Medical Billing and Coding Jobs

Are you choosing between medical billing and coding jobs? Here are some comparisons that might help you choose.

Differences between medical billing and coding jobs

Let's do some comparisons. In terms of education, there is no nationally accepted certification for applying to medical billing jobs. However, two nationally respected groups that offer certification are the American Health Information Management Association and the American Association of Medical Billers. People seeking medical coding jobs typically have an associate's degree and then progress toward certification. Certification is not mandatory but many coding professionals who post messages on Coder Net report that certification needs to come from a reputable organization such as the American Academy of Professional Coders and American Health Information Management Association.

In terms of work environment, most medical billing jobs require very little public contact though you'll interact with insurance representatives, coders and health care providers. Compared to medical billing, coding jobs require even less public contact and involves working “behind the scenes” in an office setting.

When it comes to wages, medical billing jobs pay a national median wage of $28,680 though a highly experienced biller can command a much larger salary upwards of $50,000 annually. For a medical coder with 1-3 years experience, the national median wage is $36,229. Medical billers may move into other career paths such as The Alliance of Claims Assistance Professionals who work on behalf of patients or may find jobs within insurance companies. RNs with their clinical knowledge of procedures and job skills in medical coding are highly desirable employees and invaluable as part of the health care team. While there is an anticipated growth rate of 36% in medical coding jobs within the next 10 years, this needs to be balanced with the knowledge that the rate of turnover in this field tends to be high as the field attracts women who often leave their jobs to raise families. Another employment trend in both fields is that hospitals are increasing medical coding and billing jobs through temp agencies as one way to review employee performance without making the commitment of hiring.

When looking at a job in medical billing or medical coding or both, you can't go wrong by talking to others in the field as well as contacting the health care providers in your community. Getting knowledge of job requirements is a great way to know if you are working on the job path that is right for you.

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