Careers in Medical Billing and Coding

By Karen Lawson
Karen.Lawson@medicalhealthcarecareerschools.com
Medical Health Care Career School Columnist

You've always wanted a medical career, but don't have time for a nursing program or medical school. A two-year degree in health-records management can prepare you for a variety of medical coding and billing jobs. These degree programs provide an associate's degree and qualify you for positions performing medical coding, billing and records management.

Two-Year Programs Provide Training

Coding specialists assign codes to diagnoses and medical conditions. These codes are determined through a system used by medical facilities and insurance companies. The use of coding streamlines and standardizes medical billing and record-keeping procedures. Health-records technicians serve as liaisons between medical care providers, insurance companies, and patients. Attention to detail is essential, and general knowledge of medical procedures and terminology is necessary. Your course work may include anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, accounting, records management, and a variety of business courses. It's important to choose an accredited program; otherwise, you may not qualify for the credentialing required for employment.

Medical Billing and Coding Jobs: Growing Opportunities

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects better than average growth for medical records, billing and coding jobs through 2014. About 40 percent of health-care information positions are in hospitals, with the balance in doctor's offices, outpatient clinics and extended-care facilities. These jobs require little or no contact with patients, and you can advance through specializing in office management or coding. If you are detail-minded, well organized, and interested in health care, medical billing jobs can offer great career potential.

Source
Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Karen Lawson is a freelance writer whose interests include health-care ethics and medical humanities. She earned an MA in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Posted on: June 2, 2006