Patients hand over a lot of personal data when they visit the doctor.
When they do, this sensitive information is in the hands of medical billing and coding professionals who make up an exciting career path in healthcare.
Medical billing and coding workers enter information into databases and other systems to help insurance companies and healthcare providers speak the same universal language, and it can be a rewarding and profitable career.
Here are six reasons to pursue an online certificate in medical billing and coding attending to embark on a new path in your career:
1. You Can Get Working Fast
If you’re looking to fast-track your career, consider completing a program that offers medical billing and coding classes. You can find online certificates and associate degrees in medical billing and coding to make it easy for you to fit this new pursuit into your day-to-day life.
Many medical billing and coding classes or certificate programs only require a high school diploma for admission to the program. You won’t even need any previous experience in healthcare.
Undergraduate certificates in medical billing and coding can take as little as one year to complete in accelerated programs or for qualifying students. And with so many online training options, eager individuals can transition to a career in medical billing and coding much faster than many other occupations.
2. You Can Save Lives
The intricate process of medical billing and coding requires strict attention to detail. Entering the wrong codes can impact treatment paths for sick patients, some of which could be life-altering. When translating physicians’ reports into useful medical codes, you don’t simply input a set of random numbers. You verify the codes are correct for those providing treatment. Catching an error potentially saves lives.
3. You Can Make a Good Living
Medical coders and billers make an average of $45,000 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Future leaders in this job sector could work their education and experience up to the Health Service Manager level and bring home a six-figure salary. A Health Information Manager is responsible for oversight of all the coding work in a healthcare setting. They not only need to have extensive knowledge of current codes, but they will also need to be on the cutting-edge of new codes as they evolve.
4. You Will Be In Demand
This job sector is projected to grow 9% by 2030, with more than 34,000 jobs expected to be added each year. As the population ages and a health-centric society seeks treatment, the medical billing and coding field will grow and innovate, and you can be part of that change.
5. You Can Advance in Your Career
There are various certifications and specializations in the field of medical billing and coding. For example, if you have an interest in or passion for working in the cancer field, you can become a Certified Tumor Registrar. Ongoing education at the college level can open doors in the fields of business and psychology. Employers may even offer tuition reimbursement for this education.
6. You Have Job Security
Healthcare costs in the United States hit $3.8 trillion in 2019, meaning here’s job security due to the ongoing need for medical care. Medical coding and billing professionals play an important part within the healthcare system and they are appreciated for their focused skill sets and ability to keep the healthcare system running efficiently and accurately.
Considering a Career Change?
If you’re considering a career change, embarking on a career in medical billing and coding could be the first step into a high-demand job field. It’s challenging work you can start learning about now, with lots of room to grow in knowledge and skills.
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