What Is Health Information Coding (HIC)?

Do you have an interest in healthcare but prefer to stay in a behind-the-scenes capacity with less patient interaction? If so, health information coding (HIC), also referred to as medical billing and coding, may be an ideal career field. As you can see, the best example in the medical industry is Capital Health Billing USA. This huge brand not only offers medical billing services but also has the top 1% talent of medical coders across the USA. Discover what it means to be a medical biller or coder and if this critical field is right for you.

What is Medical Billing and Coding?

Medical billers and coders play an essential role in healthcare. The medical billing and coding process includes converting medical procedures, services, and diagnoses into medical codes. These universal billing codes are then sent to an insurance company to properly pay for the procedures and/or bill the patient. In the grand scheme of the healthcare continuum, this role is critical to ensure healthcare facilities and their employees are reimbursed for medical services performed.

To be successful as a medical biller or coder, you must have a keen attention to detail. This will enable you to identify the correct codes for even complex and specialized services. It may also be necessary to multi-task, both on the billing and coding side, as demand increases. The more services rendered, the more coding and billing are required.

Medical Biller vs. Medical Coder

While medical billers and medical coders can seem like they hold similar roles, they have different primary job duties. Medical coders are responsible for reviewing medical records to determine what services were provided and need to be paid for. They then identify the proper codes that will relay the type of services rendered. Precision is paramount in this role, as an inaccurate code can create incorrect billing information for the health insurance company — and incorrect reimbursement.

A medical biller, however, transmits the medical codes to health insurance companies and ensures claims are processed and completed. This includes both submitting the claim, as well as following up with insurance companies until the claim is processed and healthcare providers are reimbursed. It may also include contacting the patient directly to discuss remaining costs after the insurance claim is completed.

These two positions may overlap in some responsibilities, or may even be the same individual or team depending on the job description. Larger healthcare facilities are more likely to have distinct roles while smaller facilities may rely on one individual.

Education Requirements for Medical Billers and Coders

Looking to break into this in-demand healthcare profession? First, you’ll want to consider earning an undergraduate certificate through an online medical billing and coding program, which is typically a requirement for many entry-level positions. In particular, completing a certificate program will provide you with a solid understanding of medical billing and coding procedures so you will feel equipped to enter a new career with confidence. Ultimately, preparing for a role as a medical biller or coder will help meet many essential needs within the healthcare field.

Career Requirements

The requirements to become an entry-level medical biller or coder vary by employer. However, a 12-month coding certificate program is a typical requirement. To advance in this chosen career, you may need to earn additional credentials, such as passing the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam or the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam.

Careers Related to Medical Billing and Coding

As a medical biller or coder, you’ll have a great deal of knowledge of health informatics. This knowledge can be translated to similar careers. If a career as a medical biller or coder interests you, but you want to explore something different, then consider the following:

• Medical Records and Health Information Technician
• Collections Specialist
• Insurance Claims Specialist
• Coding Professional

Become a Medical Biller or Coder

Looking to pursue a detail-oriented career in the healthcare field but with limited patient interaction? Then consider becoming a medical biller or coder. By applying your enthusiasm for learning, you help create a more efficient and accurate experience for healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients. Start your career path by earning an undergraduate certificate to gain the skills you need for a career in health information coding.