Medical billing and medical coding often times are mistaken as interchangeable careers. The truth is they are different roles that require different training to become efficient in each. You may be wondering, what is the difference between medical billing and medical coding? According to AAPC,
- Medical billing is the process of generating healthcare claims to submit to insurance companies for the purpose of obtaining payment for medical services rendered by providers and provider organizations.
- Medical coding is the transformation of healthcare diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment into universal medical alphanumeric codes.
Figuring out which role and certification is right for you comes down to your interests, professional background, and overall career goals. Understanding what each role does and what is need to obtain your certification is also important.
Requirements to obtain a medical billing certification and a medical coding certification
| Medical Biller | Medical Coder |
|---|---|
| Prior knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology | Prior knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology |
| No prior professional experience needed | No prior professional experience needed |
| Complete a certified medical billing course | Complete a certified medical coding course |
Tasks of a medical biller and a medical coder
| Medical Biller | Medical Coder |
|---|---|
| Calculate and collect payments for services like procedures, tests or surgeries | Translate and transcribe important health documents for record-keeping |
| Oversee the insurance claims for health care providers | Managing and protecting patient data |
| Communicate with patients about outstanding balances, | Ensuring that healthcare providers are paid for their services |
If you’re looking to start a career as a medical biller or a medical coder, you have options. As an accredited AAPC Partner, Towson University Continuing and Professional Studies is committed to providing advanced skills valued by employers. Our health and medicine instructors come with decades of experience, and are ready to help you succeed. Whether you start with our Medical Billing Course or Certified Professional Medical Coding Course, you will have the tools needed to sit for your exam and excel in your career.
Enroll in a health and medicine certification prep course today.
