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21 Essential Skills for Success in Medical Billing & Coding

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Medical billing and coding specialists play a crucial role in the health care industry, helping to ensure that medical facilities deliver the best possible care. To excel in this field, specialists need a unique blend of technical and interpersonal skills to translate health care services into standardized codes used for billing purposes, maintain accurate patient records, and manage insurance claims. 

If you’re considering a career move into medical billing and coding, discover the 21 essential skills these specialists need to succeed.

What Is a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist?

A medical billing and coding specialist serves a critical function in health care settings by translating health care services into standardized codes for billing purposes. 

Using standard coding systems such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), medical billing and coding specialists convert patient diagnoses, procedures, services, and equipment into codes that any health care or insurance professional can understand. Once health care services are coded, these specialists submit claims to insurance companies for reimbursement. The codes are also used for statistical purposes and maintaining accurate patient records.

Accuracy is paramount in medical billing and coding. Health care providers are only human, and may sometimes enter incorrect patient information into the electronic health records (EHR) systems. Medical billing and coding specialists must verify and ensure that all patient records are accurate to prevent errors that could lead to claim denials or delays in reimbursement — or worse, ineffective patient care or treatment.

Therefore, medical billing and coding specialists must work closely with health care providers to clarify diagnoses and procedures. They also communicate with insurance companies and patients to resolve any billing issues, ensuring that claims are processed smoothly and payments are received on time. 

Compliance with health care regulations and laws is a crucial aspect of the job. Specialists must stay updated on the latest changes in coding standards and health care regulations to ensure compliance. They must also be proficient in billing software and EHR systems, which hold all patient information recorded by health care providers. To keep up with changes in coding standards and health care regulations, medical billing and coding specialists often pursue continual learning and professional development opportunities relevant to their field.

Medical billing and coding specialists can work in a wide variety of health care settings, including at:

This wide range of work environments offers flexibility and opportunities for specialization within the field. Whether in a bustling hospital or a remote home office, medical billing and coding specialists are essential to the efficient operation of health care services, ensuring that providers are compensated and patient records are accurately maintained.

13 Technical Medical Billing and Coding Skills

Medical billing and coding specialists need a combination of specific technical (hard) skills as well as interpersonal (soft) skills. 

The following technical skills are almost universally required for the job:

A MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY COURSE IS VALUABLE TO YOUR CAREER

Taking a medical terminology course is a great first step to equip you with the skills and knowledge you’ll need to be successful.

Why You Need a Medical Terminology Course

8 Soft Skills for Medical Billing and Coding

While medical billing and coding may seem like a strictly technical job, having strong interpersonal skills ensures that specialists can manage their own responsibilities while providing excellent service to both patients and health care providers.

How To Become a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

There are multiple paths one can take to becoming a medical billing and coding specialist — and there is no one right way to go about it. A specialist may pursue any combination of the following educational and/or certificate options.   

Formal Education

Professional Certification

Continuing Education

To maintain certification and stay current with the ever-evolving field of medical coding, professionals are required to engage in continuing education. Changes in coding standards, health care regulations, and industry best practices necessitate ongoing learning. Many certifying organizations require professionals to earn continuing education units (CEUs) to retain their credentials.

Is Medical Billing and Coding Right for You?

For those who desire to work in health care but don’t see themselves in a clinical role, there are dozens, if not hundreds of support roles available. If you have a keen eye for detail, strong organizational abilities, and enjoy working with both technology and people, a career in medical billing and coding could be a great fit. 

To get started on enhancing your professional skill set, consider exploring the health care programs at the USD Division of Professional and Continuing Education, including the Medical Terminology course. This course provides students with a solid foundation in the language of health care, which can then be applied to a wide range of careers and support roles, including billing and coding.

Equip yourself with the skills needed to thrive in medical billing and coding — get started at USD PCE today.

Medical Billing and Coding FAQs

What are the skills needed for medical billing and coding?

Medical billing and coding specialists need a mix of technical and interpersonal skills to succeed. Technical skills include a strong understanding of medical codes (ICD-10 and CPT), insurance knowledge, basic bookkeeping skills, and familiarity with medical terminology and various coding systems. They must be proficient in using billing and coding software, understand ethical and legal compliance, and have strong computer skills. Interpersonal skills such as customer service, communication, active listening, time management, conflict management, patience, autonomy, and dependability are also crucial for effectively interacting with patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies.

What is the difference between medical billing and medical coding?

Medical coders translate healthcare diagnoses, procedures, services, and equipment into standardized codes from the ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems. These codes are used for billing, statistical purposes, and maintaining patient records. On the other hand, medical billers use the codes provided by medical coders to create insurance claims and bills for patients. They submit claims to insurance companies, follow up on unpaid claims, and manage patient billing inquiries and payments.

How much do medical billing and coding specialists make?

The salary for medical billing and coding specialists varies based on factors like experience, education, certifications, and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical records and health information technicians, which includes medical billing and coding specialists, was $48,780 as of May 2023. Entry-level positions may start around $30,000 per year, while those with advanced certifications such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) can earn upwards of $60,000 annually. Salaries can also be influenced by the type of healthcare facility, with specialists working in hospitals or specialized medical practices potentially earning more than those in smaller clinics or private practices.

Can medical billing and coding specialists work from home?

Yes, many medical billing and coding specialists have the option to work remotely. This flexibility depends on the employer and the nature of the job. Technological advancements in electronic health records (EHR) systems and billing software have made it possible for these professionals to perform their duties from home. However, remote positions may still require a certain level of experience and certification.

Curriculum covered in this article

Bundle and save 20% when you enroll in two courses or more (must add two or more of the following courses in one transaction):

  • HLTH-X810 – Medical Terminology
  • HLTH-X821 – Anatomy & Physiology 
  • HLTH-X822 – Medical Billing & Coding 

To apply the discount, select the "Apply a discount" checkbox and select  "HLTH – Bundle and Save 20%" to each course.
**Only one discount can be applied per course.**

Healthcare
2 Units
Online Self-Paced
Healthcare
3 Units
Online Self-Paced

Bundle and save 20% when you enroll in two courses or more (must add two or more of the following courses in one transaction):

  • HLTH-X810 – Medical Terminology
  • HLTH-X821 – Anatomy & Physiology 
  • HLTH-X822 – Medical Billing & Coding 

To apply the discount, select the "Apply a discount" checkbox and select  "HLTH – Bundle and Save 20%" to each course.
**Only one discount can be applied per course.**

Healthcare
2 Units
Online Self-Paced
Healthcare
3 Units
Online Self-Paced
Healthcare
2 Units
Online Self-Paced
Healthcare
1 Unit
Online Self-Paced

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