If you’re looking for a healthcare job that doesn’t require years of medical school–you’ve got options. Two solid career paths include Medical Transcription and Insurance Billing. Both are essential behind-the-scenes roles in healthcare, but they’re pretty different in what you will focus on.
Medical Transcription: Turning Doctor’s Words into Records
You listen to doctors’ recorded notes and write reports as a medical transcriptionist. These notes provide a lot of information, like the patient’s history and treatment plans. You need to be able to listen well, pay attention to details, and know a lot about medical terms.
What You’ll Do:
- Write down reports like treatment notes and patient histories.
- Check and edit documents for correctness.
- Format records with transcription software.
- To keep information confidential, follow HIPAA rules
Training and Skills:
- Typing quickly and correctly.
- Strong grammar and proofreading skills.
- Knowledge of medical terms and transcription software.
- Many transcriptionists complete a training program or get certified (like the CMT – Certified Medical Transcriptionist).
Insurance Billing: Handling Payments & Claims
If you choose to be an Insurance Billing Specialist—also called a Medical Biller—you will make sure doctors and hospitals get paid.You’ll have to deal with insurance companies, file claims, and make sure everything adds up correctly. This could be a perfect fit for you if you like working with numbers and solving problems.
What You’ll Do:
- Submit insurance claims.
- Make sure the medical codes are correct for billing.
- Fix problems with claims and appeal claims that were turned down.
- Help patients figure out their payments and insurance.
Skills and Training:
- Knowing how to use billing software and coding systems like ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS.
- Skills that address challenges and help customers.
- Knowledge of health insurance policies.
- Most billers obtain training and certificates like CBCS (Certified Billing & Coding Specialist) or CPB (Certified Professional Biller).
What job is best for you?
Choose to do medical transcription If you like working alone, you are good at both listening and typing and you’d prefer to work on paperwork than talk to patients.
Pick Insurance Billing if you are skilled at organizing and solving problems, and you like working with money and numbers.
Salary & Job Outlook
Both careers have strong demand in the job market with room for growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Medical Transcriptionists earn around $34,000 a year.
- Medical Billers & Coders make about $46,000 a year.
- Certifications and experience can boost your pay.
Ready to Get Started?
No matter which path you choose, both careers are vital within the healthcare industry.Billing is a good choice if you like working with claims, numbers, and insurance.
Want to work in medical transcription or insurance billing? The CDE Career Institute has full training programs that will help you learn the skills you need to be successful. Find out more about our Medical Transcription/Insurance Billing Specialist Program and start your new career now!