5 Reasons Medical Coding and Billing Make Excellent Careers

by  Find-A-Code™
Aug 15th, 2023

It would be interesting to know how many young people are interested in medical careers but ultimately go into something else because they aren't interested in patient care. At the risk of stating the obvious, doctors, nurses, and clinical support staff do not make up the entirety of all medical careers. There are lots of medical jobs that have nothing to do with direct patient care. Medical coding and billing are two examples.

Medical coders translate clinical notes into a series of codes that are essentially shorthand for services rendered, medical devices, tests, etc. Meanwhile, medical billers take the work produced by coders and turn it into claims they submit to payers.

If you have been thinking of a medical career but are not interested in patient-facing work, consider medical coding or billing. Below are five reasons both opportunities make excellent careers.

1. The Work Pays Well

The most recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the median annual salary for professional billers and posters is about $42,000. Those at the highest end of the scale earn in excess of $60,000. The numbers are similar for medical coders.

Remember that median salary does not mean maximum. It is possible to boost one's pay considerably by earning a number of professional certifications. Making in excess of $70,000 annually is well within the realm of possibility.

2. The Hours Are Stable

So many patient-facing medical jobs require employes to work odd hours. All three shifts are on the table, and rotating between shifts is not unusual. Medical coders and billers are not subject to this sort of scheduling. Medical coding and billing are typical '9-to-5' jobs with traditional office hours. Scheduling is pretty stable for the most part.

3. The Jobs Are Plentiful

Both medical coders and billers are in high demand across the country. To put it another way, there are plenty of jobs out there. Things are not likely to change at any point in the near future, either. Hospitals, clinics, private practices, and even third-party billing companies all need team members.

The interesting thing about the medical industry is that it continues to thrive even during economic slowdowns. People still need medical care even when the economy sours, right? That being the case, medical coding and billing are fairly recession proof.

4. Training Requirements Are Minimal

It could take 8 to 10 years to become a doctor or advanced practice nurse. You could spend 3 to 5 years in school preparing to become a technician. Fortunately, the training requirements for both medical coding and billing are less stringent. It is possible to complete a coding or billing course in as little as 12 months, then begin working while you push forward on those additional certifications.

Less intense training requirements mean spending less time learning and more time working. That translates into less student debt as well. You start work sooner and owe less money when you get that first job.

5. It Can Be a Steppingstone

Finally, a medical coder or biller job can be a steppingstone to other things if you like. You can use the experience on your way to becoming a billing supervisor or department head. You could also leverage your experience as you train to become an administrator or some other type of professional.

Medical coding and billing make for fantastic careers. If you are interested in the medical industry but would rather be involved in something that does not involve direct patient care, consider one or the other. Either one would make an excellent choice.