5 Reasons Why You Need To Consider a Medical Billing and Coding Degree

It’s a well-known fact that careers in the healthcare industry are booming right now — however, not everyone wants to endure the physical demands and long hours that many jobs in the healthcare field require. This is why a job in medical billing and coding is the perfect choice for people who want great pay, job security, and a rewarding career.

The best part about becoming a medical billing and coding professional is that you could get your online medical billing and coding degree online in as little as six months — empowering you to change your life from the comfort of your own home.

What Do Medical Billing and Coding Professionals Do?

Medical billing and coding professionals are the backbone of health care facilities. It’s their job to transform the procedures, medical services, and diagnoses that patients receive into universal medical alphanumeric numbers. These specific codes are crucial to the healthcare industry because they’re used to file patient data and costs for insurance purposes.

Once the correct code has been applied, medical billing is the process used to submit the claim to the appropriate health insurance.

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, medical billing and coding professionals enable health care facilities to run smoothly, and patients to receive accurate invoices for their care.

If you’re interested in a career change, here are five benefits of obtaining an online medical billing and coding degree.

1. You Can Increase Your Income

The average yearly salary for medical billing and coding professionals starts at $39,180 - plus, you’ll have the potential to increase your income as you gain more experience and improve your credentials.

According to The American Academy of Professional Coders, coders who obtain a Certified Professional Coder credential earn an average wage of approximately $52,690 — this is almost 10% higher than the annual average wage in the United States.

2. Promising Job Security

As the population continues to age, the demand for healthcare services, and in turn, medical billing and coding professionals increases. In fact, in 2018, the medical coding market reached $14.3 billion and is predicted to experience growth of 10.2% over the next five years. This is a promising sign that careers in medical billing and coding will continue to grow.

3. Job Flexibility

Gaining a degree in medical billing and coding provides you with the ability to work in a number of settings, and this includes from the comfort of your own home. Plus, with the opportunity to earn your degree online, you can easily schedule your coursework around your existing commitments — that includes your current job or raising a family.

4. Short training program

It’s possible to complete a medical billing & coding course in as little as six months, giving you the ability to start your new career much sooner than many other occupations in the healthcare field.

5. Rewarding work

Medical coding and billing professionals are integral to the healthcare industry as they keep healthcare facilities running smoothly. When you choose a career in medical billing and coding, you can be assured that you have an essential role in the success of your employer.

How Can I Start My Medical Billing and Coding Career?

Gaining your medical billing and coding degree online is the most convenient and affordable way to do it. Many reputable medical billing and coding programs are easily accessed online. Simply search for one accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Information Management (CAHIIM) to ensure that you earn a recognized certificate that you can build your career upon.

If you’re thinking about making a career change, there has never been a better time to do it. Take the initiative today and start your career as a medical billing and coding professional.

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