Medical Billers and Coders are responsible for processing patient data including medical records and related insurance. In this position, you will code a patient’s diagnosis and then request payment from the patient’s insurance company. You will play an important role in ensuring that healthcare providers are quickly and accurately paid for the treatment they give patients.

Yes. Medical coders translate patient care and medical procedures into current procedural terminology (CPT) codes, and they use the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) to code diagnoses. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the medical services provided are accurately coded. Medical terminology is essential for understanding clinical documentation before codes are assigned. Medical billers are responsible for creating a claim based on the codes a medical coder provides. Many professionals in this area do both medical billing and medical coding. Coded data also supports broader healthcare reporting by helping track disease trends and manage resources.

Entry-level positions typically require a high school diploma or GED as the minimum starting requirement before completing a certificate, pursuing an associate degree program in medical billing and coding, or following a certified medical billing credential path. Employers often prefer candidates with certification over those without. Additionally, medical billing and coding professionals must understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). State licensing requirements vary by state for medical billing professionals.

In most cases, it takes between one and three years to become a medical biller and coder. Earning a medical billing and coding certification can take up to one year, while earning an associate degree can take up to three years.

Obtaining a CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification implies that an individual has met competencies in the field of medical billing and coding. These industry certification exams are administered by independent third parties. Certification is invaluable to the student’s career goals. Students have an opportunity to make confident, informed decisions about the national certification they prefer.

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is the gold standard entry-level coding certification for physician, or professional fee, coders.

The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is an entry-level medical coding certification across all settings–physician practices and inpatient hospitals.

The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is currently an entry-level medical billing certification for physician practices. In the summer of 2021, the exam will transition to an entry-level billing and coding certification, with the inclusion of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II testing, and students may also consider the coding specialist certification exam based on their career goals. Certification can support long-term advancement, but continuing education remains important as coding guidelines and payer rules change.

U.S. News & World Report ranked medical records technicians (professionals who perform medical billing, medical coding, or both) as #9 on its list of “25 Best Jobs that Don’t Require a College Degree,” #12 in “Best Health Care Support Jobs,” and on the “The 100 Best Jobs” list.