A Day in the Life: Medical Office Billing and Coding

Keeping track of every patient who visits a hospital is an enormous task. Remembering all of their medical conditions and insurance information would be impossible without people like me. My name's Shanice, and I'm a medical office billing and coding specialist.

What's an Average Day Like for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists?

When I arrive at the hospital, I go to my desk and see which patient files need to be entered into the computer system. My typical day consists of transcribing diagnoses, treatments, and procedures into standardized payer codes for government and commercial reimbursement. We use these codes to protect the patients' privacy and simplify the reimbursement process. It's also my duty to ensure patient files, paper and electronic, are properly maintained.

Even though I do not provide patient care, my efforts help the patients have better experiences. I work closely with insurance companies to ensure that patients are billed the correct amounts. This requires me to be very thorough and accurate. If I ever come across missing or inaccurate information, I communicate with the hospital staff, insurance companies, and patients to resolve the issues. I'm thankful that, despite not being a nurse or doctor, I can still assist patients in need.

What Types of Jobs are Available for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists?

Although I work in a hospital, there are many types of facilities that require medical billing and coding specialists. You could find employment with a physician's office, insurance company, medical laboratory, clinic, medical billing service organization, surgery center, or many other locations. Some medical billing and coding specialists even work from home.

Medical billing and coding specialists could work day, evening, or overnight shifts, so it's a career that's flexible with your scheduling needs. Additionally, the number of open positions is growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an 11% increase in medical records and health information technician opportunities between 2018 and 2028. In Ohio, the BLS predicted there would be a 14% increase in these jobs between 2016 and 2026.¹

Why Choose Rockford Career College?

Rockford Career College's medical billing and coding diploma program is 100% online, giving you the flexibility to study from home on your schedule. You could graduate in as little as 10 months! If you're interested in earning your associate degree after graduation, you could continue with the 7-month healthcare administration program. 

Small class sizes, free tutoring, and resume writing assistance are just a few of the ways RCC prepares students for success in their career journeys. The Career Services team could help you rehearse for interviews and connect you with local employers. Caring instructors leave their office doors open to answer your questions. At RCC, you won't be just another student. You'll be part of the family.

If you're detail-oriented and want to help patients, medical billing and coding could be the right career for you. Call 888.680.6682 or submit the Request Information form online to learn more. I hope you'll join me in this exciting career field!

Reference:
¹ National Center for O*NET Development. Ohio Employment Trends: 29-2071.00 - Medical Records and Health Information Technicians.  O*NET OnLine.  Retrieved September 7, 2020, from onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-2071.00?st=OH&g=Go

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