Remote Careers: Can Medical Coding And Billing Be Done At Home?

by  Find-A-Code™
Apr 5th, 2023

Few questions relating to medical coding and billing are searched online more frequently than whether or not either job is suitable for remote work. In simple English, can medical coding and billing be done at home? In a word, yes.

Both medical coding and billing are careers that work well in a remote environment. Coding and billing specialists are essentially data specialists. As long as they have access to the data they need and the software and tools to get the job done, they can work from anywhere. Working from home is just as easy as working from a local coffeehouse.

Basic Requirements for Remote Work

There are some basic requirements for working remotely as a medical coder or biller. The first is a fairly modern computer with a compatible operating system and hardware capable of meeting the demands of the job. To be as remote as possible, a laptop is preferred over a desktop.

Above and beyond the computer, remote workers need:

• high speed internet access
• a secure, HIPAA-compliant connection
• an environment conducive to concentrating
• access to online and printed resources for medical billing codes.

The last item, access to medical billing codes, is best addressed digitally whenever possible. Working with printed materials is fine when sitting at the kitchen table. But if a medical coder or biller wants to work from a coffee shop or local park, carrying a stack of books becomes inconvenient.

Being able to access an up-to-date list of medical billing codes online is the best way to go. Online medical billing codes eliminate the need for paper records or digital copies of those records. The one caveat is that a coder's online source must maintain its lists. The lists cannot be six months behind.

Employment or Contract Work

Medical coding and billing specialists hoping to work remotely need to consider what kind of arrangement works best for them. A coder or biller can work as an employee or as an independent contractor. Both options are conducive to remote work.

In a traditional employment scenario, the worker would be hired by a hospital, private practice, clinic, or third-party provider of medical coding and billing services. As an employee, they would be compensated with a regular salary and benefits. Their employer might even furnish their computer and the necessary software.

Working as a contractor is an entirely different ballgame. Contractors are self-employed under the law. They run their own businesses, even if they are the sole employees of those businesses. The benefits of working as a contractor include flexibility, full control over one's schedule, etc. But there are downsides as well.

Contractors need to drum up business on their own. They need to handle their own accounting and taxes. They are more or less responsible for every aspect of their businesses. To some, contracting is the only way to go. But to others, it seems like a nightmare waiting to happen.

Get Your Education First

If you have been considering a career in medical coding and billing because it is conducive to remote work, you are on the right track. You can definitely work either job from the comfort of your own home. But before you can get started, you need to get your education and certification. The good news is that it shouldn't take long. Becoming a medical coder or biller doesn't require a 4-year degree.

With training and certification completed, all that is left is for you is to start looking for work. Whether you work as an employee or a contractor, working remotely is on the table.