Essay: Career Development in Medical Field

Career Opportunities Medical Billing and Coding

Shekella Thompkins

Bryant & Stratton College

ENGL202

April 12, 2019

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Career Development

Regardless of the route one chooses in the medical field, the student can rest assured they are going to be contributing positively to the lives of patients, and society in general. Whether a physician or a CNA, a coder or a health manager, all elements of the medical work force are necessary to ensure positive patient outcomes and a satisfactory healthcare system. Though all elements of the field are justifiably good, honorable positions, it is still important to assess each position in order to assess whether it is the best fit for the individual. It is after exhaustive research that I have begun to understand I would either want to work in medical billing or coding. Though one can do both, I feel it would be best to put forth all of my effort into one position; ultimately, I have found medical coding would be the best choice for me.

We often hear medical billing and coding stated as one position and in many cases it is. Many institutions have continued holding it as a comprehensive position, while others provide the option of working exclusively with one or the other. It is important to begin addressing which position is best for me by addressing their similarities and differences. Medical billing, to begin, is responsible for billing patients, insurance companies, and all other parties appropriately (Everything you need to get started in Medical Billing & Coding, 2018). There is a great deal of care and detail that goes into this position, as amounts need to be correct and itemized, as well as sent out in a timely manner and readdressed until payment is made or sent to collections. The job requires communication with patients, sometimes on a regular basis regarding their health expenses. It requires regular contact with insurance companies, as well. The biller is tasked with coordinating payments between insurance providers and patients, keeping invoices organized, and reminding all parties the amount owed and when it is due (What is Medical Billing?, 2019). Billers also have the capacity to work out payment plans with patients who cannot afford to pay in full at that time. While maintaining regular contact and keeping involved party’s finances in check, billers are additionally responsible for medical coding language; this will facilitate faster and more accurate billing when assessing and interpreting invoices.

In contrast, medical coders are not required to work with insurance companies at all. They are also not expected to work with patients directly. Rather a coder does just that, code. Coders are responsible for recording medical data and coding it; for every treatment, item, or procedure there is a corresponding code (What is Medical Coding, 2018). As the hub of the medical office, coders are tasked with providing appropriate codes to all aspects of actions within the hospital, and they are relied upon so heavily because to get a code wrong could be the difference between failure and success throughout the entire hospital. Though it sounds like an almost insurmountable amount of pressure, simple memorization procedures can be used to ensure the elimination of potential mistakes (Medical Coder, 2018). Coders provide billers with a sense of security, supplying the correct code in order to streamline the billing process. Though billers, as mentioned, are required to have a working knowledge of the codes, it is up to the coder to provide the correct one for interpretation.

In addition, the skills required for the job, as well as duties are different for both medical billing, and coding. Billers are expected to obtain necessary referrals, as well as pre-authorization from appropriate parties prior to specific procedures. For example, if an individual is admitted with severe chest pain, leading to potential heart surgery, medical billers will first gain authorization from the patient’s insurance company, and begin the billing process (What is Medical Billing?, 2019). This also demands the biller is prepared to check patient eligibility for certain services and procedures regarding treatment, procedure, or hospitalization. Billers must also be meticulous in their review of billing statements, ensuring accuracy while providing itemized statements to patients and insurance companies. It is the biller’s unfortunate duty to follow up with patients on unpaid claims based on the billing cycle provided. Among a myriad of other duties, billers are expected to act as a third party between patients, facilities, and insurance companies regarding discrepancies in payments or services. They are essentially in charge of all financial aspects of services rendered. The average salary of a medical biller in the United States is roughly $37,000 depending on region and location of facility, as well as serves it offers and insurance available in that area (Everything you need to get started in Medical Billing & Coding, 2018).

Unsurprisingly, the duties of a medical coder are different than that of a biller, albeit they are all related and work in conjunction with one another. Coders must be prepared to review their work with an eye for detail and a comprehensive knowledge of codes as they equate to services rendered. As such, they must review and analyze all patient records, documenting services and their corresponding codes in order to ultimately calculate admission and treatment costs (Everything you need to get started in Medical Billing & Coding, 2018). The primary responsibility of a coder is to use the correct code for each service rendered, allowing for appropriate charges to be stated on the patient’s account. These codes are used to bill insurance companies, further requiring accuracy. While the coder does not interact with patients or insurance companies directly, they are expected to interact with assistants, physicians, and billers. Patient data must be accounted for especially if the patient experiences multiple visits and different services within those visits (Medical Coder, 2018). Coders must also maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient services, as well as to abide by HIPPA and other information security stipulations. Medical coders also make, on average, nearly $2,000 more annually than medical billers.

While billing and coding can be separate jobs, they two departments are encouraged to work together in order to ensure the billing process is smooth and easy for all involved. As such, if it is still a job wherein all parties are required to interact, it makes little sense to choose one over the other. Be that as it may, I have still chosen coding as a better career path for myself for several reasons. To begin, I believe healthcare costs too much in this country, as of right now. While this is hopefully subject to change, during this trying period I would like to spare myself what would undoubtedly be a negative experience in interacting directly with patience and insurance companies on behalf of ensuring the hospital is paid for its trouble (Everything you need to get started in Medical Billing & Coding, 2018). I understand the concept of paying for services rendered, but only to a point. One should not be able to afford to survive. I am not forced into a position where I must explain to patients why simple procedures cost hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars, and so am not choosing that option. Moreover, coders have more power over the overall work environment. If I am a biller, I am forced to trust the coder understands the corresponding codes. Despite encouraging these departments to interact to avoid distrust or suspicion, it would make me more comfortable to be a part of what is essentially the hub of the medical office. I am fully trusting of my own abilities and am happy to answer questions for anybody who may be confused or distrusting of my ability to code. I am less comfortable with hoping the person who gave me the invoice was correct. Finally, though coding seems superfluous to the healthcare process, I still feel I will be an important part of the healthcare industry. Essay: Career Development in Medical Field.

Essay: Career Development in Medical Field