What do medical billing and coders do?
Medical billers:
* Prepare and send medical bills to patients and insurance companies.
* Follow up on unpaid medical bills.
* Negotiate with insurance companies for payment of medical bills.
* Manage patient accounts.
* Provide customer service to patients and insurance companies.
Medical coders:
* Assign medical codes to diagnoses and procedures performed by healthcare professionals.
* Ensure that medical codes are accurate and complete.
* Review medical records for accuracy.
* Educate healthcare professionals on proper medical coding practices.
* Stay up-to-date on the latest medical coding changes.
Both medical billers and medical coders must have a strong understanding of medical terminology and medical billing and coding procedures. They must also be able to work independently and as part of a team. They also need to possess strong customer service skills.
Medical billing and coding is a growing field as the healthcare industry continues to expand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of medical billers and medical coders will grow 15% between 2019 and 2029.
Here are some additional facts about medical billing and coding:
* The average annual salary for medical billers is $38,550.
* The average annual salary for medical coders is $42,400.
* The job outlook for medical billers and medical coders is very good.
* Many medical billers and medical coders work for hospitals, physician groups, and insurance companies.
* Some medical billers and medical coders work from home.
Medical billing and coding is a great career choice for people who enjoy a combination of administrative, analytical, and customer service tasks.