Medical Billing and Coding

N ow is a good time to train for a career in medical coding and billing. As Americans are aging and requiring broader access to healthcare, the job growth outlook for medical billing and coding specialists is expected to grow by 11% from 2018 to 2028; much faster than average occupations.

If you are interest in a non-clinical role in the healthcare industry, training for medical billing and coding career could be the right path for you! 

What is Medical Billing and Coding?

When a patient visits a doctor, for each diagnosis, treatment or service performed, there is a numeric or alphanumeric code that is entered in the patient’s file. Medical billing and coding specialists must ensure the correct coding is entered for all services provided by the physician, and then preparing and processing claims for payment.

Is Medical Billing and Coding Important and Should I Consider it as a Career?

Most healthcare practices are using or in the process of transitioning to electronic health records (EHR), to get into step with health organizations, insurance companies and government agencies so learning medical billing and coding prepares you for the growing and in-demand career.

What Education and Training do I Need to Become a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist?

To enter this career field, you do need an education beyond high school. Earning a certificate is the minimum requirement, earning a diploma or Associate’s degree is your best bet to getting hired.

What Will I learn in a Medical Billing and Coding Course?

You will learn medical diagnostic coding (ICD), and procedure coding (CPT), as well as medical terminology and how to use medical billing and health insurance software. Some programs also include a clinical externship at a medical office or facility.

Finding the right Medical Coding and Billing Program

Many colleges and vocational schools offer programs, both online and in class, so it’s important to contact each school to find out what training option will work best for you.

Also check if the program is accredited from accreditors such as Commission of Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) or the Some programs  provide training and preparation for certification exams given by the AAPC or the American Health Information Management Association, as an example.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics Sept 1, 2020