Medical Billing and Coding

Medical Billing and Coding Careers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Medical billing and coding specialists work in one of the most highly regarded fields. To join this profession, one must first learn the necessary skills and have undergone the required training. The Medical Assistant Program at Pennco Tech campuses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey properly prepares students by providing them with the theoretical understanding and practical skills they need to successfully break into this field. Learn more about the duties of a medical billing and coding specialist and the different career paths available.

What Is a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist?

Every medical facility must monitor administered medical care, as well as record and process patient data. This information includes treatment records, payment data, insurance policies, and similar documents. Medical billing and coding specialists handle these tasks, helping the healthcare facility manage insurance claims, invoices, and payments. The day-to-day duties of a medical billing and coding technician may include:

• Reviewing medical data and keeping it organized at all times
• Completing medical records to ensure their accuracy
• Correctly putting clinical codes into medical classification software
• Entering healthcare records in the proper format
• Acting as a liaison between the medical office and insurance companies
• Maintaining electronic records to ensure patient information remains confidential

How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder

Most medical billing and coding positions require candidates to have specialized education and go through some form of formal training. Those interested in pursuing this profession may receive the required education and training from the medical assistant school at Pennco Tech.

Our Medical Assistant Program is an 18-week vocation school course that teaches students the necessary medical terminology and skills, as well as provides them with practical experience in clinical and administrative settings. Students use interactive tools and equipment that model those found in medical offices, ensuring they are prepared to work in modern medical office environments upon graduation from our trade school.

Benefits of a Medical Billing and Coding Career

Due to the number of benefits that come along with it, medical billing and coding jobs are quickly becoming some of the most sought-after professions in the healthcare industry. Reasons to consider pursuing a career as a medical biller and coder include:

Playing a Crucial Role

While medical billing and coding technicians may not have direct contact with patients, they do still play an important position in the quality of care that these individuals receive. The tasks medical billers and coders handle enable the healthcare facility to operate smoothly, allowing physicians to concentrate on providing comprehensive care.

You Will Always Be Learning

A drawback of many professions is the repetitiveness of the job. Over time, workers may become unmotivated without sufficient variety. The ever-changing medical field is constantly developing new technologies and software to improve the quality of care for patients. Medical billing and coding technicians need to stay up-to-date and trained in these new developments to maintain their value as employees and grow within the field.

High Wages

Depending on your certifications and lifestyle, medical billing and coding specialist earnings can allow a comfortable lifestyle. According to the American Association of Professional Coders, the nation’s largest credentialing organization for medical coders and billers, certified and non-certified coders make $54,797 annually on average. Medical billers and coders without certification earn approximately $47,200 per year, while certified coding and billing specialists make an average annual salary of $60,097. Need to verify these numbers because I don’t see BLS mentioned.

Potential to Work Remotely

Although many medical billing and coding technician jobs are in a physician’s office, hospital, or clinic, work-from-home positions are becoming more common. This alternative provides workers with more flexibility when establishing their schedules. It also helps them save money by eliminating their daily commute.

Career Paths for Medical Coders

Another excellent benefit of becoming a medical billing and coding technician is the various career paths you may follow. The valuable skills and knowledge you obtain through training, as well as the experiences you encounter on the job, allow you to explore other positions in the healthcare industry, including:

• Medical records coordinator
• Medical records director
• Health information clerk
• Medical billing manager
• Medical records analyst

Receive the Education Needed for a Meaningful Career

Begin your quest for a rewarding career as a medical billing and coding specialist by enrolling in the Medical Assistant Program at Pennco Tech. With two campuses in Blackwood, NJ, and Bristol, PA, we offer a well-rounded curriculum that provides students with the required skills and knowledge to pursue the career path of their choice. Contact us today to learn more about our trade school programs and how we can help you achieve the profession you desire.