Reasons to Get Certified as a Medical Billing Specialist

Great Job Stability

According to a survey conducted by Lincoln Financial Group, 27-percent of American adults worry about job security. If you want to choose a career without the fear of layoffs looming over you, medical billing might be a good choice.

Medical billing specialists are in high demand. According to the University of Houston, it’s one of the fastest growing professions. In fact, it’s estimated that at least 27,000 new medical billing and coding specialist jobs will be needed by 2026.

Where Do Medical Billers Work?

Medical billing specialists are needed in a variety of healthcare settings that deal with billing codes and patient claims. You may also find remote jobs and be able to work from home. In this case, the company will typically set you up with a computer and other necessary equipment.

Indeed says medical billers can be employed at a:

• Hospital;
• Physician office;
• Insurance agency;
• Government agency;
• Outpatient surgery center or clinic;
• University with medical programs, and;
• Healthcare consulting firm.

Medical Billing vs. Medical Coding

It’s important not to get medical billing confused with medical coding. While the two jobs may sound like the same thing, they serve different purposes. Professionals often get certified in both jobs to advance their career opportunities and make themselves more hirable.

Medical coders translate patient care into current procedural terminology. Alternatively, the University of Texas says medical billers are responsible for creating a claim based on the codes a medical coder provides. Entry-level jobs will typically require you to have at least completed a certificate program.