Larry Said:

how can psychology be applied to medical billing and coding career?

We Answered:

You really can't apply it. Even if you did coding for a psychiatric practice, it's still the psychiatrist that has to make the diagnosis that will determine the code.

Kurt Said:

Im considering a career in medical billing &coding.What does the job entail & is it difficult?

We Answered:

Your task as a medical coder is to have a strong sense of the various coding regulations for medical procedures and services provided in either a clinic or hospital, and by a physician or some other provider. Certain coding is used only for outpatient, others only for inpatient.

You will become framiliar with what documentation is necessary to warrant certain levels of coding.

You will mostly work on electronic medical records vs. paper (but there is still a number of places using paper).

Finally, you have an important role to play in health care since it is up to you to insure the right coding goes on the bill.

Harold Said:

why is medical billing & coding is high paying career?

We Answered:

I teach medical billing and coding. It is NOT the highest paying career in the health field. Doctors, nurses, LVN/LPNs, respiratory therapists, etc. all earn more.

HOWEVER, if you are looking at entry level medical administrative positions usually medical billing and coding does pay more than regular medical front office assisting because it is more involved. Transcription used to also pay more than regular medical front office but there aren't that many transcription jobs anymore. Coding, especially hospital coding, I believe will continue to become more popular and pay better as the baby boomers continue to hit retirement age, which means they are going to the hospital more.

Also if you are just starting out in the medical field you are better off studying billing and coding than medical front office as some employers will start you off working the front office because you already know billing and coding. It may seem a bit of a step down but at least it gets your foot in the door!

If you want to stick with front office you may wish to consider medical front office management, health information management, etc, which can pay more than billing and coding.

Cory Said:

Is medical billing & coding a career typically pursued by women?

We Answered:

Yea, its a female dominated field, but in past experience I have encountered a male medical biller. He was great. We worked in a doctors office together. It was actually nicer to have a male medical biller. Men are ( most of the time) less catty, which , in alot of doctors offices , women gossip like crazy. So if its something your looking into , then do it. Its refreshing to have male faces in the office other than doctors! Good luck!

Katrina Said:

What is the best way to become a Medical Billing/Coding as a career?

We Answered:

I am taking online courses right now (acutally I am taking 3 differ courses) I am doing Medical claims and billing, Medical transcription, medical and dental assistant. I am doing it through Ashworth College. I can get my certificate as soon as a couple of months. It depends on how much time I spend studying. Yes you have to have a certificate. It is in pretty good demand right now. Even though the economy isn't great they always need things in the nursing field. good luck!