Lately, at-home medical billing and coding jobs are one of the most talked-about subjects in the discussions I have with my readers.
Till now, I knew little about the topic, but since my wife is a doctor, I could quickly gather the information and thought of sharing it with you.
Medical billing and coding jobs are there for a long time, but the positions were mainly office jobs.
Recently, like all other industries, healthcare is also extending arms towards online work from home jobs, and medical billing and coding jobs are ones they started offering online. Now you get the flexibility to work from the comforts of your home.
Several companies hire remote medical billers and coders to help them in their financial cycle. They look for remote workers to categorize medical diagnoses, services, procedures, and supplies for healthcare billing purposes.
These organizations include some nation’s largest healthcare companies and smaller groups that are more focused on providing IT solutions.
Unlike other work from home opportunities, medical billing and coding require special skills, training, education, certification, and work experience. So, not everyone turns fit for these jobs.
If you are the right person and looking for this career option, the article gives a closer insight into the industry. You can figure out everything you need to know about the job description, the earnings potential, and places to find the best at-home medical billing and coding jobs.
What Do Medical Billing And Coding Jobs Involve
As I mentioned above, medical billing and coding is an integral part of the financial cycle of any healthcare company.
Whenever you visit any hospital, you see doctors and nurses at the front end, but many people work together at the backend to ensure that the healthcare provider functions smoothly.
There are several processes involved, and one critical procedure is the settlement of the patient’s bills from his insurance company.
Here is where medical billing and coding comes into the picture.
When the healthcare company wants to settle the patients’ bills:
- First, a medical transcriptionist transcribes all the medical notes about the doctor’s appointment and treatment.
- The medical coder then turns the transcribed files into numbers, using standard classification systems.
- Finally, medical billers use those billing codes to submit claims to the patients’ insurance companies.
A good deal of healthcare services uses the same person as a medical biller and coder, while others use two designated roles.
Often the medical billing and coding are linked so closely you may assume they are essentially the same roles. They both require many of the same skill sets and are often required to perform very similar duties.
Both are a part of the administrative side of the healthcare industry. However, medical billing and medical coding are two different professions.
Let’s look at some differences between the two:
How Is Medical Coding Different From Billing?
Both professions involve handling patient medical records.
Medical coders assign the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes to procedures and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes for the physician’s diagnosis of the patient.
They review patient records, assigning the proper codes based on the information provided so the healthcare company can bill the insurance company appropriately and correctly.
Medical billers use special billing software to enter all the assigned codes and other information. They have more opportunities to interact with patients and medical staff directly, as they must be able to explain the details of insurance coverage, such as co-payments and deductibles.
They also follow-up with patients and insurance companies to facilitate the settlement of claims for the healthcare firm.
So, now you see, these are two entirely different roles. If you are applying for at-home medical billing or coding job, be sure to read the job description, requirements, and expectations carefully.
Job Responsibilities For Medical Biller And Coder
The roles and responsibilities for a medical biller and coder may vary from company to company. However, the usual duties involve:
- Coordinate with medical transcribers to receive transcribed files.
- Assign the medical codes to the transcribed files.
- Get referrals and pre-authorizations as required for procedures.
- Check eligibility and benefits verification for treatments, hospitalizations, and procedures.
- Review patient bills for accuracy and completeness, and complete any missing information.
- Prepare, review, and transmit claims using billing software, including electronic and paper claim processes.
- Follow up on unpaid claims within the standard billing cycle.
- Check payment for accuracy and compliance with contract discounts.
- Follow up with the insurance companies regarding any discrepancies in payments.
- Research and appeal for denied claims.
- Answer all patient or insurance telephone inquiries on assigned accounts.
- Set up patients’ payment plans and work collection accounts.
- Update billing software with rate changes.
- Update cash spreadsheets and run collection reports enhancing the entire process.
Besides, an individual employer may request you to perform other duties that fit your training and background experience.
Education And Skills Required For Medical Billing Jobs
For any medical and coding job, the education, skills, and experience an employer requires will vary depending on the complexity of the job.
Most of the healthcare companies prefer at least one year of experience in the related field. But if you are skillful to fulfill all potential duties, don’t let a lack of experience deter you from applying.
Basic requirements typically include:
- A minimum of one to three years of experience in a medical office setting
- Knowledge of business accounting and bookkeeping processes
- Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or Health Care Administration.
- Knowledge of insurance guidelines, including HMO/PPO, Medicare, Medicaid, etc.
- Expert use of computer systems, software, and 10Key calculators
- Knowledge of CPT and ICD-10 coding
- Detail-oriented approach to maintain the accuracy of the recorded data
- Excellent communication abilities over phone mail and chat
- Customer service skills for interacting with patients regarding medical claims and payments
- A problem-solving approach to research and resolve discrepancies, denials, appeals, collections.
- Knowledge of medical terminology used in medical claims
- Secure patient confidentiality as per the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA)
If you meet the above requirements, medical billing can be a perfect career option for you. Even if you don’t have the mandatory education and experience, you can enroll in several certification programs.
Career Step offers one such certification program. You can take this certification course online in less than 12 months.
After this certification, you can start work from home as a medical biller and coder as Career Step partners with several companies that hire its graduates directly.
How Flexible Are Online Medical Billing And Coding Jobs?
Like any other work at home opportunities, most remote medical billing jobs offer flexible working hours. You get to choose your work hours and also how much you want to work.
Several companies offer shift work, so you may work evenings or weekends if that fits your schedule better.
Please Note: Most companies require all new hires to begin work on site. This way, they can monitor your skill development to ensure you get ready to work from home proficiently.
How Much Do Medical Billers Make?
The incomes of a medical biller significantly depend on various factors. It includes skills, education, certifications, and experience.
The salary can also vary depending upon the organization that you work for. E.g. a small organization may not pay you as good as an established healthcare center.
According to Salary.com, the hourly rate for a medical biller ranges from $17 to $20 per hour. The average salary falls between $35,427 and $43,028. Some companies also offer bonuses or profit-sharing.
Experts believe that the demand for well-trained medical coders and billers is going to increase in years to come.
According to the Career Step website, estimated 50% more coding specialist positions are available than professionals to fill them. They expect medical coding and billing to enjoy job growth of 13% by 2026.
Top Companies That Hire For Remote Medical And Billing Jobs?
Once you develop the skills required to be a professional medical biller or coder, you can look at the companies listed below to find a work from home job.
1- Aviacode
Aviacode is one of the leading medical coding companies in the nation and has opportunities for talented individuals to join and have an impact. The company provides medical coding and billing services to healthcare centers across the country.
They offer several part-time and full-time remote medical billing and coding jobs for different healthcare providers, including dentists, inpatient facilities, primary care specialists, hospitals, and more.
2- UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group offers several remote opportunities related to medical billing, coding, coding educators, coding consultants, and quality assurance.
Candidate requirements depend on the job you’re applying for, but most require some level of certification and experience.
3- Himagine Solutions
Himagine Solutions is an information management company that hires remote medical billers and coders who live in several cities throughout the U.S.
The company claims to provide resources and support so its employees can continually enhance their skill sets and advance their careers.
4- Nthrive
Nthrive is a healthcare information management company that hires remote medical billers, coders, transcriptionists, quality assurance specialists, registrars, and auditors.
Applicants must have an active certification and at least two years of relevant, hands-on experience.
5- Conifer Health Solutions
Conifer Health Solutions provides several managed services to health care facilities, mainly focusing on the financial and patient communication aspects.
They offer work-from-home medical billing and coding positions that usually require 3–5 years of professional experience.
6- Change Healthcare
Change Healthcare (formerly Altegra Health) is a large healthcare technology company that provides software solutions, analytics, network solutions, and technology-enabled services.
They hire for remote billing and coding positions and invest a lot in skill development through onsite training.
7- The Coding Network
The Coding Network provides medical coding and auditing services to health care providers. The company offers remote coding jobs in several medical specialties.
You must have a minimum of three years of experience to apply for a medical coder job and five years of experience in a specialty area to apply for a coding auditor position.
You must live and work in the United States and have an active coding certification like CPC, CCS, RHIA, RHIT, RCC, etc.
8- Maxim Healthcare Services
Maxim offers several services related to health care, including health information management services, which include medical coding, auditing, and clinical documentation improvement services.
Candidates for its remote jobs must have certification and at least three years of experience relevant to the specialty of each position.
9- Lexicode
LexiCode is an Exela Technologies brand that provides innovative Health Information Management (HIM) solutions that drive reimbursement, improve coding quality, and minimize compliance risk to healthcare service providers.
The company hires at-home medical billing and coding specialists who have a certification and at least two years of relevant work experience.
10- MRA
MRA has been providing high-quality services to hospitals and healthcare providers across the country. To apply for a remote position, you must have the required certifications and a minimum of 3-years of relevant experience.
The company has an enormous list of remote workforce with employees working from Maui to Boston.
11- iMedX
iMedX is a provider of health information and clinical documentation. The company hires home-based medical billing and coding specialists who have a certification and at least three years of relevant work experience.
12- Humana
Humana is an established health insurance provider that offers many work-at-home positions, including medical billing and coding.
In Conclusion
Having a career as a medical biller and coder is very lucrative. You get paid well and enjoy a flexible work schedule. However, unlike other remote jobs, it requires specialized skills, training, and education.
I highly recommend Career Steps training programs.
The company has designed these using industry experts, and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) approves them too.
Over 100,000 students have taken their courses, so if you need training or have questions about the outlook of medical billing and coding jobs, definitely visit their website.
Career Step also partners with RCM Health Care Services, a provider of staffing solutions for over 400 health-care institutions.
Besides, you can find legit medical billing and coding jobs on FlexJobs, too.
If becoming a medical biller one of your goals, you can begin working as a coding specialist. Once you gain the experience, you will move up the pay ladder and into top-tier positions.
That’s it from me. Now, it’s your turn to try these medical billing and coding jobs and share your feedback comments.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out, I am glad to answer your queries!
Best of luck!
