[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) projected that the healthcare industry would add 29,000 new jobs in the coming decade for medical records and health information specialists, including medical billers and coders. However, due to the pandemic, the need for these professionals has risen exponentially.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This increased demand for medical workers makes now an ideal time to pursue a career in coding and billing. Rapid certification options and a favorable job outlook have made medical billing and coding an appealing professional opportunity. Initial certification programs in either field can be completed remotely in as few as four months.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading for the job outlook for [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare/medical-billing-and-coding/”]medical billing and coding[/hen-ui-link] and how COVID-19 has impacted the profession.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Job Outlook for Medical Billers and Coders[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS indicates a projected 8% job growth rate for medical billers and coders from 2019-29. As the U.S. population ages and more health records are digitized, healthcare facilities seek qualified workers to organize patient information. Billers and coders who can file reimbursement claims from insurance companies and manage that information are in high demand.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS projections were calculated prior to COVID-19, and the pandemic’s impact on job growth in the medical field remains undetermined. However, an increased need for medical services likely means a higher demand for medical coders and billers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How the Pandemic Impacted Medical Billing and Coding[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The pandemic has created uncertainty within the medical community. According to an article published by [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.fortherecordmag.com/archives/JA20p18.shtml” target=”_blank”][hen-ui-text tag=”em” variant=”b4″]For the Record[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link], “COVID-19 has shut down nearly 30% of the economy, including large swaths throughout healthcare.” Prior to this economic loss, the BLS deemed medical billing and coding one of the fastest-growing fields.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/” target=”_blank”]American Academy of Professional Coders[/hen-ui-link] (AAPC) states that “The need for healthcare professionals, including health information technicians, is at a historic high — and will remain so.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]COVID-19 has also driven technological developments in an effort to provide services without risking patients’ health. Virtual healthcare visits and telemedicine have become increasingly popular over the last two years. The need for remote billers and coders should rise in proportion to the growing demand for remote care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As more facilities hire remote workers, the job market may become highly competitive. Employers do not have to rely purely on local candidates, and hospitals that are struggling financially might seek cheaper labor from companies overseas.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4”]Billers and coders must distinguish themselves among national and international competition through education, training, and certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How To Become a Medical Biller/Coder[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically, it is possible to [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare/medical-billing-and-coding/how-to-become/”]become a medical biller or coder[/hen-ui-link] with a high school diploma or the equivalent, although some associate and bachelor’s [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare/medical-billing-and-coding/”]degree programs[/hen-ui-link] are available. Medical billers and coders can remain competitive in the job market by becoming certified. While certifications are not required by law, they can lead to more job opportunities and increased earning potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following certifications are available for medical billers:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certification/cpb/” target=”_blank”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certified Professional Biller[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”] (CPB): [/hen-ui-text]The AAPC’s CPB credential lets the holder work as a biller in most medical settings.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.americanmedicalbillingassociation.com/cmrs-information” target=”_blank”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”] (CMRS): [/hen-ui-text]Individuals with a CMRS certification may facilitate the entire claims process, which ends once the patient pays their balance in full. This credential highlights the holder’s knowledge of the medical billing industry.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://mabillers.com/certification” target=”_blank”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certified Medical Billing Specialist[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”] (CMBS):[/hen-ui-text] The CMBS certification is intended for individuals who work in provider’s offices, at health insurance companies, or at independent billing centers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical coders can earn the following certifications:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certification/cpc/” target=”_blank”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certified Personal Coder[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”] (CPC): [/hen-ui-text]Those who earn their CPC certification can work in almost any medical setting that uses general practice coding, from large hospitals to private practices.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certification/coc/” target=”_blank”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certified Outpatient Coder[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”] (COC): [/hen-ui-text]Most coders with a COC certification work in outpatient facilities like ambulatory surgical centers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certification/cic/” target=”_blank”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certified Inpatient Coder[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”] (CIC): [/hen-ui-text]This credential designates individuals who are knowledgeable in Medicare severity diagnosis related groups and the Inpatient Prospective Payment System. Coders with a CIC certification typically work at inpatient hospitals or medical facilities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certification/crc/” target=”_blank”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certified Risk Adjustment Coder[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”] (CRC): [/hen-ui-text]Coders with a CRC certification assign codes according to diagnoses made by physicians and other healthcare providers in offices or inpatient facilities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working in Medical Billing and Coding[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While medical billing and coding are often grouped together due to their many overlapping responsibilities, each role comes with some distinct duties.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical billers typically:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical coders often:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Work Environment[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, medical billers and coders held approximately 341,600 positions in 2019, with the largest percentages working in the following environments:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”5″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The AAPC identifies more specific environments where [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/medical-coding/medical-coding.aspx” target=”_blank”]medical billers and coders[/hen-ui-link] work:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Average Salary[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare/medical-billing-and-coding/salary//”]medical billing or coding salary[/hen-ui-link] depends on many factors, including professional experience, education, certifications, and workplace. According to the BLS, medical billers and coders make an average hourly wage of $21.20, or $44,090 a year. The lowest earning 10% make $28,800 annually, while the highest 10% of earners make $73,370.[/hen-ui-text]