When it comes to medical billing salaries, there is a lot of variation. However, the approximate median in the United States is $34,000 per annum. One of the reasons for the wide variance in salaries is because medical billing clerks and coders are frequently thought of as the same category, but their duties are considerably different. Job growth in the field is promising; the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the need will increase by 20 percent between now and 2018.
A major factor affecting how much money can be earned is where an individual chooses to work. Although it is possible to work from home, those who do so sacrifice income for convenience, and earn anywhere from ten to 25 dollars an hour. Medical billers and coders working in physicians' offices and outpatient facilities make a salary below the median. Those who are fortunate enough to find work in the Federal Executive Branch, receive the highest salaries.
Needless to say, level of education and experience play a significant role in the salary a medical billing clerk or coder can command. Accredited programs are available at some universities, online university courses are an option, and vocational schools may be a possible avenue. Many programs provide an internship, which allows for on the job training. Some medical billers and codes choose to specialize in a particular field of medicine, this will also influence salary levels.
Although it is possible to work as both a medical biller and coder, most people choose to work at one or the other. Medical coders assign numeric or alphanumeric codes to tests, treatments, conditions and procedures. A medical biller is responsible for billing patients, health insurance providers and government medical services. It is also the task of the medical biller to ensure bills are paid. If bills are not paid in a timely manner, the medical biller will work with the patient, insurance company or government agency to ensure the problem is rectified. If it is necessary to send the bill to a collection agency, that is also a task left in the hands of a medical biller.
For those who desire job security, and have a mind for details, work has a great deal to offer. Medical billing salaries are stable, and with appropriate education and experience income can increase well beyond the median. It may take awhile to earn top dollar, but many will find it worth the hard work and dedication.
A major factor affecting how much money can be earned is where an individual chooses to work. Although it is possible to work from home, those who do so sacrifice income for convenience, and earn anywhere from ten to 25 dollars an hour. Medical billers and coders working in physicians' offices and outpatient facilities make a salary below the median. Those who are fortunate enough to find work in the Federal Executive Branch, receive the highest salaries.
Needless to say, level of education and experience play a significant role in the salary a medical billing clerk or coder can command. Accredited programs are available at some universities, online university courses are an option, and vocational schools may be a possible avenue. Many programs provide an internship, which allows for on the job training. Some medical billers and codes choose to specialize in a particular field of medicine, this will also influence salary levels.
Although it is possible to work as both a medical biller and coder, most people choose to work at one or the other. Medical coders assign numeric or alphanumeric codes to tests, treatments, conditions and procedures. A medical biller is responsible for billing patients, health insurance providers and government medical services. It is also the task of the medical biller to ensure bills are paid. If bills are not paid in a timely manner, the medical biller will work with the patient, insurance company or government agency to ensure the problem is rectified. If it is necessary to send the bill to a collection agency, that is also a task left in the hands of a medical biller.
For those who desire job security, and have a mind for details, work has a great deal to offer. Medical billing salaries are stable, and with appropriate education and experience income can increase well beyond the median. It may take awhile to earn top dollar, but many will find it worth the hard work and dedication.
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