Medical Biller & Coder projected job growth through 2032: 8.5%
The healthcare industry generates mounds of paperwork, and it takes armies of trained professionals keep hospitals, doctor’s offices, and insurance companies on the same page.
Medical transcriptionists work with doctors and other healthcare providers, turning audio recordings about patient care into written notes that go into a patient’s file.
Medical coders work with those files, making sure they’re up-to-date and they comply with federal regulations and insurance requirements. Medical billers (a subset of medical coders) submit claims to insurance companies, Medicare, and others.
The Key Differences
Here’s more detail about how these careers, which both play a vital role in keeping the healthcare system running smoothly, differ:
Job Duties
Medical Biller & Coder
- Assign alphanumeric codes to illnesses, injuries, and medical procedures
- Submit claims for reimbursement
- Advise providers on best documentation practices
Medical Transcriptionist
- Listen to audio recordings made by doctors and other health care professionals and convert them into written reports
- Edit drafts prepared by speech recognition software for accuracy and style consistency
- Pinpoint inconsistencies or errors and follow up with medical professionals
Education
Medical Biller & Coder
Medical Transcriptionist
Licensing and Certification
Medical Biller & Coder
Medical Transcriptionist
Median Annual Salaries and Job Growth
You can compare national salaries for both professions below.
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average for all jobs is 3% through 2032. Here’s how medical billers and coders and transcriptionists compare.
Medical Transcriptionist projected job growth through 2032: -3.8%
What’s Next?
- Medical Biller & Coder: Getting certified as an advanced or specialty coder is one way to advance your career.
- Medical Transcriptionist: Getting certified as a Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) or Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) can help you stand out when applying for jobs.
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