WHAT DOES A MEDICAL BILLER AND CODER DO?
Medical Billers and Coders are responsible for processing patient data including medical
records and related insurance. In this position, you will code a patient's diagnosis
and then request payment from the patient's insurance company. You will play an important
role in ensuring that healthcare providers are quickly and accurately paid for the
treatment they give patients.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MEDICAL BILLING AND A MEDICAL CODING?
Yes. Medical coders translate patient care into current procedural terminology (CPT)
codes. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the medical services provided
are accurately coded. Medical billers are responsible for creating a claim based on
the codes a medical coder provides. Many professionals in this area do both medical
billing and medical coding.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING CAREER?
Entry-level positions typically require completion of a certificate and passing one
of the certification exams or an associate degree program in medical billing and coding.
Additionally, medical billing and coding professionals must understand the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A MEDICAL BILLER AND CODER?
In most cases, it takes between one and three years to become a medical biller and
coder. Earning a medical billing and coding certification can take up to one year,
while earning an associate degree can take up to three years.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CERTIFICATION EXAMS (CPC, CCA, AND CBCS)?
Obtaining a CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification implies that an individual has met competencies
in the field of medical billing and coding. Certification is invaluable to the student's
career goals. Students have an opportunity to make confident, informed decisions about
the national certification they prefer.
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is offered by the American Academy of
Professional Coders (AAPC). It is the gold standard entry-level coding certification
for physician, or professional fee, coders.
The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is offered by the American Health Information
Management Association (AHIMA). It is an entry-level medical coding certification
across all settings--physician practices and inpatient hospital.
The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is offered by the National Healthcareer
Association (NHA) and is currently an entry-level medical billing certification for
physician practices. In the summer of 2021, the exam will transition to an entry-level
billing and coding certification, with the inclusion of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS
Level II testing.
IS MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING A GOOD CAREER?
U.S. News & World Report ranked medical records technician (professionals that perform medical billing, medical coding or both) as #9 on its list of “25 Best Jobs that Don’t Require a College Degree," #12 in
“Best Health Care Support Jobs” and on the “The 100 Best Jobs” list.
There are no prerequisites to take this course.
Nancy Smith
Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her clinical
experience includes working as a medical assistant for a network of rural health clinics,
and as a medical coder, insurance claims specialist, and medical records auditor.
Nancy holds a bachelor's degree in vocational education and has developed and taught
medical assistant programs.
LaTisha Cottingham
LaTisha Cottingham has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She
has six years of teaching experience in the field of medical billing and coding and
Medical Assisting. Currently she is employed as an HIM Analyst for a long-term care
establishment that is based out of Alabama.
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
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