The medical field is one that’s growing at a rapid rate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment in the healthcare industry to grow by 20 percent between 2016 and 2026. The demand for qualified professionals in the medical coding and billing field continues to grow as well. These remote jobs allow you to work from home, which is perfect if you want to avoid a lengthy commute or have other obligations that make it difficult to leave your home office on a regular basis. Read on to learn more about what these remote jobs involve, what types of roles they offer, and how you can break into this rewarding field as soon as possible.
What is Medical Coding and Billing?
Medical coding and billing is the process of assigning codes to medical services and procedures so that healthcare providers can accurately bill for those services. It’s also the process of assigning diagnosis and treatment codes for patients’ health conditions so that their insurance companies can correctly cover their healthcare expenses. Coding and billing are two distinct stages that are both important for healthcare providers’ financial operations. Coding is the process of assigning a code to a medical service or supply that reflects the type of service provided. It’s important because it enables medical providers to accurately bill for the procedures they perform. Billing, on the other hand, is the process of sending codes to a patient’s insurance company so that they can receive payment for the service they provided. What medical coding and billing specialists do is review medical records, discuss the diagnosis, and research the latest code updates to ensure they correctly code the patient’s diagnosis and procedure.
Types of Jobs in Medical Coding and Billing
As you explore remote jobs in medical coding and billing, you’ll notice that there are a wide range of positions available. Some of the most common positions include: – Anesthesia coders – These coders specialize in anesthesia billing and follow up. They often work for a hospital or anesthesiologist’s office. – Billing analyst – These professionals oversee the billing process and make sure that patients receive prompt payment from their insurance companies. They also often collect payments from patients on the hospital’s behalf. – Claims coder – These coders specialize in insurance claims. They use billing information and diagnosis codes to ensure that patients receive proper payment from their insurance companies. – Compliance officer – These professionals ensure that healthcare providers are compliant with government regulations. They often work for insurance companies or third-party vendors that provide medical coding and billing services. – Data entry clerk – Data entry clerks perform basic data entry tasks, typically to input medical procedure information into a computer system. They often work remotely and receive medical coding training to perform their job. – Medical biller – Medical billers specialize in the post-billing process. They input patient information into billing systems and create bills for patients.
How to Become a Certified Coding Specialist
To become a certified coding specialist, you’ll need to earn an associate’s degree in healthcare information management. You may also be able to complete a certificate program to break into the field. As you start your training, you can begin developing your coding skills by taking free online coding courses and participating in webinars. Once you’ve earned your degree, you’ll need to pass a certification exam. Some of the most popular certification exams include the Healthcare Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Certified Coding Associate (CCA), the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), and the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). You can prepare to take these exams by enrolling in an online coding boot camp or by taking a medical coding online class.
Skill Requirements for Medical Coders and Billers
All medical coding and billing jobs require strong communication skills since you’ll be communicating with patients and other healthcare providers on a regular basis. You’ll also likely be working closely with other medical coders, so the ability to collaborate with others is important, too. You’ll also need strong attention to detail, since medical billing often requires meticulous record-keeping. In addition to these essential skills, you’ll also want to focus on developing your coding skills and expertise. By completing coding certification training, you’ll be able to demonstrate your coding skills and build your resume. Medical coding and billing jobs often require that you have extensive computer skills, as well. You’ll likely be working in a computer-based environment, so it’s important that you’re comfortable with computers. You should be familiar with basic computer functions, including how to use a word processing program, send emails, and use the internet.
Other Requirement for remote jobs in medical coding and billing
As you begin your job search, you’ll notice that many companies also require that you have a clean criminal record. Many companies also require that you have a license, such as a RHIA or CPC license, to work as an insurance claims coder. Other requirements may include that you have a unique skill, that you have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or that you have previous remote work experience. Before you begin your search, make sure you’ve checked the companies’ requirements to see if you meet the standards. This will help you to narrow your search and find the best remote jobs for you as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
Medical coding and billing is a rewarding career with plenty of flexibility. While the work is often tedious and detail-oriented, many coders and billers report enjoying their work because they are typically working independently and on their own schedule. Because the field is growing so quickly, you’ll find plenty of remote jobs to choose from, including part-time and full-time opportunities. The best thing you can do as soon as possible is start researching companies that offer remote work and sign up for coding certification training.