Medical billing and coding is a flexible and sustainable career that gives you the option to work in-office, from home, or even start your own business, but you’ll need the proper training and education to qualify you for work opportunities. Career Step provides a training solution that you have you job-ready in about a year!
Currently, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, the field of medical records and health information technicians (which includes medical billers and coders) is expected to increase by 13% (faster than average) through 2026.
What Does a Medical Biller and Coder Do?
Medical billers and coders translate providers’ medical records that indicate the details of each patient’s visit since there are specific medical terms that are used in these records. They translate the terminology into diagnosis and procedure codes that are then submitted and used by different providers and insurance companies.
Medical billers and coders also access medical records to obtain sensitive information used to keep track of patient data over multiple visits which ensure they are being billed and reimbursed accurately.
Other responsibilities include:
- Using codes to bill insurance providers
- Interacting with physicians and assistants to ensure accuracy
- Managing detailed, specifically-coded information
- Maintaining patient confidentiality
How Much Can You Earn as a Medical Biller and Coder?
According to PayScale, the average pay for a medical biller and coder is $17.88 per hour, with experienced workers earning around $25 per hour.
The annual salary ranges between $27,566 and $55,152 depending on experience, employer, and location.
What You Need to Start a Home-Based Career in Medical Billing and Coding
Aside from having your own computer with a reliable internet connection if you plan on working from home, you’ll need to have a private dedicated work space in a secure location to abide by health privacy laws (HIPAA) so no one else can access the medical records you deal with.
Another important thing you’ll need to get started is obtain the proper training and education from a reputable program. A certification is not always required, but it will help you land a quality job.
If you want to become certified, you’ll need to pass a test after your training to become certified and prove you can take on tasks like:
- Translating medical terms for procedures and treatments into codes that can be used by providers and insurance companies
- Understanding insurance guidelines along with the claims submission process and protocol
- Properly filling out complex insurance claim forms
- Analyzing Explanation of Benefits forms which helps verify insurance companies have paid for charges
Medical coding and billing is a great career field to get into especially since you can work from home and train from home with programs like Career Step.
What Is Career Step and How Does It Work?
Career Step is an online healthcare education and training solutions website for students focused on gaining employment, advancing their careers, and professional development.
You can take continuing education courses in the healthcare field from the comfort of your own home and gain the skills you need to start a new career in just 3-12 months.
Career Step develops the curriculum for their programs based on industry needs and works with employers to identify those needs to ensure you’re being properly educated.
Career Step Tuition and Fees
Career Step’s tuition prices vary depending on the program you choose.
The Professional Medical Coding and Billing program, which includes a voucher to take the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exam, costs $3,699.
You have the option to choose a 12-month payment plan with 8% interest.
If you need help with funding, your state may have assistant available through its Workforce Services or Vocational Rehabilitation programs so you’ll need to look into them.
If you’re active duty or a military veteran, you are eligible for funding assistance for you or your spouse for the program of your choice.
Medical Billing and Coding Training
Career Step’s Medical Billing and Coding training program is employer trusted, AHIMA-approved (American Health Information Management Association), and ready to help you prepare for industry credentials so you can land a well-paying new career.
The program is designed to be completed within 4 months of full-time study; however, you can study at your own pace and will have access to the training materials for a full 12 months after enrollment.
The Professional Medical Coding and Billing program includes three main sections:
Foundations: This is the first section that teaches you the basic computer fundamentals needed for the job, along with the health information management process, and reimbursement methodologies.
Biomedical Sciences: This section will teach you all about medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, so you can correctly assign codes.
Coding Training: The third and final section will teach you about all the different code sets and how to use them. You’ll be able to practice coding medical records and reports as well.
The training program includes:
- Complete online access to expert-created curriculum
- Access to 3M encoding software
- ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS industry codebooks
- AHA ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS Handbook
- One-on-one support from trainers and technical support team
- Career support designed to help you turn your education into a job
- A voucher to take the CPC national certification exam upon graduation (a $425 value)
Career Step Reviews
Overall, the Career Step medical billing and coding program has received positive feedback. Students like how the training is self-paced but mention that you have to put a lot of work and effort into it.
It’s worth mentioning that while Career Step will help assist you with finding a job after successfully completing the training, there’s no guarantee and you’ll have to do your part to find employment as well.
Make sure that you conduct full research before you commit to this or any program.
Do you have experience as a medical biller? Please share in comments!
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