- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the medical coding field is expected to expand due to increasing regulations over health insurance providers. Freelancers are uniquely positioned to save office staff the additional time and expense of doing their own coding and billing.
- Medical coders provide services mainly to doctors, hospitals, labs, dentists and chiropractors. Time is of the essence, so you must have a high degree of speed and accuracy to code and prepare dozens of bills on a daily basis.
- Coders need at least a high school diploma, but those with degrees are likely to start at higher salary levels, particularly if you have a nursing degree or health care background. Advance training is preferred, but many coders learn on the job. Community college and online training is also available.
- To help avoid scams that often ask you to send money to get information about medical coding and home-based billing jobs, refer to the Medical Coding Career Guide (see Resources).
- Associations that can assist with deciding on a career in this field are The American Association of Clinical Coders and Auditors, American Health Information Management Association and American Academy of Professional Coders.
