The Difference Between a Medical Assistant and a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

Medical assistants and medical billing and coding specialists are health care workers with different roles. A medical assistant has a variety of administrative and clinical duties. A medical billing and coding specialist focuses on medical claims and billing for providers.

Medical Assistant Administrative Roles

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) states that medical assistants can have office administration duties, including front-office work, such as scheduling and handling patient records.

Other Roles

Depending on the size of the medical provider's office, medical assistants may also handle billing and bookkeeping.

Medical Assistant Clinical Roles

Medical assistants can also have clinical duties, determined by state law, such as preparing exam rooms and instruments, drawing blood, taking vital signs and explaining prescribed medical care to patients. The AAMA also explains that medical assistants can specialize in types of health care and particular roles.

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists

According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), medical coders assign standard codes to health care and treatments received by a billed patient. Coders may also handle billing and may work independently or in a health care office.

Potential

Both the AAMA and the AAPC offer certification programs.

References

• Medical Assisting Career
• What is Medical Coding?

Resources

• Medical Assisting Career
• What is Medical Coding?