Medical billers and coders represent an essential part of the health care industry. With every test, appointment, and procedure, records are created, and must be stored and properly dealt with. As a medical biller or coder, you will be responsible for working with this type of information. Some of the records you will oversee include information provided by and about the patient, medical history, examination results, reports, tests, diagnoses, and treatment plans. You’ll often make use of a computer to create, store and analyze data efficiently and ensure better control over records. You will be expected to maintain a high level of accuracy, so attention to detail is essential.

Your duties as a medical biller or coder will largely depend on the type and size of facility in which you work. In larger or more specialized facilities, you may concentrate on one aspect of information, or in smaller ones you may take a more general approach. For example, there are coding specialists whose job revolves around coding medical information in order to be processed for insurance.

As a medical biller or coder, you can expect to work in an office with little to no direct contact with patients. Generally, you’ll work a 40 hour week during normal office hours, however hospital workers may be expected to work odd hours. The job outlook for this industry is strong, and you can expect to earn between $19,000 and $45,000 per year.

In order to become a medical biller or coder, you will need to complete certification through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). These organizations offer education, certification, and support to those who would like to become medical coders or billers, or further their career in the industry.