Traits Needed to Work in Medical Coding & Billing
At this point, you likely know that medical coding and billing positions are both lucrative and in demand. However, you may have wondered whether or not the industry is a good fit for your specific personality and skill set. Below, we will discuss five attributes of successful medical coding and billing specialists. Read on to see if you have the traits needed to work in medical coding and billing.
Logical Reasoning
Unlike many healthcare careers, medical coding and billing does not typically require contact with patients or creative problem-solving. Medical coding and billing is an analytical discipline. For this reason, medical coding and billing specialists must have a strong understanding of logic and reasoning.
Attention to Detail
In the medical coding and billing profession, there is little room for error. A mistake as simple as coding one procedure incorrectly could negatively affect the patient, the insurance company, the provider, and the provider’s facility. Thus, it crucial for medical coding and billing specialists to possess meticulous attention to detail.
Independence
Independence is an important trait for medical coding and billing specialists to possess for two reasons. One, much of the work medical coding and billing specialists do is performed alone. Thus, if you crave frequent socialization, this may not be the ideal industry for you. Two, many healthcare facilities do not have the need for an entire coding and billing department. Therefore, if you enter this field, you could be the only individual responsible for upholding the accuracy and efficiency of coding and billing at your facility. Such a responsibility requires a high degree of self-sufficiency and motivation.
Social Skills
Though medical coding and billing specialists spend most of their days working independently, there are times when they must communicate with others. Part of this communication involves calling nurses and physicians to clarify the diagnoses and services patients received. In this field, there are bound to be discrepancies from time to time, and such issues are easiest to resolve when you communicate in a friendly and professional manner.
Commitment to Learning
Medical coding and billing specialists work within the guidelines of healthcare providers, insurance companies, and the coding industry at large. And when there are that many entities enforcing policy, change is inevitable. However, the most successful medical coding and billing specialists are adaptable and able to learn new regulations with ease. This commitment to learning is also useful whenever new diagnoses and procedures are reported, as this means there are then new medical codes to memorize.
Develop the Traits Needed to Work in Medical Coding & Billing at EBI
Though some of the qualities above may appear to be innate personal attributes, many of them can be learned with practice. The only surefire way to see if you have the traits needed to work medical coding and billing is to enroll in an introductory course. For course offerings in the Vestal area, contact EBI at (607) 729-8915.
Medical Coding & Billing Certificate Career Options
What are your career options with a Medical Billing & Coding Certificate?
There’s never been a better time to get out of your dead-end job and finally go after that career you’ve always wanted. Right now, the healthcare industry is booming and with the demand for trained healthcare professionals growing rapidly, it’s going to take the right education and certification to maximize your potential.
With a Medical Coding and Reimbursement degree from EBI, you may be able to get a jump on your competition and put yourself in position to stand above the crowd.
Career growth potential
Right now, the medical profession is booming. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for trained health care employees is going to increase by 15% by 2024, making it one of the fastest growing occupational industries. With a degree from EBI, you will then have access to our career placement program, which can help put you on the path that fits your education.
Medical Coding & Billing duties?
A trained Medical Coding and Billing specialist will play a crucial part in the day to day operations of a health care practice or facility. Medical coding and billing responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Medical billing
- Medical coding
- Acting as a patient account representative
- Tracking patient outcomes for quality assessment
- Assigning clinical codes for reimbursement and data analysis using classification software
Where can a Medical Billing & Coding certificate work?
- Hospitals
- Insurance companies
- Medical Offices and Group Practices
- Medical Practice Management companies
- Medical Laboratories
- Rehab Clinics – Outpatient and Inpatient
- Dental Offices
- Nursing Homes
Begin an exciting healthcare career at EBI!
Now is a great time to start a career in the healthcare field. You can earn your certificate in as little as 12 months. To learn more about our Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program in Vestal, NY, call (607) – 729-8915.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm (visited May 25, 2016).
