Billing & Coding Specialists review and manage a patient’s electronic medical records and assign codes to a patient’s diagnosis as well as procedures the patient has had. A large part of a billing and coding specialists’ role is to make sure that third-party payers are billed correctly so that healthcare providers can get reimbursed.

Let’s talk about five reasons to start a career as a billing and coding specialist:

1. The training period is short and fully online

If you want to become a Certified Billing & Coding Specialist, you do not need to receive a degree or take classes for several months. KLR Certified Billing & Coding Specialist School offers a fully online, 8-week course where students attend instructor led classes via zoom from the comfort of their own home. During week 8, students sit for the national exam in order to earn their credentials.

2. There is a growing need for this profession in the healthcare industry

As the United States population continues to age, healthcare jobs are quickly increasing. A career as a Certified Billing & Coding specialist allows you to work in the healthcare field without working directly with patients, going to school for an extended amount of time, or working with blood or needles. As a CBCS, you will directly impact your employer’s revenue cycle, ensuring that payments are being made in a correct and timely manner.

3. The United States currently has a shortage for this profession – and it’s growing

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for medical secretaries, under which medical billers and coders fall, are projected to grow 22% through 2026 – this is above average rate than many other occupations. If you are someone who enjoys the healthcare industry, working in an office setting, and you want a career that is ever-changing and growing, this might be the route for you!

4. You have potential to work from home

Of course, when you first begin, you will need to gain experience in an office setting, but once you have this under your belt, you’ll be able to begin applying to jobs that allow you to work from the comfort of your own home if that is something that appeals to you.

5. There are several ways to advance in your career as a Billing & Coding Specialist

Gaining your CBCS credentials is just the beginning. This will allow you to get your foot in the door, but you don’t need to stop there! There are several different credentials that you can earn afterwards that will allow you to advance in your career, skills, and knowledge. You can view The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) website at https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certification-exams/cca/ for more detailed information on the following certifications.

Certified Coding Associate (CCA) – demonstrates coding competency across all settings including hospitals and physician practices

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) – demonstrates a practitioner’s tested skills in data quality and accuracy as well as mastery of coding proficiency

Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P) – demonstrates mastery-level proficiency in coding of health services delivery beyond the hospital setting.

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) – Often specialize in coding diagnosis and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research.

Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) – demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of medical, administrative, ethical, and legal requirements and standards related to healthcare delivery and privacy of protected patient information

Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) – demonstrates expertise in clinical documentation within patient health records

Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) – demonstrates knowledge to acquire, manage, analyze, interpret, and transform data into accurate, consistent, and timely information

Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS) – demonstrates advanced knowledge of the privacy and security dimensions of HIM to include best management practices

Kickstart your career today by registering to earn your CBCS credentials! Visit our website at www.klrcertifiedbilling.com for more information or to register for our next session!