How To Learn Medical Billing And Coding

October 15, 2019

How To Learn Medical Billing And Coding

Many careers in the field of healthcare are growing. As the population ages and as the field grows increasingly digital, Medical Records professionals are in-demand. The job outlook is strong; employment in the profession is expected to grow at 11% between now and 2028, which is much faster than the average for most professions.*

These professionals, also known as Medical Billing and Coding Technicians, are an essential part of the healthcare team. If you want job security and are looking for a career where you can make a difference, read on to learn more about how to learn medical billing and coding.

What is Medical Coding?

Medical Coding requires knowing how to keep and record medical information. Technicians ensure that patient information is accurate, secure, and accessible to medical professionals and insurance providers. Reviewing patient records, organizing data, using classification software, and maintaining electronic records are all essential duties in the occupation.

What soft skills do I need?

If this career sounds attractive, you should assess whether your soft skills—the attributes you’ve developed over your life—will help you in your training and career. 

Integrity is important for health technicians, because one of their major responsibilities is protecting sensitive patient information. Analytical and detail-oriented people can succeed in this occupation because the data must be accurate, and technicians must understand medical records and diagnoses.

How to get started?

If you possess those personal attributes and are interested in working with patient data and technology, it’s time to take the next step. Most jobs in the field require postsecondary education. . You can learn billing software, insurance claims reimbursement, data protection, and other necessary skills.

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm (visited October 07, 2019).