Is Learning Medical Coding as Hard as it Seems?
Posted on 07.12.2019
Medical coding and billing careers are in high demand with an above-average growth rate of 13% over the span of ten years. So don’t get discouraged if a medical coding training program seems too hard to begin or finish; it may be easier than you think. Here is some helpful information to consider and the most asked questions answered about medical coding and billing careers.
What is Medical Coding and Billing?
A medical coder is a health information professional who assigns codes that stand for medical diagnoses and procedures.
Medical billing professionals, on the other hand, are the bridge between health insurance companies and healthcare facilities. They manage health insurance claims and collect the funds. In smaller offices, it’s not uncommon for one person to handle both coding and billing.
What Do People in Medical Coding Do?
A medical coding specialist plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry. Medical coders analyze patient records and translate their medical information into universal codes, which are provided to insurance companies to secure payment.
While coding makes up the majority of their job description, medical coding specialists may also communicate with healthcare professionals and insurance companies to verify or correct information. Coders are also responsible for relevant administrative tasks such as managing patient data, updating reports, and of course, maintaining patient confidentiality.
What are the Advantages and Benefits to Becoming a Medical Coder?
We could go on and on about the advantages and benefits of becoming a medical billing specialist, but for simplicity’s sake, we’ve done our best to condense it into one tidy list.
- Once you get the hang of it, this is a predictable job with great pay
- Ever-increasing demand makes this a reliably secure career choice
- The pay is consistent and steady
- You can earn your medical coding certificate online in as little as four months
- You don’t need a degree to qualify for a medical coder certification
- With high demand nationwide, relocation is a breeze
- Advancement opportunities are plentiful
- Experienced medical coders can apply for remote positions and work from home
How Much Does Medical Coding and Billing Pay?
At the moment, the demand for skilled and qualified medical coders is high, as the population continues to age at a rapid pace. With that high demand comes higher wages each year. The most recent reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that medical records/ information technicians (medical coders included) earn a median pay of $19.40 per hour, or roughly $40,350 per year. If you get into the top ranks of the profession, you could end up making more than $62,000 every year.
And the future continues to look bright for medical coding. The field is expected to grow at a much faster rate than average. Most medical coders work in hospitals and clinics, but some work-from-home opportunities are also available. A job in medical coding also offers a good potential for advancement opportunities as you gain more experience. It’s clear that knowledge in medical coding and billing can lead to a prosperous career for many years to come.
How Hard is Medical Coding?
Medical coding can be a complicated routine, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll find that it’s absolutely possible for you to master this profession.
Accuracy is essential with this profession, which can be challenging. Medical coders and billers use thousands of codes from multiple code sets (ICD, CPT, HCPCS) that are updated frequently. They convert complex medical information into these clearly defined sets of codes, which demands a knowledge of health topics such as anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, and more.
Proficiency in medical coding means being extremely accurate at all times while having a keen eye for the tiniest details. Many jobs within the healthcare field, such as health information technician, can find great value in possessing this skill.
Essential Skills & Talents for Medical Coding Specialists
- Attention to detail
- Great communication skills
- Critical thinking
- Self-motivated
- Lifelong learner
- Organization
- Analytical skills
- Technical skills
- Integrity (HIPAA compliance)
Do I Need to Memorize All These Medical Codes?
With so many different universal codes across several different classification systems, you’re probably wondering if you need to memorize all of those medical codes. This question is a common concern for individuals who are investigating this career path. Just the thought can be overwhelming enough to steer you away from the opportunity, but don’t give into discouragement just yet: we have good news.
You do not need to memorize all these medical codes.
Medical coders reference codebooks and coding software programs in order to make the correct assignment or just to keep up with the frequent code updates, such as the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10, classification systems, and technological advances like the electronic health record (EHR) system.
CareerStep includes additional support and resources to help you reach your career goals! From the first day you start until you finish, you’ll have complete access to your trainers by phone, email, and chat. They are available to work with you one-on-one, providing the individualized help you need to learn the material and progress. It’s like having your very own, private tutor. We’ve added additional educational videos to walk you through difficult concepts, prepare for tests, and answer your frequently asked questions. We are constantly updating our resources to help you succeed. We also include forums and chat rooms so you can connect with your trainers and fellow classmates.
So don’t let this part of the job description stress you out too much. You’re not expected to know all these codes like the back of your hand—that would be impossible. You will have all of the resources and help you need to do your job well.
Are Medical Coders in Demand?
Absolutely, they are! There is no better time to earn your medical coding certificate and join this thriving industry full of potential and advancement opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for medical coders is definitely bright with no sign of regression.
The BLS estimates an above-average growth rate for this industry with a 13% increase over the course of just ten years. (In case you were wondering, the average growth rate is between 5-9%.)
This is an incredible time to be in the medical coding industry. Career outlook has great potential, the demand is high, employment is expected to grow continuously, and there are plenty of advancement opportunities along the way to increase your pay and title as you acquire more experience and specialty certifications.
It’s clear that knowledge in medical coding and billing can lead to a prosperous career for many years to come. The demand for skilled and qualified medical coders will only continue to increase as the population continues to age at a rapid pace. If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that this profession will be in high demand indefinitely.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Coder?
How long it takes to become a medical coding specialist is entirely up to you and your capabilities. If you choose to pursue a traditional education at a college campus to earn your degree, it can take anywhere from two to four years to earn your medical coding certificate.
However, since a degree is not required for this profession, you can also choose to enroll in an expedited program and complete your training a great deal sooner than two to four years.
Take our online training program, for example. CareerStep’s online medical coding and billing program is designed to be completed in four months of full time study. However, the online format allows you to train on your own schedule and at your own pace. Your program includes 12 months of program access in case you need extra time. We also include numerous resources to help you be successful during your certification, and after you’ve completed your certification, to help you find a new job in Medical Coding.
For more information, or to get started on your Medical Coding and Billing Career Path, check out our Medical Coding and Billing Certification program.
How Do I Get Started on My Medical Coding Career Path?
Because healthcare is currently going through some big changes, now is a great time to jump in and learn medical coding. With the help of a quality medical coding training program, you can be a certified pro within months. A good training program will teach you everything you need for success and help you find a job and make professional connections.
What really makes a training program top-notch is if it provides hands-on experience and job-finding help. Programs should include practice on authentic medical records and reports as well as tools for graduates.
Make sure your training program covers all aspects of the job including CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 code sets; classification systems; medical terminology; health information guidelines; and reimbursement methodologies.
The program should also prepare you to earn industry credentials such as the CCA (offered by AHIMA) and CPC (offered by AAPC) certification exams. Thorough training and passing a certification exam will put you in a great position to get a job right out of training.
Are you already enrolled in a program? Be sure to take full advantage of the resources your program offers to learn medical coding.
CareerStep’s online medical coding and billing training offers learners valuable careeer resources, including established employer relationships, resume and cover letter review, personalized interview tutorials, new job notifications, and an advice hotline.
The CareerStep program is also one of the only online certificate programs that has been approved by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the largest medical coding industry association. Once you’ve completed CareerStep’s online training, you’ll be prepared to become a credentialed CPC and CCA quickly, meaning a job isn’t too far away.
So is medical billing and coding a good career for you? Absolutely. With the right training and a little hard work, you can conquer the challenges of medical coding and billing and land a great job at a critical time in the field. Becoming a medical coder is worth the effort it takes when you enroll in the right program.
Take the First Step to Your Medical Coding Certificate
Are you prepared to take the first step to a brighter future and a better career? CareerStep’s online training program for medical coding specialists provides learners with all the right skills to succeed in the medical coding profession.
Our program is designed to blend well with your busy schedule, so you can keep your head above water while you juggle work, school, and family obligations. Spend less time on a college campus and more time at home with your family while you earn your medical coder certification through CareerStep.
Not only do we give you the knowledge you need to succeed, but we also provide our learners with an abundance of additional resources to thrive in their new career.
- Experienced career advisors who will work with you one-on-one
- Resume and cover letter reviews
- Personalized interview training
- Externship opportunities with reputable partners
- Online community for additional support and insight
Learn more about our CareerStep Learner Services, and find out how we can support you throughout your training, education, certification, job search, and achieving your career goals.
How much time does it take for course completion
Being a mom is dis course difficult
After completion will there b immediate placement
Here you go!
Great questions!
How much time does it take for course completion?
– The program is an online self-paced program designed to be completed in 4 months, however, we give you a full 12 months to complete it if you need it. This way you can work around your kids and family’s schedule very similar to the job.
After completion will there be immediate placement?
– 94-97% of our graduates we are able to help find employment within the first 60 days of completion.
I hope this helps!
Where Can I find all the details about the course including price?
Hi Magda, you can visit this page for tuition info. https://www.careerstep.com/vocational-training-programs-tuition
Also, you can visit all of the product pages for detailed info.
Is careerstep accredited? Will I be able to get grants and student loans? When do classes start?
Hi Haley,
Career Step is registered under the Utah Post-Secondary Proprietary School Act but is not nationally or regionally accredited. However, our career-focused training programs are approved by a number of industry specific organizations and are designed with employer feedback to ensure students are gaining exactly the skills needed to get a job and succeed in the workforce.
The Career Step training programs prepare students for career fields where employers are looking for skilled applicants. Career Step works closely with employers when developing a training program to ensure students graduate with the skills employers are looking for. We’ve also developed close ties to industry associations, aligning our programs with their recommendations. Career Step programs boast the following recognitions:
Career Step’s Medical Transcription Editor curriculum is approved by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI), the leading medical transcription industry association.
The Professional Medical Coding and Billing program is approved by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), one of the largest and most prestigious health information organizations in the country.
The Career Step Pharmacy Technician program has been reviewed and approved by the State Boards of Pharmacy in Indiana, Utah, and Virginia. (Many states don’t have any regulations on the education of pharmacy technicians, and very few require board approval. For more information on each state’s pharmacy technician education regulations, view our State Requirements pdf.) Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy also offer Career Step Pharmacy Technician students the opportunity to participate in a hands-on externship in their stores nationwide.
Career Step programs are also designed to prepare you for certifications that greatly improve your employment opportunities. Employers are often more familiar with various credentials than with the quality of education provided by different schools. To help your resume stand out from other applicants, various Career Step programs help prepare students to earn the following third-party credentials:
Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
CompTIA A+ Certification
Microsoft Office Specialist – Master (MOS-Master)
This focus on helping you gain the skills needed to succeed in the workforce has made our students successful in the job market—over 84% of Career Step graduates are employed in their field of study, 92% of employed Medical Transcription graduates work from home in their first job, Medical Coding and Billing graduates report a certification exam pass rate that’s a full 15 percentage points higher than the national average, and Pharmacy Technician students can take advantage of externship opportunities with Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy.
The differences between earning a certification and earning an associate degree are important to note. Acquiring a certification consists of taking courses centered solely around a specific professional or technical field. Associate degrees, on the other hand, usually require the student to take additional courses in other subjects such as writing, math, or other general fields. Getting a certification tends to be the more streamlined approach once you know what career you want to pursue.
Years ago I was enrolled in a medical coding program at my local community college. Although I was unable to complete the program my final grade in the medical terminology course was a 90, my final grade in the medical coding course was an 83 and my final grade in the insurance & billing course was a 70. My question is, should I stick with medical coding or try something different? Thank you very much.
Amanda, I think the biggest factor in deciding which career path to take is what YOU are interested in and what you want to spend your time doing. You have shown that you can learn any of the subjects, but some may take a bit more studying than others. Studies show that when you go back to school, with a bit more life experience, grades improve. I think you could tackle any subject you put your mind to. That said, it would be a great idea to call one of our academic advisors. We have so many program options in healthcare, I’m sure they could help you find a good fit. You can reach an advisor at 1-800-411-7073.
I hope this helps, and good luck!
Does the Careerstep medical coding program allow for a refund if I decided that this not for me
or is just too difficult?
Hi Mona, you have a limited amount of time to return the course if you decide not to pursue your certification. You can call an academic advisor at 800-411-7073 for more details.
I was a medical biller/coder for 27 years using ICD-9 for a pediatric practice. I am not certified, I worked for the same physician all these years and am a self taught coder. He retired in May 2015. I Need to go back to work but I do not know ICD-10. Would this be a hard transition for me? Every job posted I see says one needs to be CPC certified. I really want to do this, but I am really nervous. Is it better to get certified in a specialty or all specialities including hospital? Thank you!
Hi Carla,
Getting CPC certified would mean learning ICD-10-CM coding as well as learning about other kinds of CPT coding outside of pediatrics. Any certification exam you take will not be limited to specialty coding. Coding questions from throughout each classification (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS) are fair game. AAPC also offers the COC certification which is geared toward facility coding and AHIMA has the CCA which covers physician and facility coding as well as inpatient and outpatient coding concepts at an entry level. It’s great that you are considering certification and it’s natural to be nervous, but your 27 years of experience will certainly be an asset! Career Step’s Professional Medical Coding and Billing program can help you prepare for any of those 3 certifications.
Is it possible to get work from home option for this job?
Yes, although not as common, work from home jobs are available for medical coding an billing. Check out this great testimonial from Tricia Mitchell who completed her medical coding and billing training with Career Step and is able to work from home. https://www.careerstep.com/blog/blog/triciamitchell/
Hello,
Is medical coder/biller considered health information technician? How come Bls.gov doesn’t have a separate statistics information on medical coders?
Medical coders and billers work with health information which is why the BLS puts them in that same category.
Hi, I am currently taking the Medical Coding and Billing thru CareerStep and thinking of quieting. It is very tough and I’m having trouble understanding how to find the correct codes. Some are easy but others just do not make sense to me. I’m unemployed and have spent so much time on Part 1 but just not sure if in the end I will be able to find a job or get the hang of this. And to top it off I do not have any kind of a degree. I feel lost and alone any advice from anyone would be a great help.
Hi Sandy, I’m sorry you’re feeling a little discouraged. I’d encourage you to reach out to your learning advisor. They should be able to help you come up with some solutions. Call 888-657-5752 or email support@careerstep.com
I really want to take this course but want to work from home is it possible or do I have to go out in the field and get experience??
In your medical billing and coding career, you can work in almost every type of healthcare facility, from on-site in large hospitals and major clinics to small physician offices to insurance companies, coding outsourcing companies, and other healthcare businesses. It’s also possible to find medical coding and billing remote jobs online that allow you to work from home.
Hi,
I am asking, I am a medical student from the middle east ( Palestine) in the fifth year and I am planning to take the course( medical billing and coding ) online, I have a strong medical terminology background but I didn’t know so much about medical billing and coding principles, is my opportunities to get a full remote jobe as medical coder is high, and I see that you take care to your students and the presntage of who take a job is more than 90 which is a very successful rate and that you have a strong referral network and communication. so are you still recommend me to take it even of the fact that I can’t travel in the upcoming years. Thank you in advance
I have been working as a phlebotomist for all ages but most of my 28 yrs it’s been pediatrics. I had to sometimes put in correct ICD-10 codes in as I was ordering labs because the doctors were putting in wrong codes so I have some knowledge of all that. I’m ready for a change in careers since I’m getting to old to be wrestling kids down. How do I find out the cost of this program? I am unemployed at the moment so what better time to study something else right?
It is $3,899 for full program access. We offer various payment and financing options that allow every Learner to take action and invest in the training they need to change their life!
How long will it take if you only want to take Medical Billing without being a Coder? Could you break down both for me. I don’t know if I want to do both or just take 1 classe