Medical Billing and Coding vs. Nursing

Are you interested in working in the healthcare field but unsure of the best and quickest way to start? Two of the more popular options are nursing and medical billing and coding. As you’re planning your education and career, it might help to understand the similarities and differences between nursing and coding.

Each has different certifications and salary ranges. Some nurses choose to switch careers to medical biller and coder after working in clinical practice. The added nursing experience can increase medical billing and coding job opportunities.

As baby boomers age, the number of people with one or more chronic illnesses will increase. Individuals with heart disease, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes add pressure on the healthcare system, which means there will be a greater need for nurses and higher demand for medical billers and coders in the coming years.

In this guide, discover the different requirements needed to become a nurse or a medical biller and coder and which may be the best choice for you.

Both career paths are good opportunities. Nursing is clinically oriented and focuses on delivering patient care and improving patient outcomes. Nurses can enter the field three ways. The first two paths involve becoming a registered nurse (RN). Students can complete a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.

The third nursing path students can take is a 12- to 18-month licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) program. The terms LPN and LVN are interchangeable to identify the same position.

Medical billing and coding focus on accurate data entry, which is necessary for reimbursement. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers a 16-week course for medical billing. The AAPC course for medical coders is self-paced.

Here’s a quick comparison between nursing and coding that outlines educational requirements, certifications, and salaries.

Although the two careers appear unrelated, since one is clinical and the other is data driven, they are complementary. Medical billing and coding is a less expensive and often quicker way of entering the healthcare field.

Billers and coders who are interested in nursing after certification can work remotely while going to nursing school. They will have a foundation in not only anatomy and physiology but also medical terminology.

RNs who have an interest in delving into data and ensuring appropriate reimbursement for hospitals and clinics may find an RN coder career fulfilling. Certified RN coders are in high demand. They work alongside medical billers to ensure accurate coding and offer expertise in refiling appeals, advocating for patients, and protecting against insurance fraud.

There are three common paths to become a nurse. The shortest and sometimes least expensive is to become an LPN versus RN. You may also choose a two-year ADN program or a four-year BSN program to become a registered nurse. Admission requirements, program costs, and clinical responsibilities differ for each role.

Medical billing and coding fill important administrative functions, often in an office environment. Programs are available to teach students the necessary terminology, coding system, and medical law and ethics to do their jobs.

However, it is not necessary to have a formal education to pass the certification examination. Some candidates get on-the-job training and work for two years before taking the certification examination.

A program’s difficulty may depend on whether you enjoy learning the concepts and employing them each day. For some, the clinical skills and bedside care required to be a nurse may be uncomfortable. For others, pouring over medical charts to determine the correct codes may be tedious.

Yes! To become an RN coder, nurses have the advantage of starting with a strong knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. For some nurses, working as an RN coder is a progression in their career development.

No! Medical coders are in high demand as healthcare continues to expand and grow. Every provider uses coded documentation to apply for reimbursement. While the technology may change, healthcare providers continue to need medical coders to translate their documentation into codes readable by insurance companies and other third-party payers.

RNs who become medical coders are called RN coders. They are highly sought after, and an RN coder salary can be comparable to a nurse. Once certified, Glassdoor reports an average annual base salary of $71,490 as of September 2021. However, to be fully certified by the AAPC, an RN coder must also have two years of medical coding experience.

Both nursing and medical billing and coding are strong choices to enter healthcare. Each has advantages and disadvantages. What one person finds an advantage may be challenging to another.

As you review your options, evaluate the factors that play a significant role in your career path. For example, if your interest lies in data analysis, then medical coding may be the better option. Remember to factor in the program’s length and cost in addition to your salary potential. A second option is to combine nursing and coding, like many RNs coders have done.

Nursing experience and medical coding certification allow you to ensure that people are being charged correctly for services and to prevent insurance fraud. This career combination also keeps you in healthcare while enjoying a better work-life balance.

The choice is yours so spend time considering your options and determining what would work best in your life situation.