Is Coding and Billing for Electronic Medical Records the Right Field for me?

You may be wondering what exactly Coding and Billing for Electronic Medical Records is and how it’s part of the great essential healthcare machine. Perhaps you might also be thinking what does one actually do as a coding and billing for electronic medical records specialist? Or as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) calls it – a medical records and health information technician. To help you better understand your options, and if it’s the right path for you, let’s break it down.

What is Coding and Billing for Electronic Medical Records?

The reality is that every single healthcare facility is also – a business. And like all businesses, there are functions and business processes that must be completed for that facility to operate smoothly. The healthcare and health insurance industries use a billing shorthand or coding to identify just about every procedure, medication, surgery or anything else you might encounter on a routine visit to your doctor, a trip to the ER or any other healthcare facility. The professionals who input this information are responsible for truly keeping the wheels of the healthcare industry turning. Why? Because without the ability to process patient treatments, records and insurance quickly and efficiently, medical practices would be unable to function. The Bureau of Labor Statistics breaks it down as follows:

• Reviewing patient records to make sure they are complete and accurate.
• Maintaining and organizing data for registries and clinical databases.
• Tracking patient outcomes to make quality assessments.
• Assigning codes for data analysis and insurance reimbursement by using classification software.
• Recording data electronically for reporting, retrieval, analysis, storage and collection.
• Keeping patient records confidential.

Why Choose a Career in Coding and Billing for Electronic Medical Records?

For starters, the industry is projected to add almost 30,000 new jobs by 2029 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. Consider some of the other benefits you might expect as a medical records and health information technician.

• Fast track to earning – If you’re looking for a career that gets you earning sooner than a traditional four-year university education, this is a great option. Most programs can be completed in less than 24 months!

• You’ll be part of an industry that is all about helping others – Just because you aren’t on the front lines of healthcare doesn’t mean you’re not a valuable part of a medical team. Your skills are not just helpful – they’re necessary to keep things running like a well-oiled machine.

All in all, if you’re looking for a career with job security and great earning potential – becoming a coding and billing for electronic medical records specialist is a solid choice. A great place to get started is by checking out the Coding and Billing for Electronic Medical Records online program at Daytona College. Daytona College is helping students get the training and skills they need to join the other heroes of the healthcare industry. The program is completely online to make it even easier to get your training without disrupting your routine. Contact us at (866) 560-5499 to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our admissions department.