Earn a Degree in Medical Coding and Billing Online

The medical field is full of career options for students that are willing to go the extra mile and receive certification in different health-related areas. One aspect of the healthcare field that is increasingly popular with upcoming professionals is medical billing and coding. Medical coders are the connection between medical service providers, patients and insurance companies. Through their own methods of coding medical procedures, these professionals can contribute to the accuracy of recordkeeping and receiving payment for services rendered. This area of the healthcare field is important during the communication process between healthcare organization and patients, health insurance filing and ultimate billing to the customer. Because the roles of medical coders are so essential in nearly all aspects of the healthcare field, these employees can work in a variety of locations, including hospitals, clinics, care facilities and surgery centers.

The most primary aspect of becoming a medical coder is learning the various codes currently used in the field. Each diagnosis and treatment has its very own medical code, which may include specific terms and abbreviations, that is used to document patient visits and invoice services to insurance companies. From the beginning of an educational experience, students in the online medical billing and coding degree program must learn and recognize medical codes for various treatments and diagnoses. These codes are used during the recordkeeping process, providing detailed information about hospital or clinical visits and assisting during the billing process.

In hospitals and medical clinics all over the world, there are large numbers of client files that are maintained in order to stay current on a patient’s needs. Each time a patient is seen within a medical setting, a file is updated to reflect changes in their health, diagnostics and treatment. These records can be used for health history reports or can be reflected on in the event that a future occurrence of illness becomes apparent. In order for these facilities to consider a patient’s health history, they must have accurate files of health history available to review. Medical coders may be tasked with updating patient files at each visit, so that the history is as current and accurate as possible. The important tasks associated with maintaining patient data are some of the critical skills taught in the AAS Medical Coding and Billing program from Grantham.

Working as a 3rd party between the medical facility and the insurance company, medical coders work to document patient records and send them on to relevant insurance companies. At this point in the treatment process, it is vital that medical coders provide the right codes for the diagnosis and treatment of the patient, so that the insurance company can remit payment for services. In the event that the insurance company only pays a portion of what is owed, medical coders can then forward the remaining balance to the patient for payment.

Anytime technology is used during medical processes, there is a threat of data breaches, information leaks and software errors. Medical coders may hold the responsibility of ensuring that patient information is kept safe, records are coded appropriately for patient confidentiality and systems are protecting using the proper protocol. Records must also be maintained in accordance with the Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Medical coders should be able to identify the constraints and guidelines that HIPAA places on healthcare systems.

In the medical coding field, professionals may constantly come into contact with various forms and checklists that can help during the recordkeeping and billing process. Some of these forms may include the Explanation of Billing form, patient invoices, past-due notices and insurance filing forms. Each of these forms has a certain method for proper completion in which these professionals must be familiar with. Often, these forms will be presented in a digital format. An AAS in Medical Coding and Billing from University of Arkansas Grantham will assure graduates can utilize healthcare-related billing and coding software to support healthcare administration functions.

While most of the work of the medical coder is completed within an office setting, there are instances in which coders must verify their information with medical professionals and patients. With technology changing the way that treatments are administered in a clinical setting, constant learning and verification may be a part of the daily routine of medical coders. If you choose to work in this field, you may engage in inter-hospital or clinic communication on a daily basis. Your degree from Grantham will provide you with communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills which will aid you in these interactions.