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The booming medical industry is sparking a demand for medical billing and coding specialists due to the uptick in the aging population and the need to keep up with medical technology and reimbursement processes.

In 2016, the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the job rate for medical records and health information technicians is projected to increase by 13% over the next 10 years, faster than the national average. Check out some of the top skills and traits to see if you have what it takes to get a career in medical billing and coding:

Detail Oriented

Attention to detail may be one of the most critical medical billing and coding requirements. Medical billers and coders are responsible for entering the correct procedural codes to ensure each procedure is paid correctly. If you have a keen sense of tending to minute details and picking up on the slightest discrepancies, then medical billing and coding may be the career you’ve been looking for.

Strong Organizational Skills

Outstanding organizational skills are a must for a career as a medical billing and coding specialist. These professionals are responsible for accurately maintaining and organizing large amounts of information that can be easily accessed at any given time.

Discretion

This profession requires maintaining every patient’s right to privacy. Medical billers and coders must practice discretion when handling private and sensitive patient information. Any breach of this confidentiality can lead to serious legal problems.

Analytical Skills

This profession requires not only the ability to work with numbers and money but also strong analytical skills to ensure that all diagnosis and procedure codes match up. Medical billers and coders need a basic understanding of human anatomy and medical terminology to analyze medical records and assign the correct diagnosis and procedure codes on a claim so that it will be billed correctly.

Professional Attitude

Collecting an unpaid balance can put billers in a challenging and sometimes uncomfortable position. Having a professional attitude and treating the patient with respect can go a long way. The same is true when calling on a grieving family member who has lost their loved one and was left with the responsibility of paying any bills.

Great Typing Skills

The healthcare industry is a fast-paced environment that requires billers and coders to work as quickly and accurately as possible. Excellent typing skills are a must to keep up with the demand. If your typing skills are not particularly strong, consider taking online keyboarding lessons or typing classes to help increase your speed.

Ability to Read Poor Handwriting

While it sounds trivial, the ability to read bad handwriting can go a long way when deciphering a doctor’s poor penmanship.

So, do you have what it takes to be a medical billing and coding specialist?

If you possess any of the skills listed above or are interested in the field, you could be on your way to becoming a member of one of the fastest-growing branches in today’s healthcare field. With training and dedication, you can acquire the skills you need.

The Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program at Swedish Institute is designed for students to earn their certificate in as little as twelve months. Your new career can be only a short year away.