This will require knowledge of the different codes used: The codes are industry-standard alphanumeric combinations used to identify the services being provided and billed. Medical coding is the act of taking a provider’s diagnostic and procedural notes and converting them into the correct codes for record-tracking and billing purposes. Many medical offices will hire the same person to do both jobs, though larger facilities may divide the work into two separate positions-so it’s important to understand the difference between the two roles. However, they are technically two different job functions, each with its own responsibilities and tasks. Job descriptions often combine billing and coding within a single position. The Difference Between Billing and Coding A medical coding and billing specialist will spend a large amount of time at the computer, reviewing, entering, and updating information. While these workers often work in the same healthcare facility where patients go for treatment, this is primarily an office job as opposed to patient-facing clinical work. Following up with patients and insurance companies about outstanding bills.Preparing and sending invoices or claims for payment.Properly coding services, procedures, diagnoses, and treatments.The day-to-day work of a medical coding and billing specialist includes: What Is a Medical Coding and Billing Specialist?Ī medical coding and billing specialist acts as a liaison between the medical office and insurance companies.Ī coding and billing specialist helps the healthcare facility manage insurance claims, invoices, and payments. Since clinical workers are focused on patient care, it often falls to trained specialists to manage the important administrative work of coding and billing to ensure that healthcare providers are reimbursed for their services.ĭoes the idea of working as a billing and coding specialist sound appealing to you? Let's take a look at what's required to make it in this rapidly growing industry. Doctors or office managers may perform these tasks in addition to their other responsibilities, or they may hire one or more staff members to handle these duties.

Demand is projected to rise with the aging population’s need for more healthcare services.Įvery medical facility needs someone to do the medical coding and medical billing for insurance and patient invoices. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) category of medical secretaries collectively, this field has a projected employment increase of 22% between 20, resulting in 129,000 new jobs. These workers are included under the broader U.S. Medical coding and billing specialists work in one of America’s fastest-growing occupations.

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