What are Some Career Options in Medical Billing and Coding?

<p>To enter the field of medical billing and coding, one must complete high school and then earn a certificate in medical billing and coding from a community college or vocational institute. Graduates from the certificate program may take an entry-level position as a medical biller, medical coder, or a medical biller and coder. However, there are other career options open to individuals looking to work in the field of medical billing and coding. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisCareer">Important Facts about this Career</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Median Pay (2021)</td><td>$48,310 (for all Medical Records Specialists)*</td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>7% growth (for all Medical Records Specialists)*</td></tr> <tr><td>Certification/Licensing</td><td>Preferred by most employers</td></tr> <tr><td>Similar Occupations</td><td>Medical Transcriptionists, Administrative Assistants, Medical and Health Services Managers, Medical Assistants</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---MinimumQualifications">Minimum Qualifications</h3> <p>One may work as a medical biller and coder in a variety of settings. These may include private practices, insurance companies, legal firms, hospitals, accounting offices, nursing homes, or pharmacies. One may also work in the investigation of claims for the government of insurance companies. Additionally, the opportunity may present itself to work as a billing analyst. </p> <h3 id="section---AdvancedEducation">Advanced Education</h3> <p>The position in medical billing and coding is an entry-level one. One may go on to earn an associate's degree in health information technology or a certificate in claims specialist and health insurance coding to become a medical records technician or health information technician. Certification may also be required to work in this profession. With work experience, one may move on to medical records administrator. </p> <h3 id="section---AdditionalOpportunities">Additional Opportunities</h3> <p>There are other career options for individuals interested in working in the field of medical billing and coding that may or may not require additional education and certification. These options include: </p> <ul><li>Data analysis and health statistics </li><li>Legal issues surrounding health information </li><li>Health information tabulation for an insurance firm </li><li>Data collection for a public health department </li><li>Research assistant for a public health agency </li><li>Management and administration in a medical insurance claims department</li></ul>