If you have good technical skills and sound knowledge of Medical Science, then a career in Medical Billing and Coding would be ideal for you. Read this comprehensive article to learn about some Medical Billing and Coding degrees being taught in the U.S.
What Is Medical Billing and Coding?
The transformation of healthcare services, procedures, and diagnosis into universal medical codes is called Medical Coding. Medical Billing, on the other hand, is a process that involves submitting claims to health insurance companies.
What Can You Do with a Medical Billing and Coding Degree?
Individuals can kick-start a variety of careers in the healthcare industry after completing a degree in Medical Billing and Coding. Some popular career choices in this field include Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, Coding Specialists, Insurance Claims Clerks, Medical Records Clerks, and Billing Specialists.
Now, let’s discuss the job and income prospects for Medical Billing and Coding graduates. The employment data for some of these positions have been mentioned below. These figures have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
These individuals manage and organize health information data by ensuring that it maintains its security, accessibility, accuracy, and quality in both electronic systems and paper files. These professionals can specialize in various aspects of health information – some work as Cancer Registrars, while others work as Medical Coders.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $42,630 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 11% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $46,590 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 40,900 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $59,450 |
Medical Assistants
These professionals carry out a range of clinical and administrative tasks in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and various other healthcare facilities. Some of their job duties include scheduling patient appointments, preparing blood samples for testing, and maintaining medical records.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $34,800 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 23% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $35,720 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 96,850 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Alaska | $45,630 |
Information Clerks – Information and Record Clerks, All Other
These professionals collect data, maintain and file electronic or paper records, prepare bills, and perform routine clerical duties.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $41,360 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 5% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $42,410 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 21,630 |
| State with the Highest Salary Level, 2019 | District of Columbia | $59,210 |
What to Expect from a Medical Billing and Coding Degree?
A Diploma in Medical Billing and Insurance program is ideal for those students who want to enter the job market quickly. This program helps students understand billing and insurance guidelines and principles of ethical conduct and patient privacy. To complete the diploma, students have to study a range of topics such as Medical Terminology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology, Insurance Claims, Processing and Adjudication, and Introduction to Billing and Coding.
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Office Administration with a concentration in Medical Billing and Coding prepares students to perform coding and teaches them how to manage and use medical office records accurately. The curriculum of the program incorporates a range of courses such as Medical Office Terms, Procedure Coding, Diagnostic Coding, Office Applications, and Medical Legal Issues.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Healthcare Administration program with an emphasis on Medical Reimbursement is designed to help students learn about electronic health information systems and billing and coding procedures. Students enrolled in this degree get a chance to study a wide variety of modules such as Medical, Diagnosis and Procedure Coding, Reimbursement Procedures, and Medical Law and Ethics.
How to Choose a Medical Billing and Coding Degree?
The factors that you should keep in mind while choosing a Medical Billing and Coding degree include the following: college ranking, the reputation of the program, distance learning options, duration of the program, cost of the degree, and the accreditation status.
Medical Billing and Coding Degree Admission Requirements
The basic requirements for admission into a Medical Billing and Coding program are mentioned below:
- Graduation from an accredited high school/college
- Good SAT/ACT scores
- Documentation of transcripts, recommendation letters, and admission application forms
- Clearing an interview
*Please keep in mind that the requirements mentioned above are generic. To find out about the program-specific requirements, you should read the program catalog thoroughly.