Code of Ethics for Medical Coding/Billing Specialists

The medical industry requires strict guidelines and ethical safeguards for the protection of patients and medical workers. The field of medical coding and billing falls under the same ethical guidelines as any other part of the medical industry.

Impartiality/Objectivity

• Conflicts of interest should be minimized or absent when dealing with medical billing. Medical billers and coders must adhere to a set of procedures and should not show a preference toward any patient or insurance company.

Confidentiality

• Medical personnel must keep medical information private and not discuss a patient's medical history to third parties. The only parties that should have any knowledge of the patient's health is the patient's health insurance company.

Medical Records Integrity

• Patient's have the right to see their medical records and contest medical bills. The medical billing and coding specialist must comply with a patient's request to view records.

Patient's Rights

• A medical coding and billing specialist, like all medical personnel, must uphold the rights of the patient above all else. Everything that can be done to help the patient must be implemented, while anything that may harm the patient must be avoided.

Professional Integrity

• Medical coders and billing specialists must faithfully report all medical codes to health insurance companies. Medical and coding professionals must put their full effort into completing each medical reimbursement that they process.