Medical Billing & Coding Job Description & Wages
- Medical billing and coding specialists work for health insurance companies, doctors and hospitals. They are responsible for maintaining accurate records, insurance coding, paperwork, accounts payable and receivable, code entry and patient scheduling. The medical billing and coding specialists fulfill other duties when needed. Many specialists pursue bachelor's and master's degrees to advance to the position of health information manager.
- Medical billing and coding is regulated by the state to ensure that the privacy of patients is maintained, placing responsibility on specialists. The specialists usually work in clean and comfortable environments away from examining rooms. Medical billing and coding specialists usually work 40 hours a week, though part-time positions can be available.
- An associate's degree is needed to work as a medical billing and coding specialist. The degree will prepare the student to take the national certification exam needed to work in the field. The program also teaches students the legal, ethical and regulatory aspects of the coding and billing side of health care. The coding and billing specialists are expected to have strong writing and oral skills. Knowledge of computers and electronic health records also make specialists more marketable.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth for medical coding and billing specialists is expected to grow by 20 percent between 2008 and 2018. Pressures placed on the health care industry by the government and insurance companies have led to an increased need for medical coding and billing specialists.
- According to Payscale.com, as of March 2010, medical coding and billing specialists earn between $11.31 and $14.92 an hour. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports medical coding and billing specialists earn $30,610 a year. The top 10 percent of billing and coding specialists earn $50,060, while the lowest 10 percent earn $20,440, according to the BLS. Colleges and universities pay the most, while franchises pay the least.
