Medical Billing & Coding

Medical Billing & Coding Degrees

Medical coding and billing programs give you the training needed to help facilitate third party medical payment and reimbursement, by preparing and processing health insurance claims forms. You’ll learn how to convert information from medical records into designated codes for diagnoses and procedures; prepare and process claims forms manually and by computer; analyze benefits; and create accurate billing records. Certificates and associate’s degree programs are available to train those who want to find work in this field.

Certificate programs in medical billing and coding will vary in length, but generally can be completed in less than a year. Although certificate programs will train you as a coder, associate’s degrees are most common among coders entering the field. Associate’s degree programs require 2 years of study, and will provide students with both a general education and the skills needed to work as a coder.

Job Opportunities in Medical Billing & Coding

Medical coding and billing specialists work for hospitals, doctors’ offices, insurance companies, HMOs, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. Work opportunities are especially good for coders who work through temporary help agencies or professional services firms.

The job outlook is very good for all people who are trained to work with medical records, and those with experience in medical coding are in particularly high demand. That’s because the insurance claims process is increasingly complex, and because workers must have a higher level of skill than before to work with electronic records.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition