Difficult Computer Skills Are Required

If you aren’t proficient in working with computers or simply don’t enjoy spending time in front of a screen, this may not be the career for you. Medical coders and billers spend most of their day in front of the computer. They must be able to work with electronic health records (EHR) systems, databases, and other complex software.

Advancement Requires Additional Certificates or Degrees

While there are plenty of opportunities for advancement in medical coding and billing, many advancement opportunities do require additional certification or education. This means that you may need to spend more money and time completing a certification or degree program to move up the career ladder, though this can vary slightly from one employer to the next.

Expectation of Accuracy and Precision

There isn’t much margin for error when working as a medical coding and billing professional. Having a keen eye for detail and a high level of accuracy in your work is a must, which can create some stress for those who don’t thrive when working under pressure.

High Competition for Jobs

Although the demand for medical records specialists continues to grow, this is still a relatively competitive field. To set themselves apart in the job market, professionals entering the field should be prepared to earn additional certifications, diplomas, and designations.

Work Is Stressful During Rush Periods

At the same time, working as a medical coding and billing professional may be hectic and stressful. Some periods of the year see higher levels of insurance claims than others, which can lead to peak busy periods where you may have many tasks to juggle in a minimal amount of time. This could lead to added stress and affect your work-life balance.

Regular Work With Third Parties

Medical coding and billing professionals spend a lot of their time working with third parties, such as insurance companies, to process claims and handle reimbursement for medical services. Without a strong foundation in communication, this aspect of the job may be unpleasant for some.

Start Your Medical Billing Journey Today

Working in medical coding and billing allows you to play a critical role in healthcare operations without spending years upon years in school or providing direct care to patients. As with any career path, of course, it’s essential to explore the pros and cons of medical billing and coding to determine whether this is the right option for you.

At Bryant & Stratton College, we’re proud to offer both a Medical Billing and Coding Diploma program and an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Reimbursement & Coding program. Both programs are offered in online or on-campus formats for added convenience, with plenty of faculty support along the way.

Get in touch to learn more about the programs that could prepare you for a career in medical coding and billing. Eager to get the ball rolling on your future? Get started with your online application for admission today!

*Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.