Medical Billing and Coding Career Guide
Written By: Jordan Beliles
Published: 7/5/2022
With more and more medical processes becoming digitized, the need for medical billing and coding experts continues to grow. Complex information is constantly being transferred back and forth between insurance companies and medical facilities. Hospitals and doctors' offices rely on trained professionals to make sure this data is well organized and properly coded. According to the latest National Electronic Health Records Survey, more than 78% of physician offices use digital medical records. This stat highlights the need for medical billers and coders who have earned their online program certificate and know how to catalog data from patients' diagnoses.
Written By: Jordan Beliles
Published: 7/5/2022
With more and more medical processes becoming digitized, the need for medical billing and coding experts continues to grow. Complex information is constantly being transferred back and forth between insurance companies and medical facilities. Hospitals and doctors' offices rely on trained professionals to make sure this data is well organized and properly coded. According to the latest National Electronic Health Records Survey, more than 78% of physician offices use digital medical records. This stat highlights the need for medical billers and coders who have earned their online program certificate and know how to catalog data from patients' diagnoses.
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Online Medical Billing & Coding Degrees You May Be Interested In
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What Do Medical Billers and Coders Do?
Medical billers and coders work in a specialized niche within the medical field. Professionals use analytics and organization to process important information about patients. They work on behalf of a hospital to code diagnoses and send payment requests to insurance companies. However, there is a distinct difference between a biller and a coder.
What Is the Main Difference Between a Medical Biller and Coder?
Medical coders work primarily with analytics. As medical information gets transferred, it follows a process that goes through several entities. Medical coders receive data from doctors, surgeons, pharmacists, nutritionists, and physical therapists. They then translate that information into codes, which are widely understood by insurance companies. Medical coders play an important role in translating the data into a series of numbers and letters that help in the next step of the process.
Medical coders have strong memorization and data skills, while medical billers rely on their ability to communicate and translate that information.
When the medical biller receives a form from a medical coder, they are responsible for submitting that information to the patients and insurance companies. Medical billers use the codes from a provider and file claims with a patient's insurance company. They also handle disputes, such as rejections or denials, and work to develop revenue on behalf of their health care organization. As a medical biller, you may be called on by patients to explain certain medical codes.
To summarize, medical coders have strong memorization and data skills, while medical billers rely on their ability to communicate and translate that information.
Medical Billing & Coding Career Paths
Medical Records Technician
The role of a medical records technician is to maintain the sensitive documents that contain a patient's procedures. This includes lab work, test results x-rays, and anything else that outlines their medical history. Much like a medical coder, they may also assign codes to certain procedures for insurance purposes. Medical records technicians typically work directly in a hospital or doctor's office.
Health Information Clerk
Health information clerks work on the clerical side of the health care industry. They usually work in an office environment where they perform administrative tasks, such as maintaining patient records, collecting patient information, and conducting audits. As an entry-level role, most health information clerk jobs require at least an associate degree. Some roles may also like candidates to have certifications in medical billing or coding. Importantly, the job outlook for information clerks in all industries is far below the US average.
Medical Records Specialist
If you're interested in classifying patient documents, a medical records and health information specialist may be the path for you. This role takes on the tedious task of compiling and categorizing medical records in accordance with laws and health care regulatory requirements. Those in this position primarily work in hospitals or physicians' offices.
Unfortunately, no reliable government-backed data is available to provide information about those who advance to managerial roles in medical billing and coding. However, below are some helpful career descriptions:
Medical Billing Manager
On the managerial side of medical recordkeeping, a medical billing manager is responsible for overseeing the billing arm of hospital or physician offices. They negotiate with insurance companies and ensure the proper payment transfers are being completed to and from patients. They may also manage a team of medical billers and coders depending on the size of the operation. For a managerial role, most employers will ask that you have previous managerial experience in medical billing alongside a certificate or degree.
Medical Coding Manager
Medical coding managers are similar to medical billing managers in that they are tasked with overseeing a team of medical coders. They make sure all coding operations are efficient and ensure they don't violate health care privacy laws. They may also work with hospital administrators to establish processes to improve the administrative workflow of the facility. If you're seeking a career as a medical coding manager, your chances of securing a position are much higher if you obtain a certificate and have previous coding experience. Many employers will ask that you have a bachelor's degree in this field.
Medical Billing and Coding Salaries
Not unlike most specialty careers, a medical billing and coding salary depends largely on your level of experience. Those with no certifications, education, and less than two years of work experience can expect to earn a lower starting salary.
What Is the Average Salary for Medical Billers and Coders?
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for medical records and health information specialists is $45,240. This falls in line with similar roles in health care, such as surgical assistants, health technologists, and other medical technicians.
What Is the Starting Salary for Medical Billers and Coders?
Since those just starting out will have the lowest pay, the BLS also notes that the earners in the lowest 10% make less than $29,130.
Which Medical Billing and Coding Jobs Pay the Most?
Government jobs tend to pay the highest annual median salaries in this field at $54,650. Salaries at general medical and surgical hospitals and administrative support organizations fall between $43,000 and $46,000.
Which Medical Billing and Coding Certifications Offer a Salary Increase?
According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), several certifications offer salary increases. From 2021 to 2022, the Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) credential increased individual salaries by 7.67%. The Certified Professional Biller (CPB) was the next highest with a 5.10% increase. Certified Documentation Expert-Outpatient (CDEO), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), and Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO) credentials also increased salaries between 3% and 5% throughout the year.
Keep in mind, these certifications are most relevant for medical coders. This is due to the more analytical nature of the profession. Medical billers do not rely as heavily on certifications to join the workforce, but additional credentials may help you land a job with a higher starting salary. As a medical biller, you can pursue the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) program. With this certification, you can expect to earn an average salary of $55,078.
How Much Does a Degree Increase Your Salary?
Medical billing and coding certifications offer the best chance for individuals to increase their salary. According to data from BLS, workers with a bachelor's degree earn $502 more each week than those with only a high school diploma. If you're determined to earn a master's degree in this field, that number can increase to $997 above high school diploma holders. The data shows the more education you receive, the higher your earnings potential becomes.
What Do You Need for a Career in Medical Billing?
Education
By law, you are not required to earn a certificate to become a medical biller or coder. While this seems to make this career choice more obtainable, individual employers may still require a postsecondary certification before they consider you for a position. Some even require an associate degree.
Required Skillset
There are some quality and skill differences between medical billers and medical coders. A biller, for example, requires a great deal of empathy, as they are often in contact with patients directly. They might have to explain why a medical bill is so high or why a patient was denied a claim. For this reason, communication is an important skill for medical billers. They'll be required to speak with insurance companies and health care employers to investigate and analyze bills. Coders, on the other hand, require exceptional skills in memorization and analytics. They must interpret and memorize hundreds of codes that correlate to different medical procedures. For this reason, they are often very meticulous, technical thinkers with a strong aptitude for understanding data.
Career Advancement
As a medical coder, you'll have the opportunity to advance your career in a number of ways. You can go from analyzing codes as an individual to overseeing entire departments of medical coders. After gaining some experience, you can apply to become a hospital coding manager. The same is true for medical billers, who can grow into roles as medical billing managers or medical records directors. If you have ambitions of growing your role into a health services manager, some employers may expect you to have a bachelor's degree while others require a master's.
Where Can I Work in Medical Billing and Coding?
Where Do Medical Billers and Coders Work?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most medical billers and coders work in hospitals or physician's offices. Private institutions — such as UnitedHealth Group, Anthem Blue Cross, and Humana — also employ a large number of individuals to handle health information processing. There are also opportunities to work in outpatient centers and other medical facilities. Some individuals in this field are able to work from home through outsourced companies.
Top Employer Types for Medical Billers and Coders
IHealth systems, hospitals, and outpatient services are where medical billers and coders most often work. As of 2022, only 11% of individuals reported working for solo practices or small offices. More than half of employees now work at large health care organizations. There are also job opportunities at education institutions, consulting firms, and billing companies.
Highest Paying States for Medical Billers and Coders
The AAPC reports that the District of Columbia offers the highest average salary for medical billers and coders. This falls in line with data from the BLS, which says government jobs have the highest wages overall. States in the West and Northeast tend to pay higher than the rest of the country. Washington, California, Massachusetts, and Maryland all have salaries over $66,000.
Highest Paying States for Medical Billers and Coders
The AAPC reports that the District of Columbia offers the highest average salary for medical billers and coders. This falls in line with data from the BLS, which says government jobs have the highest wages overall. States in the West and Northeast tend to pay higher than the rest of the country. Washington, California, Massachusetts, and Maryland all have salaries over $66,000.
Top Employer Types for Medical Billers and Coders
IHealth systems, hospitals, and outpatient services are where medical billers and coders most often work. As of 2022, only 11% of individuals reported working for solo practices or small offices. More than half of employees now work at large health care organizations. There are also job opportunities at education institutions, consulting firms, and billing companies.
Are Medical Billers and Coders in High Demand?
Medical billing and coding jobs — which are listed under medical records and health information specialists in the BLS — are growing at the normal 9% rate into 2030, as compared to the average American industry. This means that medical billers and coders offer the same amount of job opportunities as many other fields in the US. Approximately 34,300 new jobs in this field are projected each year leaving plenty of room to join the workforce. Over 453,000 individuals are projected to be working in this field by 2030.
According to Reuters, COVID-19 has increased the amount of claims that many insurance companies are receiving. This new data, in part, contributes to an increasing demand for more medical billers and coders.
Why Become a Medical Biller or Coder?
If you've always envisioned yourself in the medical field, medical billing or coding can offer a fast track to a career in health care.
There are several benefits to working in the field of medical coding and billing. While both job titles tend to vary in terms of responsibilities, each one is responsible for an important step in the health care process.
One of the benefits of being a medical biller is the chance to work directly with patients. Going through a medical procedure isn't easy, and as a biller, you'll often be in contact with patients to explain a bill. If you enjoy the idea of walking patients through complicated processes and addressing their concerns, you may find career satisfaction working as a medical biller. Another plus to consider for either a billing or coding role is having the opportunity to work remotely. Many health care providers outsource their billing and coding to third-party companies. Therefore, you may be able to work from home instead of in a hospital or physician's office. Some positions are part-time as well, offering more flexibility in your work schedule.
What Do Medical Billers and Coders Do?
Medical billers and coders work in a specialized niche within the medical field. Professionals use analytics and organization to process important information about patients. They work on behalf of a hospital to code diagnoses and send payment requests to insurance companies. However, there is a distinct difference between a biller and a coder.
What Is the Main Difference Between a Medical Biller and Coder?
Medical coders work primarily with analytics. As medical information gets transferred, it follows a process that goes through several entities. Medical coders receive data from doctors, surgeons, pharmacists, nutritionists, and physical therapists. They then translate that information into codes, which are widely understood by insurance companies. Medical coders play an important role in translating the data into a series of numbers and letters that help in the next step of the process.
Medical coders have strong memorization and data skills, while medical billers rely on their ability to communicate and translate that information.
When the medical biller receives a form from a medical coder, they are responsible for submitting that information to the patients and insurance companies. Medical billers use the codes from a provider and file claims with a patient's insurance company. They also handle disputes, such as rejections or denials, and work to develop revenue on behalf of their health care organization. As a medical biller, you may be called on by patients to explain certain medical codes.
To summarize, medical coders have strong memorization and data skills, while medical billers rely on their ability to communicate and translate that information.
Medical Billing & Coding Career Paths
Medical Records Technician
The role of a medical records technician is to maintain the sensitive documents that contain a patient's procedures. This includes lab work, test results x-rays, and anything else that outlines their medical history. Much like a medical coder, they may also assign codes to certain procedures for insurance purposes. Medical records technicians typically work directly in a hospital or doctor's office.
Health Information Clerk
Health information clerks work on the clerical side of the health care industry. They usually work in an office environment where they perform administrative tasks, such as maintaining patient records, collecting patient information, and conducting audits. As an entry-level role, most health information clerk jobs require at least an associate degree. Some roles may also like candidates to have certifications in medical billing or coding. Importantly, the job outlook for information clerks in all industries is far below the US average.
Medical Records Specialist
If you're interested in classifying patient documents, a medical records and health information specialist may be the path for you. This role takes on the tedious task of compiling and categorizing medical records in accordance with laws and health care regulatory requirements. Those in this position primarily work in hospitals or physicians' offices.
Unfortunately, no reliable government-backed data is available to provide information about those who advance to managerial roles in medical billing and coding. However, below are some helpful career descriptions:
Medical Billing Manager
On the managerial side of medical recordkeeping, a medical billing manager is responsible for overseeing the billing arm of hospital or physician offices. They negotiate with insurance companies and ensure the proper payment transfers are being completed to and from patients. They may also manage a team of medical billers and coders depending on the size of the operation. For a managerial role, most employers will ask that you have previous managerial experience in medical billing alongside a certificate or degree.
Medical Coding Manager
Medical coding managers are similar to medical billing managers in that they are tasked with overseeing a team of medical coders. They make sure all coding operations are efficient and ensure they don't violate health care privacy laws. They may also work with hospital administrators to establish processes to improve the administrative workflow of the facility. If you're seeking a career as a medical coding manager, your chances of securing a position are much higher if you obtain a certificate and have previous coding experience. Many employers will ask that you have a bachelor's degree in this field.
Medical Billing and Coding Salaries
Not unlike most specialty careers, a medical billing and coding salary depends largely on your level of experience. Those with no certifications, education, and less than two years of work experience can expect to earn a lower starting salary.
What Is the Average Salary for Medical Billers and Coders?
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for medical records and health information specialists is $45,240. This falls in line with similar roles in health care, such as surgical assistants, health technologists, and other medical technicians.
What Is the Starting Salary for Medical Billers and Coders?
Since those just starting out will have the lowest pay, the BLS also notes that the earners in the lowest 10% make less than $29,130.
Which Medical Billing and Coding Jobs Pay the Most?
Government jobs tend to pay the highest annual median salaries in this field at $54,650. Salaries at general medical and surgical hospitals and administrative support organizations fall between $43,000 and $46,000.
Which Medical Billing and Coding Certifications Offer a Salary Increase?
According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), several certifications offer salary increases. From 2021 to 2022, the Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) credential increased individual salaries by 7.67%. The Certified Professional Biller (CPB) was the next highest with a 5.10% increase. Certified Documentation Expert-Outpatient (CDEO), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), and Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO) credentials also increased salaries between 3% and 5% throughout the year.
Keep in mind, these certifications are most relevant for medical coders. This is due to the more analytical nature of the profession. Medical billers do not rely as heavily on certifications to join the workforce, but additional credentials may help you land a job with a higher starting salary. As a medical biller, you can pursue the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) program. With this certification, you can expect to earn an average salary of $55,078.
How Much Does a Degree Increase Your Salary?
Medical billing and coding certifications offer the best chance for individuals to increase their salary. According to data from BLS, workers with a bachelor's degree earn $502 more each week than those with only a high school diploma. If you're determined to earn a master's degree in this field, that number can increase to $997 above high school diploma holders. The data shows the more education you receive, the higher your earnings potential becomes.
What Do You Need for a Career in Medical Billing?
Education
By law, you are not required to earn a certificate to become a medical biller or coder. While this seems to make this career choice more obtainable, individual employers may still require a postsecondary certification before they consider you for a position. Some even require an associate degree.
Required Skillset
There are some quality and skill differences between medical billers and medical coders. A biller, for example, requires a great deal of empathy, as they are often in contact with patients directly. They might have to explain why a medical bill is so high or why a patient was denied a claim. For this reason, communication is an important skill for medical billers. They'll be required to speak with insurance companies and health care employers to investigate and analyze bills. Coders, on the other hand, require exceptional skills in memorization and analytics. They must interpret and memorize hundreds of codes that correlate to different medical procedures. For this reason, they are often very meticulous, technical thinkers with a strong aptitude for understanding data.
Career Advancement
As a medical coder, you'll have the opportunity to advance your career in a number of ways. You can go from analyzing codes as an individual to overseeing entire departments of medical coders. After gaining some experience, you can apply to become a hospital coding manager. The same is true for medical billers, who can grow into roles as medical billing managers or medical records directors. If you have ambitions of growing your role into a health services manager, some employers may expect you to have a bachelor's degree while others require a master's.
Where Can I Work in Medical Billing and Coding?
Where Do Medical Billers and Coders Work?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most medical billers and coders work in hospitals or physician's offices. Private institutions — such as UnitedHealth Group, Anthem Blue Cross, and Humana — also employ a large number of individuals to handle health information processing. There are also opportunities to work in outpatient centers and other medical facilities. Some individuals in this field are able to work from home through outsourced companies.
Top Employer Types for Medical Billers and Coders
IHealth systems, hospitals, and outpatient services are where medical billers and coders most often work. As of 2022, only 11% of individuals reported working for solo practices or small offices. More than half of employees now work at large health care organizations. There are also job opportunities at education institutions, consulting firms, and billing companies.
Highest Paying States for Medical Billers and Coders
The AAPC reports that the District of Columbia offers the highest average salary for medical billers and coders. This falls in line with data from the BLS, which says government jobs have the highest wages overall. States in the West and Northeast tend to pay higher than the rest of the country. Washington, California, Massachusetts, and Maryland all have salaries over $66,000.
Highest Paying States for Medical Billers and Coders
The AAPC reports that the District of Columbia offers the highest average salary for medical billers and coders. This falls in line with data from the BLS, which says government jobs have the highest wages overall. States in the West and Northeast tend to pay higher than the rest of the country. Washington, California, Massachusetts, and Maryland all have salaries over $66,000.
Top Employer Types for Medical Billers and Coders
IHealth systems, hospitals, and outpatient services are where medical billers and coders most often work. As of 2022, only 11% of individuals reported working for solo practices or small offices. More than half of employees now work at large health care organizations. There are also job opportunities at education institutions, consulting firms, and billing companies.
Are Medical Billers and Coders in High Demand?
Medical billing and coding jobs — which are listed under medical records and health information specialists in the BLS — are growing at the normal 9% rate into 2030, as compared to the average American industry. This means that medical billers and coders offer the same amount of job opportunities as many other fields in the US. Approximately 34,300 new jobs in this field are projected each year leaving plenty of room to join the workforce. Over 453,000 individuals are projected to be working in this field by 2030.
According to Reuters, COVID-19 has increased the amount of claims that many insurance companies are receiving. This new data, in part, contributes to an increasing demand for more medical billers and coders.
Why Become a Medical Biller or Coder?
If you've always envisioned yourself in the medical field, medical billing or coding can offer a fast track to a career in health care.
There are several benefits to working in the field of medical coding and billing. While both job titles tend to vary in terms of responsibilities, each one is responsible for an important step in the health care process.
One of the benefits of being a medical biller is the chance to work directly with patients. Going through a medical procedure isn't easy, and as a biller, you'll often be in contact with patients to explain a bill. If you enjoy the idea of walking patients through complicated processes and addressing their concerns, you may find career satisfaction working as a medical biller. Another plus to consider for either a billing or coding role is having the opportunity to work remotely. Many health care providers outsource their billing and coding to third-party companies. Therefore, you may be able to work from home instead of in a hospital or physician's office. Some positions are part-time as well, offering more flexibility in your work schedule.
FAQs About Medical Billing and Coding Careers
Do Medical Billers and Coders Make Good Money?
The BLS states that the median annual wage for all workers in this field is $45,760, and they also gauge that medical billers and coders earn approximately $45,000. Although this industry's median falls slightly below the national average, a certificate can increase your chances of earning a higher wage.
What Is the Highest Pay for Medical Billing and Coding?
BLS data shows that the top earners in medical billing and coding earned upwards of $105,690 per year. Certified medical billers and coders with a master's degree earn the highest salaries. Furthermore, having those credentials can often land individuals in executive roles, such as coding director, VP of coding, or even CEO.
Are Medical Billers and Coders in Demand?
Electronic health records are becoming the norm in hospitals and physicians offices around the country. From 2020 to 2030, medical billers and coders are expected to see a 9% increase in job growth.
Is Medical Billing and Coding a Good Career Choice?
Ultimately, this question comes down to your personal preferences and career goals. If you enjoy working with patients but prefer to stay on the administrative side of the healthcare industry, medical billing can be considered a suitable career choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer to dissect codes and analyze data, medical coding is ideal.
Although these specializations offer wages just below the national average, it does put you on a growing career path in the medical field. Medical billing and coding also offers long-term career stability. However, you'll need years of experience and the right certifications before you earn an above-average salary.
FAQs About Medical Billing and Coding Careers
Do Medical Billers and Coders Make Good Money?
The BLS states that the median annual wage for all workers in this field is $45,760, and they also gauge that medical billers and coders earn approximately $45,000. Although this industry's median falls slightly below the national average, a certificate can increase your chances of earning a higher wage.
What Is the Highest Pay for Medical Billing and Coding?
BLS data shows that the top earners in medical billing and coding earned upwards of $105,690 per year. Certified medical billers and coders with a master's degree earn the highest salaries. Furthermore, having those credentials can often land individuals in executive roles, such as coding director, VP of coding, or even CEO.
Are Medical Billers and Coders in Demand?
Electronic health records are becoming the norm in hospitals and physicians offices around the country. From 2020 to 2030, medical billers and coders are expected to see a 9% increase in job growth.
Is Medical Billing and Coding a Good Career Choice?
Ultimately, this question comes down to your personal preferences and career goals. If you enjoy working with patients but prefer to stay on the administrative side of the healthcare industry, medical billing can be considered a suitable career choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer to dissect codes and analyze data, medical coding is ideal.
Although these specializations offer wages just below the national average, it does put you on a growing career path in the medical field. Medical billing and coding also offers long-term career stability. However, you'll need years of experience and the right certifications before you earn an above-average salary.
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