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What Can You Do With a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate?

Daniel Bal, MS.Ed
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Updated April 18, 2023
Explore a career in medical billing and coding and check out the certifications you need to be successful in this career.
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A young female medical receptionist sitting at her desk while talking with a client. Two doctors are standing while chatting in the background.Credit: David Sacks / The Image Bank / Getty Images

As COVID-19 continues to strain the healthcare system, the demand for trained medical professionals remains high. Along with doctors and nurses, the industry seeks support workers to fill a variety of positions.

Many individuals work behind the scenes to ensure that the healthcare system runs smoothly. Medical billers and coders provide patients and physicians alike with crucial services.

Read on to learn what medical billers and coders do and which credentials they need to succeed in the job market.

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Medical Billing and Medical Coding Certificate Programs

While medical billers and medical coders earn different certifications, many programs combine both into one curriculum. Individuals who complete a medical billing and/or medical coding program can choose from a variety of certifications that reflect their work setting and responsibilities.


What Does a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Do?

Similar to medical and coding academic programs, companies tend to combine both specializations into one category. Both specialists organize, manage, and code patient information for use by medical facilities and insurance companies.

While billers and coders can take on specific positions, such as medical information clerk and medical records analysts, many of their responsibilities overlap. Both roles typically include the following responsibilities:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical records and health information specialists earn a median annual salary of $45,240. The job outlook for both positions also appears positive, with a projected job growth rate of 9% from 2020-2030.

Where Do They Work?

Medical billers and coders work in many settings. According to BLS data, the largest employers include:



33%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals (State, Local, and Private)

10%
Physician’s Offices

7%
Educational Services (State, Local, and Private)

6%
Federal Government

5%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services



The AAPC finds that medical billers and coders most often work in the following settings:

Medical Billing and Coding Frequently Asked Questions


How long do you have to go to school to be a medical coder?

Medical coders must usually hold a high school diploma or GED, although there is no formal education requirement needed to become a coder. Most employers seek candidates with a medical coding certificate. Certification programs take approximately 9-12 months to complete.

Is medical coding and billing hard?

The difficulty of working as a medical coder or biller depends upon the individual. Technologically savvy individuals who like analyzing data and mastering new software tend to find the position easier than those who are more interested in the bigger picture, rather than small details. Ultimately, medical coding and billing is a great career choice for individuals seeking a job in the medical field who want to avoid clinical positions.

How much do medical coders make a year?

According to the BLS, health information technologists, medical registrars, and similar professionals make a median annual salary of $51,840. Medical records and information technologists make the highest salaries in the federal government, where their median annual wage is $99,750.

What is the best medical coding certification?

The best medical coding certification can vary depending on an individual’s desired salary, setting, and responsibilities.

According to the AAPC, annual medical coding and billing salaries are broken down as follows:

Work setting can also help those interested in the field determine the best certification:

When deciding which certification to earn, billers and coders should determine their professional goals to select the most useful credential.



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