The Critical Role of Medical Coding in Healthcare

Medical coding occurs every time you visit a healthcare provider. The provider examines your medical history, makes a professional record of your condition, the proposed treatment, and documents your visit. This documentation is not only essential for your ongoing medical record but also serves as the basis for the healthcare provider's reimbursement.

The standardized codes generated by medical coding communicate to payers the patient's diagnosis, the medical necessity for treatments or services received, the treatments and services provided, and any special circumstances or comorbidities that affected those treatments and services.

Medical coding is akin to a musician interpreting written music and using their instrument to produce the intended sound. It requires an understanding of anatomy, physiology, the details of the services provided, and the rules and regulations of the payers to be successful.

The Evolution of Medical Coding

Medical coding has its roots in the public bills of mortality posted in London in the 18th century. It was by analyzing these records that physicians were able to determine the cause of a cholera epidemic. Today, the data collected through medical coding is used to enhance healthcare quality. The information derived from coding is not only submitted to payers for reimbursement but also utilized to monitor utilization, manage risk, identify resource usage, construct actuarial tables, and support public health and administrative operations.

Why Medical Coding Services Are Indispensable

Medical billing and coding are critical to the operation of hospitals and medical offices. These facilities rely heavily on funding from insurance carriers and other healthcare programs. Insurance companies generate revenue by charging policyholders monthly premiums. The pooled contributions from policyholders enable insurers to cover a significant portion of the medical costs, depending on the policy. This means that a substantial amount of money comes from reimbursements rather than out-of-pocket expenses from consumers.

Accurate medical billing and coding are essential to ensure that patients are not overcharged for procedures and that they and their insurance are billed for the correct services. Every patient visit to a hospital, urgent care facility, or other medical office generates data that must be documented accurately.

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists: The Unsung Heroes

It is common for hospitals and medical offices to employ individuals or teams who are knowledgeable in both medical billing and coding. Community colleges, trade schools, and online education options often teach these skills together in training programs due to their interconnected importance.

Medical billing and coding specialists are primarily responsible for entering the correct codes and other information into a healthcare facility's database. They often serve as liaisons between the office's billing staff and its nurses and doctors. The job outlook for these professionals is promising, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a 15 percent increase in employment for medical records and health information technicians (which includes medical billing and coding specialists) through 2024 BLS Employment Projections.

The demand for medical billing and coding specialists is driven by the increasing number of individuals with access to insurance, leading to more healthcare visits and a greater volume of billing and coding work. These professionals can work almost anywhere due to the universal need for healthcare services, and remote work options are becoming more common, reducing or eliminating commuting needs.

In terms of compensation, the BLS reported that the median annual wage for medical records and health information technicians was $44,090 in May 2020, which is higher than the median for all occupations BLS Wage Data.

Outsourcing Medical Billing: A Strategic Move

Many organizations choose to outsource medical billing services for several compelling reasons:

• Cost Savings: Outsourcing can reduce monthly overhead and benefits costs compared to in-house billing staff. Flat rates charged by medical billing companies are often less than the cost of employing a staff member for the same work.
• Improved Cash Flow: Outsourcing keeps billing efficient and timely, increasing cash flow to the medical facility.
• Reduced Errors: Specialized medical billing companies are less likely to make mistakes, thanks to their expertise and dedicated software, leading to fewer denied or rejected claims.
• Enhanced Patient Focus: For smaller medical facilities, outsourcing allows front office staff to concentrate on patient care rather than juggling billing duties, potentially improving patient satisfaction.

Launching a Career in Medical Billing and Coding

Most medical billing and coding positions require completion of a vocational program. These programs are widely available at community colleges and trade schools and can often be completed in less than 18 months. Graduates may need to pass the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam, depending on workplace requirements.

Choosing a program is the first step for those interested in entering the field of medical billing and coding. With the right training and certification, specialists in this field can enjoy a stable and rewarding career in healthcare administration.