Companies that need remote medical programmers are looking for people to categorize medical diagnoses, services, procedures and supplies by code for healthcare billing. These organizations include one of the largest healthcare companies in the country, as well as smaller groups that focus more on IT solutions. Can I do medical exercises and coding from home?
To qualify for work in the field of medical coding, you need a special certificate, and you may also need an undergraduate or undergraduate degree in health. Among the credentials that may be required for medical encoders are:
- RHIA: Registered Health Information Administrator (requires a four-year diploma)
- RHIT: Registered health information technician (requires a two-year diploma)
- CCS: Certified Coding Specialist
- CCS-P: Certified Coding Specialist, Doctor
- CPC: Certified Professional Coder
- CPC-H: Certified professional encoder, for hospitals
The two main professional organizations that train and certify medical coders are the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Pros and cons of medical billing and coding from home
Many fake websites, as well as legitimate online schools for profit, have noticed the growing number of people who want to work from home, and now place special emphasis on advertising the benefits and ease of medical billing and coding from home.
Pros
Flexibility
For most people, the freedom to work whenever and wherever they want is the most attractive aspect of working from home in any profession. Specialists with families or those who simply prefer to work at irregular hours are not associated with the typical working hours of 9-5 hours of work in most doctor’s offices or companies. Although there are always deadlines to meet and the degree of flexibility may vary, homework leaves professionals the freedom to change working hours, mornings, evenings, nights or weekends depending on their lifestyle and preferences.
The opportunity to earn more
Another attractive aspect of working at home is that efficient contractors with a good head for business are sometimes able to earn a much higher income than the average pay for medical services and coding. Particularly larger organizations, such as insurance companies and companies specializing in medical information management, are sometimes willing to pay a higher price to a contractor who has shown high quality work and reliability.
Minuses
Incredible income
Although you can make more money if you work from home, it is also possible that you would earn less than a doctor and coder who has full-time permanent employment. Independent contractors who have no business sense, do poor work or are in a hurry to work at home without first securing a stable customer base, may find themselves without contracts and without reliable payout.
Management of all aspects of the business
While traditional bills and medical encoders are able to focus on their key professional competences and skills, independent contractors and consultants performing medical bills and coding from home are also responsible for ensuring that every aspect of their business is well cared for.