Medical coding and billing frequently asked questions:
What is medical coding and billing?
A medical coder reviews and assigns codes to reports that were completed by a physician for services rendered to a patient. A medical biller takes those reports that have been coded and submits claims to insurance companies to get those claims paid.
Is medical coding the same as medical billing?
No, medical coding and billing are two separate functions and tasks, but they are both needed to carry out the coding and billing process.
What is the salary for a medical coder and biller?
Medical coders and billers can earn a good salary. According to the AAPC, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and AHIMA it ranges from 32,350 to 47,870 a year (this is from entry-level to experienced).
How to choose the best online training program?
This is a great question and an important one too. Having the right online training is very important to gain billing knowledge and coding language skills. Choosing the right training school plays a great role when it comes to getting certified and getting employed
What kind of medical coding and billing certification do I need?
The training school you choose will prepare you to take your certification exam once you complete your training program. This is where your training school pays off. You can earn 20% more being a certified coder and this also increased the changes of getting employed faster.
What is a good medical coding and billing school online?
A great online medical coding and billing school is Career Step . A good feature is that you can train online at your own pace and complete their course in 3-4 months. They prepare their students for a rewarding career in medical coding and billing. They also have a high graduation rate, which tells you a lot about their school.
How long does a medical coding and billing training take?
This all depends on which route you take to become a medical coder and biller. Taking a college or vocational course can take you to 6 to 12 months or even two year and you have to attend classes. Taking a course online can take 3-4 months or even 6 months depending on how much time you put into completing your curriculum.
What will you be learning in a medical coding and billing training program?
There is a lot of information which you will learn as a medical coder and biller. You will be learning basic medical terminology, fundamentals of coding and billing, coding guidelines, healthcare structure, confidentiality and ethics, medical records types and formats, and much more.
Which is better AAPC or AHIMA?
The AAPC, awards the CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P and they focus more on outpatient coding and physician coding. The AHIMA, awards the CCS, CCA, CCS-P and they focus on inpatient and outpatient coding. In my opinion, it really boils down to where you want to work and what credential they require.