Medical Billing and Coding Job Description and Training

A trained, experienced medical biller or coder is a valuable member of any health care team. Without his or her contribution, payments for services may be denied or delayed. Medical billing and coding training programs can take less than a year, making it attractive to anyone wanting to change careers or enter the workforce with a minimum training period and maximum job opportunities.

_{Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians.}

_{*The salary information listed is based on a national average, unless noted. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.}

A medical billing and coding job description includes the following tasks:

• Ensure compliance with federal regulations and insurance requirements
• Assign alphanumeric codes to specific illnesses, injuries and medical procedures using a universally recognized coding system (the ICD-9 index)
• Maintain patients' records

Hospitals and doctors use the ICD-9 index for internal data collection and planning, while insurance companies and public agencies require the codes to reimburse health care providers.

Medical billing and coding specialists usually work in clean, relaxed office settings. Jobs are available in the following settings:

Many specialists work from home, either running a home business by getting independent physicians as clients or working for larger firms that provide them with workload.

Although there is no set standard for educational requirements in this field, employers increasingly prefer candidates with some formal medical billing and coding training at an accredited vocational school. Most accredited programs of study take nine months to two years to complete. Shorter programs are generally not advised.

Students of medical billing and coding take classes in several areas:

Medical billing and coding requires patience, the ability to focus, and good problem-solving skills. For advancement in the field, some students take additional courses in biology, science and medical care. Medical billing and coding specialists  need to have a typing speed of at least 35 to 45 words per minute.

Certification allows new medical billing and coding specialists to demonstrate their skills before they have experience in the field. Several levels of certification are available, all requiring formal training. Specialty certification is available for coders already working in the field. Maintaining certification requires continuing education credits each year.

More information on certifications is available from the following agencies: