Medical Billing and Coding Specialists manage and organize health information. They ensure its quality, accuracy, and security both in hard copy and electronic formats. Using various classification systems, they code and categorize patient information for reimbursement from insurance companies, databases, and to record patients’ medical histories.

If you are analytical, detail oriented and possess interpersonal skills, a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist position may be for you. Such a position can lead to a rewarding and challenging career. Following are some of the top reasons to become a medical billing and coding specialist:

Demand

Employment of Medical Billing and Coding Specialists is expected to increase by over 20% between 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This much faster than average job growth is largely due to an increasing aging population. A growing population of aging individuals requires more medical tests, treatments and procedures. This means more reimbursement claims to insurance companies, for which Billing and Coding Specialists are needed.

Low Educational Requirements

While it’s not necessarily required, most employers prefer some education for their Medical Billing and Coding Specialists. Some training programs can be completed in as few as 10 months, or roughly a year and a half for an associate degree. There are myriad of training programs available. Preferably, choose one that prepares you for certification.

Online Training

Common barriers like time and location are removed with the convenience of online Medical Billing and Coding degree and certification programs. When choosing an online educational provider, select one that is reputable and accredited and that offers a specialized curriculum. Choosing wisely ensures you receive a quality education that is accepted by potential employers.

Minor Physical Demands

Many careers in healthcare have significant physical demands such as long hours and moving patients and more. Medical Billing and Coding Specialists, however, allow one the opportunity to contribute to patient care while working from a computer without such demanding physical activities.

Work from Home Potential

There is a wide market of healthcare providers outsourcing their medical billing and coding to qualified professionals. This offers the opportunity to begin your own business from home. Working independently like this allows you the freedom to choose your own hours from the comfort of your own home.