How to Make a Career Out Of Medical Billing And Medical Coding

 The field of medical coding and billing is just as vast as the other fields in the medical industry itself, though much easier to get into. Anyone with basic clerical and/or medical education is probably well qualified for the position; however, specific course education is an essential part to securing a high-paying medical coding and billing position. If you are interested in pursuing a career in medical coding and billing, the steps to get there are quite straightforward and relatively easy to complete.

 STEP 1- Look for a job that is hiring entry-level employees that will help you learn the field of medical billing, coding, and insurance. If you are not interested in working just yet begin by deciding on a specific field in coding and billing, then look for an institution of higher learning and begin learning your new trade. Many community colleges, universities, and even online universities will offer the opportunity to learn the courses needed for a career in medical coding and billing. Most schools require that you take courses in medical terminology. It will most likely also be a requirement for you to take courses covering coding, including HCPCS codes, CPT, ICD-9, and the other general basics.

STEP 2 – Whether you worked for a company or went to an institution of higher education you should now get certified. Once you have completed your education, either on-the-job or in college, you will need to complete some certification tests that are relatively easy to anyone maintaining a 2.5 GPA and higher, though an actual job may want to see a higher GPA. The certification tests are easy to register for, and some areas may even offer a variety of convenient test locations and times. Once the testing has been completed, finding a position is quite easy. With the medical industry growing by leaps and bounds with our longer life-spans and with our aging society, the need for medical coding and billing specialists has never been higher.

STEP 3 – After certification find a work from home position. Beware of work from home scams asking you to pay first before you begin working.

 

If you enjoy working in an office setting or working independently, then medical coding and billing may be a great choice for you. People who are looking for a job to make money from home also may find this industry very beneficial. Working in medical coding and billing is great for people that prefer to work alone as you will have minimal need to interact with others other than occasional phone calls or emails. If you are uncomfortable in a sales or management type office job, but prefer an office setting then medical coding and billing will be a good fit for you too.

As with any career field, it is faster and easier if you already know which sort of medical coding and billing position you want to achieve, though this can of course be changed and modified as you work towards completing your education.

Once you have decided on the what and where, next you need to start on the how. The cost of the education varies greatly and may have even played a role into selecting how you want to learn your courses. There are a variety of scholarships and grants available, and your current job may even offer tuition reimbursement for some or all of the courses you take.