Medical Coding or Medical Billing — sometimes, these two terms are mixed or interpreted as one, but in reality, they are two completely different tasks.
In simple terms, they may sound similar, however, there are vast differences between the two. Professionals in both fields use similar skills to achieve similar results, but the methods they use and how they pursue its goals are completely different,
In this article, we are going to differentiate the two: Medical Billing and Medical Coding.
Medical Coding vs Medical Billing
These two skill sets overlap because both professions involve the translation of medical documentation into standardized codes so as to communicate important medical information between respective parties.
While medical billers focus on providing accurate and timely reimbursement based on the codes used, a medical coder’s role is to provide the most complete picture possible of a medical encounter, leaving the money-related aspects to the billers.
But first, we need to define each terms first.
What Is Medical Billing
Medical billing involves processing and submitting patients’ medical claims to insurance companies and government agencies for services rendered to the patient, often through a specialized physical therapy billing service.
Primarily, medical billers work with patients and insurance companies on claims submissions. Billers often perform more customer-oriented tasks than medical coders.
Medical Coding: Key Functions
Medical coding focuses more specifically on patient medical records. Accurate coding helps in preventing misleading notes or diagnoses.
Medical coders, on the other hand, generally work with health care professionals to accurately categorize the services and products provided to the patients.
The following table depicts major differences between medical billing and coding:
Medical Coding | Medical Billing |
Mainly involves communicating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to categorize the services a patient has received. | Mainly involves entering data with the help of a billing software. |
Applying CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 CM standardized codes to patient records to accurately reflect the services received. | Submitting insurance claims to insurance companies. |
Entering data through Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software used in hospitals and physicians’ offices. | Following-up with patients, healthcare professionals, and insurance providers to make sure the claims are paid for. |
Examining operative reports used during surgery to apply procedure codes. | Managing account payments and invoices. |
Performing medical chart audits when a claim is denied. | Investigating denied or rejected claims. |
Staying updated with the latest revisions of coding standards and federal regulations. | Ensuring the physicians and patients receive reimbursements from insurers. |
Examining patient charts and histories to ensure coding accurately reflects a patient’s medical care. | Verifying the accuracy of standard healthcare codes used by medical coders to classify services and products. |
Choosing The Right Partner for Medical Billing & Coding
Park Medical Billing is your reliable partner for all bills that will surely be submitted on time with the correct information. We know and fully understand the importance of correct information’s and error-free claims so there won’t be delays or denials.
Feel free to get in touch with our medical billing company and we’ll be more than happy to assist you and your business.
