Medical Billing is a fast growing field with high pay and lots of job opportunities. Here’s what you need to know about the field of medical billing and coding.

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If you want to advance your career in healthcare, but lack years of medical experience or clinical training, you should consider getting a degree in medical billing.

You can fast track your career in healthcare with a degree in medical billing. Luckily, online degree programs have made it easier to earn your degree in a few months. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider getting a medical billing degree online.

The Benefits of a Medical Billing Degree

For anyone who’s planning to enter the healthcare industry, medical billing is an ideal field. Firstly, it’s convenient to get started and as you improve your skills and build experience more exciting opportunities will be waiting for you. When you obtain a degree in medical billing, you’ll get to enjoy the numerous perks associated with this unique job.

Competitive Pay

Consider that you’ll start earning a handsome salary as a medical billing technician after little training. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, health information technicians and medical billing clerks get a median salary of $39,180.

Job Security

Once you have obtained a medical billing degree, you’ll never have to fear joblessness. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the field is likely to grow by 13 percent through 2026, taking the total number of jobs to around 234,000. In the subsequent years, with the aging population in the US, demand for the services provided by qualified medical billing technicians will increase even more.

Flexibility

Do you want to work in healthcare without having to work crazy hours as a nurse of doctor? Well, your best solution is to earn an online degree in medical billing. Usually, medical billing experts can work flexible hours or can work part-time if they prefer. This means you’ll get to enjoy relative flexibility, in addition to a better work-life balance as compared to other medical professionals.

No Clinical Work Is Needed

Like many others, you may be attracted by the field of medicine but feel unsettled about working with patients or performing medical procedures. Interestingly, medical billing and coding don’t require any clinical work, and it applies not only to work itself but also to training. You’ll won’t have to see any procedures or perform any medical task.

Start Working Right Away

Compared to other medical degrees that require years of education and training, starting a career as a medical billing specialist is as straightforward as completing an accredited training program.

You can have more options by earning an associate degree; obtaining an online diploma or certificate program can take as little as one month. And you don’t have to take a licensing exam.

A Medical Billing Career Requires Just Months of Education

In the past, people interested in medical billing career had to search for community colleges and vocational schools offering relevant training and had to be present there physically. While on-campus degree programs, diplomas and certifications are still available, many are now offered as online programs that can be obtained even more quickly and easily.

Now you need just a few months if you wish to earn your medical billing degree or diploma. According to Medical Billing & Coding Certification, an online medical billing diploma program doesn’t take more than three months to complete.

Once you’re done with the necessary coursework to become a medical billing specialist, you can also choose to obtain an associate degree if you like to carry on. It usually takes two years, or if you’re interested in a bachelor’s degree, it takes a full four years.

Although most employers don’t ask for it, you can also obtain certification from a recognized industry organization such as the American Academy Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health and Information Management Association (AHIMA). Once you have some work experience, you’ll be eligible to take the Certified Coding Specialist exam, which enables you to earn hospital-based or physician-based certification.

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Potential Careers in Medical Billing

You have a bright career ahead once you earn an online degree in medical billing and coding. According to the AAPC report, the medical billing and coding field currently employs over 206,000 people in the US; the figure is likely to increase by 27,800 by 2026. It means medical billing experts will continue to be in high demand in the future.

Some common careers people pursue once they get their degree in medical billing include:

Medical Assistant: If you prefer to work inpatient care, your online degree in medical billing can enable you to become a medical assistant. To work as a medical assistant, you’ll have to complete a training program that involves labs and clinical experiences.

Medical Transcriptionist: Medical transcriptionists’ job is to transcribe doctors’ notes and orders manually or electronically.

Dental Assistant: They schedule appointments, provide patient care, and also handle multiple aspects of recordkeeping. You’ll just have to a year of additional training to get started.

Pharmacy Technician: Some aspirants who start in medical billing move into pharmaceutical careers. Pharmacy technician is an excellent role to pursue as an entry-level position

Medical and Health Services Manager: This professional plan, direct, and coordinate medical services in various settings.

How to Start Your Career in Medical Billing

The first step is to earn an online degree in medical billing to start a career of continual advancements. Afterward, you might like to move to an administrative or managerial role. Or you may prefer to refocus and begin working with patients.

Whatever your future goals, an online medical billing degree is the first step to the ladder. It’ll familiarize you with the healthcare industry, assist you in building experience, and enable you to learn the necessary skills you’ll need to advance and progress.

You must earn your diploma, certificate, or degree if you want to become a medical billing and coding technician. For this purpose, the online programs are the most flexible options.

Hence, it’s advisable to start looking for online programs that offer the diplomas and degree you want. An online search will enable you to compare your options and choose a program that adapts to your schedule and availability. You’ll be applying for medical billing jobs before you know it.

It’s always advisable to be updated about the latest trend, and we suggest comparing at least a few options before reaching a decision. You should search online as it’s the quickest and most thorough way to evaluate the best available options.