Compare Careers in Medical Coding

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Medical coders and billers work together, making sure health care providers get paid. There's a third type of career that falls under medical coding � transcriptionist. All three are quickly growing careers with a lot of opportunity. They have a lot in common, so how do you compare them? With a little basic research that anyone can do.

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Look into responsibilities. All three of the medical coding careers work in health care, but they focus on different things. For a start, medical coders and transcriptionists work closest with the health care facility, but medical billers work more closely with patients and insurance companies.;

Think about income. Careers in medical coding pay well, depending on your training and skill. Medical coders and transcriptionists usually get a higher hourly rate, though.;

Consider your place of work. Medical coders and transcriptionists deal with confidential papers that most places won't let out of the building. Medical billers might earn less, but they have a better chance of starting a medical billing business from home.;

Research expected training. Both medical coders and billers work with computers constantly, but there are other skills they must have. If you don't have the training already, how much will you need to learn?;

Look for reference material. Billers, coders and transcriptionists have to be careful with their work or they could be fined. Find out how much reference each career needs and decide what you're most comfortable with.

Get CBCS Certified. Medical coding pros who have only a high school diploma earn a salary of about $40,000 per year. By with certification, that salary jumps to $60,000 or more.;

Expect to take classes throughout your career. The health care industry changes constantly, and you will be expected to keep your skills up-to-date no matter which medical coding career you go into.

Medical coding and billing training programs are right at your fingertips online. But before you enroll in any courses, make sure the program has a good reputation and is fully accredited.

Medical coding careers in the Federal Occupational Outlook Handbook - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos103.htm;

University of Alaska's Guide to Medical Coding Specialists (typical training required, responsibilities, and certification links) - http://www.ichs.uaa.alaska.edu/careerguide/careers/medcode.htm;

Career Explorer's Medical Coding Programs - http://www.careerexplorer.net/degree-programs/Medical-Coding.asp