Healthcare is known to be the fastest-growing Industry among job seekers. Even if you don’t want a job in patient care, you’ll still long to pursue a medical coding and billing career. Medical billing includes all administrative work within the healthcare industry. As the healthcare sector expands, career opportunities in the healthcare sector have also expanded. As reported by BLS (Bureau of labor statistics, employment opportunities in the healthcare system, including medical coding and billing specialists, have been projected to rise by 22% between 2016-2026, as reported by BLS (Bureau of labor statistics).

What is the role of a medical biller and coder? 

Medical coding and billing experts use the latest technology to help healthcare workers update all medical procedures and records and receive payment for their services. Professionals in this field assign some standard codes for medical diagnosis and procedures. They enter these standard codes into the patient’s medical record. This is sent to the insurance companies that can process the insurance claims. Medical billing jobs are required in all healthcare facilities from hospitals, medical offices, health departments, and rehabilitation centers.

Salary opportunities for medical billing and coding specialist

As per BLS, medical secretaries earn a median wage of $34610 as 2017. The salary of medical billers and coders varies due to many factors such as the job location, their employer, the setting they work in, the experience they have earned, etc.
BLS data shows that medical secretaries employed in research and development services earn the maximum annual salary of $42780. Medical coding and billing specialists who work for the state government earn a median wage of $42710 every year. If you gain two skilled certifications, then your average salary will be $64, 890 whereas three professional certifications will fetch you an average salary of $70608.

What is the job outlook for medical billing and coding? 

Like most, healthcare careers in medical coding and billing are constantly growing. BLS has estimated that 22% of job opportunities in medical billing will increase by 2026. This increase in jobs increases faster than the average increase of other occupations. Therefore it can be projected that approximately new job openings of around 129000 in the future. If you consider the new estimated job openings, then a career in medical billing and coding can be the right choice. As the growing population continues to age, it is quite certain that people, especially the older generation, will need more medical attention and care. The more number of billing services would mean more processing of insurance claims.

Demanding and rewarding job

Medical coding and billing jobs are expected to increase by 8% by 2029. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this career outlook is double the rate of the national average rise in job growth. In the upcoming eight years, 29000 new jobs will be created for medical billers and coders. The demand for skilled and qualified medical billing and coding specialist will not tend to slow down in the upcoming years. In other words, jobs in this field will rise exponentially as the population of the country ages. This is because the aging population would mean more insurance claims to be submitted for reimbursement from the insurance company as the demand for medical care increases.

Our Medical coding classes help students to earn hands-on experience in the medical billing and coding field. Our Medical coding training  helps you practice and acquire a wide range of skills that you’ll encounter on your job.

Author's Bio: 

Dr Santosh Guptha, CEO – MEDESUN is a dynamic leader in Healthcare Information Management, an expert in the field of coding analysis, EM auditing, and ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-AM Coding with a career span of more than a decade. He was instrumental in developing various ICD-10 coding tools, guides and has authored various ICD-10 training programs, blockchain technology in healthcare etc. Dr.Santosh Guptha has extensive knowledge in all areas of HIPAA, privacy and security, and the application of HIPAA requirements in physician’s offices and facilities settings.