Many people just starting to consider an administrative career in the healthcare industry are attracted by the fact that medical billing and coding is one of the fastest growing sectors over the past ten years. But once their research gets under way, it soon becomes obvious that aiming to earn a medical billing and coding salary isn't as straightforward as it seems.
The thing is, medical billing and coding, although closely linked, are in fact entirely separate disciplines. And once this fact becomes apparent, the inevitable question arises as to whether a medical billing salary is on a par with a medical coding salary, or whether one pays better than the other.
Comparison of a Medical Billing and Coding Salary
Firstly, we need to be clear as to what are the differences between the two areas. After all, if you are more comfortable dealing with numbers than people, then maybe you should aim to qualify as a medical coder.
Whereas, if you would rather pull your fingernails out than spend your working life manipulating numerical data, then you would be more comfortable with the duties of a medical biller.
Duties and Responsibilities
A medical biller is more akin to being a practice manager than a practice accountant. Whilst the task of compiling and submitting the required invoices to medical insurance companies or direct to patients, your job will involve patient liaison to a large degree.
From making appointments, greeting patients and their families to dealing with doctors, physicians and healthcare specialists, the job of a medical biller requires a far higher degree of people skills than maybe a medical coder does.
Certainly, a working knowledge of medical codes is essential for compiling patient records and accounts, but a specialist medical coder will be far more focused on data and numerical work than in dealing with doctors and patients.
So what is the implication for a difference in a medical billing and coding salary?
Initially, new employees in their first job after gaining their qualifications, be that in billing or coding, can expect to earn roughly the same amount. An hourly rate of between $10 - $14 is usual and is only influenced by whether the position is with a large or small organization and whether that organization is situated within a major city or rural town.
Once an amount of experience has been gained, the two disciplines begin to pull away from each other slightly. Certified medical coders with commensurate experience enjoy more satisfying salary levels than their unregistered and inexperienced counterparts. An average medical coder could reasonably hope to earn anywhere between $35000 - $45000 per annum.
A similarly qualified and experienced medical biller may find that their earning capacity is slightly lower at around $32000 - $43000 pa. However, those with specialization and experience encompass both areas are best placed to reach a salary level of up to $50000 pa or even higher. The inevitable conclusion to be drawn is that is you wish to earn a good medical billing and coding salary, then your best course of action is to qualify for both disciplines.
So before you make your choice whether to pursue a career as a medical biller or coder, you need to ask yourself whether you will be more comfortable dealing with people, number or both!
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