Medical Billing and Coding Clerk
Even though the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics categorizes medical billing and coding as two separate occupations, this site (in keeping with modern degree programs) will combine the disciplines because of their connection within the health care field.Medical billing clerks are responsible for recording costs and preparing invoices to be sent out to customers. The occupation requires meticulous data entry and strong proofreading and recordkeeping skills, as well as thorough knowledge of any software used in the billing process. Medical record coders handle the coding of patients' medical records for insurance purposes. Coders will consult classification manuals and use their knowledge of disease and medicine to assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure. With the help of computer software, medical record coders then place patients in their respective diagnosis groups and assess any reimbursements that their facility will receive for treating these patients. This job calls for an exhaustive knowledge of coding systems and frequent contact with insurance agencies.
Clerks in charge of medical billing and coding typically work in hospitals, nursing care facilities, physicians' offices, and outpatient care centers. This is one of the only health care occupations where little to no patient interaction is required. When applying for positions that combine medical billing and coding, an associate's degree or higher is preferred. In 2006, the median salary for billing clerks in the U.S. was $28,850 a year. The middle 50 percent of medical record coders made between $22,420 and $35,990 annually. The salary for a position that merges these two fields generally falls towards the higher end of that pay scale. [Figures including job projections, reported median incomes, and salary estimates were revised to reflect data from 2006 on 2/20/08.]