Why Choose Medical Coding and Billing? Here is Why

                   Over the next ten years, more than one-third of the nation’s new jobs will be created in the Health care industry. An aging population is one factor affecting the increase, but as our healthcare system becomes more consistent across the states, jobs are also being created.

            According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, of the 30 occupations projected to have the largest percentage increase between 2012 and 2022, 14 are related to healthcare. The affordable healthcare act has increased the number of insured Americans which means that accurate medical billing and coding is more in-demand than ever before. The BLS also projects that the demand for medical coders and billers will increase 22% between 2010 and 2020. Patients’ benefits depend on accuracy and multiple healthcare facilities will be counting on insurance payments – labs, nursing homes, hospitals and doctors’ offices.

          All of this presents a huge opportunity for those looking for a career that pays well. The average salary for medical billing and coding employees in New Jersey is $51,850. The career also offers longterm stability with the flexibility of relocation as the demand for the profession is growing, on average, at 7% across the United States.

         Currently, there are 16 accredited medical billing and coding schools in the state of New Jersey. Medical coders can choose to specialize in a physician-based or hospital-based program and some become specialized in a specific field of medicine such as pediatrics. By choosing a specialty, these billing and coding specialists receive training about specific medical procedures used in the field as they pertain to billing and coding making them more marketable when seeking employment.

         That said, the first step for most students is to complete a certification program or Associates’ Degree program in medical billing and coding and then go on to choose a specialty. At a time when University costs are rising at rates as high as 20% per year, this is an affordable, solid option.

Coursework covers

• Medical terminology
• Pathophysiology
• Training in the systems of common insurance providers

     Understanding laws and ethics related to health insurance, medical billing and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is also an important part of the training.