The healthcare industry is advancing at its full pace. Various trends have come out of the box to aid the industry effectively. Medical billing and coding software is such a good term. It not only has automated the entire billing process but has provided pace and accuracy in the billing pattern. Both terms are meticulously related and form part of the patient’s reimbursement cycle.
The article today explains these two terms closely. It also explains how medical billing and coding specialists are making huge money. Yes, the career in medical coding and billing has skyrocketed from the previous years. A record states that a medical biller & coder can earn around $34,610 annually. It is a whopping amount. Therefore, it is better to gain a detailed account of the medical billing and coding salary.
What is Medical Billing & Coding?
Here we will study both of the terms separately. So at first, we would be going with the medical coding term. After that, we will read about medical billing procedures.
Medical Coding Definition
In a general sense, medical coding is like translating patient information into codes. Any information provided by the patient about their health is transmitted into codes by the medical coding specialists. The expert then writes a separate code for any injury, diagnosis, medical procedure, etc.
Medical Billing Definition,
On the other hand, medical billing begins when medical coding ends. The medical billing experts take the patient information from the coders and convert them into insurance bills, termed claims. The professional utilizes the information, like symptoms, doctor’s diagnosis, prescription, etc., and then generates claims.
Medical Billing Software Features
Front-edge web-based Medical Billing Software allows medical organizations to customize their coding and billing process to expand profitability, reduce errors and accelerate claim reimbursements. Although every practice and medical facility needs software that is flexible and fit for their organization that allows them a customized billing and procedure and process. For understanding the use of this telemedicine, here are some medical billing software features you must need for the financial stability of an enterprise.
What Are The Factors Affecting Medical Billing & Coding Salary?
The medical billing and coding profession looks pretty fascinating in terms of payments. The candidates who pursue this profession are highly skilled and are paid a mesmerizing salary. So let us understand what impacts the medical billing & coding payout.
1. Industry Standards
The wages of the medical billers & coders highly depend upon industry standards. Like during the pandemic and flu, healthcare providers have noticed a considerable number of patients. It means recording all such information in the coded format and processing claims; the organization will need medical billers and coders.
It’s simple economics that medical billing & coding specialists will get a high wage if the industry has a high demand. The availability of workloads will make them hire medical billing & coding experts at the demanded salary.
2. Medical Billing & Coding Salary By Location
Some states are still developing, which usually can’t pay a decent amount to practitioners. Similarly, nations with developed economies welcome practitioners with a whopping salary.
Another statistic believes that countries with a pandemic hit very hard are still struggling with their economies. Such nations cannot afford a higher wage for those who have successfully overcome pandemics.
3. Salary By Experience
The salary of medical billing & coding workers also depends upon their skill set and experience. A fresher with a minimum of 6 months of experience will get comparatively less wage than a candidate with a year or more experience.
Simultaneously, it also depends upon the certification of the candidate. Medical billers and coders without certification will likely earn less salary than candidates. Thus, you must obtain a certification with relevant experience to get a decent salary.
4. Specialization
Specialty in the specific branch also makes you capable of churning an excellent wage from the healthcare provider. Specialization in what you do is a way to make settled career choices. It can be one of the following:
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
- Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)
- Certified Documentation Expert Outpatient (CDEO)
- Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)
So these were the primary criteria that impact the salary in different nations for medical billing & coding jobs.
What Is the Medical Billing & Coding Salary?
After going through the factors affecting the medical biller & coding expert salary, let’s get started with the average medical coder & biller salary.
A medical secretary who works in scientific research and development services earns around $42,780, the highest amount paid annually. Similarly, the specialist who works with the state government earns around $42 710 per year.
Not only this, the top 10% in the field earn more than $50,340 a year. Moreover, if the candidates manage to obtain a certification in their respective fields, they can enjoy a very exclusive salary. Below is an estimated chart provided by aapc.com for a better understanding of the candidate:
Now, this was the salary stated by the certification pattern. The following section would describe the applicants’ salary based on their workplace and service rendered. Take a look!!
What Are The Simple Steps For Becoming A Medical Biller & Coder?
After checking out the vast medical billing & coding salary offered, let us understand the process of becoming one. Here are a few steps to make you a medical biller & coder.
1. Right Education
To become a medical coder, you have three options after graduation. These three are a Certificate program, An associate degree, or a Bachelor’s degree. Certification is the most sought program as it takes less time, and offers huge perks and salaries. So choose wisely before you begin your journey.
2. Get Preliminary Credentialing
All the institutions from which the candidate is taking education prepare them for the preliminary credentialing exam. The first option comes as the certified coding associate (CCA) credential. The second option is to earn the registered health information technology (RHIT) credential.
3. Relevant Work Experience
Once you have earned your medical billing & coding degree or certification, it’s high time to get into a workplace for practicing the same. Join professional associations like AHIMA or the AAPC using your resources for best practice and service.
4. Continue Your Studies
It is always suggested to continue learning all the great things available, whether at your workplace or in the outside world. Keep learning, gaining relevant experience, and performing your duties with full consent.
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Request A QuoteWhat Is The Job Role Of A Medical Coder & Billing Expert?
Once you become a medical billing & coding specialist, let’s discuss the job responsibility.
- Review medical data promptly.
- Keep data well organized at all times.
- Making medical records complete and accurate.
- Input clinical codes into medical classification software so that providers and patients can get reimbursed by insurance companies.
- Enter healthcare records in the proper format required for medical registries and databases.
- Track patient outcomes for quality assessment.
- Maintain comprehensive electronic records so medical personnel can retrieve, analyze, and report on data when needed.
- Assure that patients’ data is kept confidential at all times.
- Review a patient’s medical records for any preexisting conditions and previous care to ensure that the data is coded the right way.
- Use the correct codes when a patient gets a medical diagnosis to help healthcare providers administer proper care, assist health statisticians in tracking population data, and ensure healthcare facilities submit the necessary information to obtain reimbursement from insurance.
- Liaise between the healthcare facility and insurance companies.
Conclusion:
So these were the details on medical billing & coding salary. A proper certificate and education will provide you with the job, but only your skills and talent will make you succeed.
FAQs
1. How much can I expect to earn as a medical biller and coder?
The average salary varies by country and region-wise. For instance, a medical biller and coder earns around $44,000 per year in the United States.
2. Where do medical billers and coders typically work?
Medical billers and coders typically work in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and other healthcare facilities.
3. Can medical billing and coding be done remotely or from home?
Yes, medical billing and coding can be done remotely or from home, especially with the availability of electronic health record systems.
4. What is the salary of a Medical Coder after 5 years?
The salary of a medical coder after 5 years can be between $45,000 to $60,000 per year. It varies depending on experience, location, and industry.
5. What is the salary of an HCC coder in India?
In India, an HCC coder, based on experience, skills, and employer, can earn in the range from INR 2,00,000 to INR 6,00,000 per year.
6. What are the common career paths for medical billers and coders?
Common career paths for medical billers and coders include medical coding supervisor, medical coding auditor, and medical billing manager.
7. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the medical billing and coding industry?
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for accurate and efficient medical billing and coding practices, as well as telehealth services.
