Healthcare is consistently one of the most popular and stable fields if you’re currently going into the workforce. However, it’s easy to think that you need a high-profile medical degree or years of clinical residency even to start. The truth is, you don’t have to be a doctor to make a big splash in healthcare.
A stethoscope might not be your forte, but you might know your way around a computer. If you have a keen eye for detail on top of that, learning how to become a medical coder could be the first step toward an exciting professional career. The unseen engine of the healthcare system, medical coders keep the entire industry moving.
This guide provides everything you need, from education to certification to job opportunities. Whether you’ve just made your way out of high school or you’re a professional looking to pivot, the path to a medical billing and coding certificate is rewarding and open to all.
What is medical coding?
At the bare bones, medical coding is a specialized form of translation. In a healthcare setting, every patient interaction means a detailed written medical report. These reports contain a physician’s notes on a patient’s symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments. However, insurance companies cannot easily handle raw notes.
That’s where the coder steps in. They review those notes and convert the information into universal, alphanumeric codes. These codes ensure that healthcare providers and insurance companies worldwide are speaking the same language.
Without these specialists, the healthcare system would essentially grind to a halt. These professionals ensure that insurance companies understand exactly what occurred during a visit, allowing for accurate claim processing and fair reimbursement.
Essential MBC skills and qualifications
While the field is accessible, it is also a discipline that requires precision. Developing these competencies takes time and dedicated study, which is why many students choose an online medical billing and coding path to balance their studies with existing work or family commitments.
Medical billing and coding hard skills
To succeed, you must develop technical fluency in the biological and administrative aspects of medicine.
- Medical knowledge: You must understand medical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology.
- EHR software: Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) software is essential.
- The “Big Three” code sets: You will need to become fluent in ICD-10-CM (diagnoses), CPT (procedures), and HCPCS Level II (supplies and medications).
All of these you can learn in educational programs, like University of Bridgeport’s Medical Coding courses.
Soft skills
In addition to technical knowledge, certain personality traits are highly valued:
- Attention to detail: A single-digit error can mean denied insurance claims. Being extremely detail-oriented and specific is a huge plus.
- Ethical standards: As they hold private medical data, medical coders are essentially guardians. They handle sensitive data daily and must work with HIPAA guidelines.
- Analytical thinking: Coding is like solving a puzzle, needing you to accurately represent a patient’s problems, treatment, and experience through code.
Take the next step toward a healthcare career. Learn more about UB’s Medical Billing and Coding certificate program.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a medical coder
If you’re still confused, keep reading. Below is a complete step-by-step guide to becoming a medical coder.
Step 1: Meet the pre-requisites
The barrier to entry for this field is lower than for many other healthcare roles. Generally, all that is needed to start a professional online medical billing and coding program is a high school diploma or a GED.
Step 2: Choose your educational path
Once you have your pre-requisites, you must decide which program would best suit your goals.
- Certificate programs: These are the fastest route into working, taking about 9–12 months. Earning a medical billing and coding certificate allows you to focus strictly on the skills needed for getting jobs quickly.
- Associate degrees: These programs take about 2 years and offer a broader education in Health Information Management (HIM).
Step 3: Get certified
Certification is the gold standard in the industry. Some entry-level roles do exist for uncertified staff, but most major hospitals are looking for a credential from one of two primary organizations:
- AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders): Earning your CPC (Certified Professional Coder) is perfect for outpatient coding.
- AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association): Earning a CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) or CCA (Certified Coding Associate) is the preferred path for inpatient hospital coding.
Whatever you choose, programs like University of Bridgeport’s are designed to prepare you for both AAPC and AHIMA certifications.
Gaining experience and success
Experience brings everything you’ve learned together. New students can get their foot in the door through practicums, like those offered at University of Bridgeport, or through programs like the AAPC’s “Project Xtern.” For those currently enrolled in an online medical billing and coding program, internships provide the necessary real-world application to supplement digital learning.
When drafting your resume, lead with your certifications and your fluency in the big three code sets. One of the best parts of this job is the potential for remote work. Many professionals, after a year or two in the office, move into work-from-home roles. In the healthcare field, flexibility like that is rare.
Salary and career outlook
The future for those who learn how to become medical coders is bright. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this sector could grow 7 percent through 2034.
Financially, the field offers a solid middle-class income with significant upward mobility. On average, a specialist in medical billing and coding earns approximately $50,250 annually, but with specialized certifications, earnings can reach $80,000 or more. Coders can also step up into roles like auditors, which can pay more.
Ready to start your Medical Coding journey?
Becoming a certified professional is one of the most rewarding ways to enter the healthcare field without the years of clinical rotations required for nursing. By mastering the language of medicine through an online medical billing and coding curriculum, you become a vital part of the healthcare team.
Whether you are a recent graduate or a career changer, there has never been a better time to earn your medical billing and coding certificate. Don’t wait to learn more about how you can play a central, non-clinical role in Healthcare.