There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Americans across the country to stay at home and observe social distancing guidelines. You will likely know that the presence of federal and state mandates to maintain physical distance has left many Americans seeking jobs in places where they can stay safe as well as make a handsome income. And the healthcare sector is no different.
Because of the increase in digitalization of medical record-keeping, note that medical coding and billing professionals are now a guild of individuals who may arrange to work from the convenience and comfort of their homes.
Would you like to start a career in medical coding or medical billing but still want to work from home? If you are interested in how you can enjoy career stability and a great income without the commute, we have you covered.
Note that working from home as a medical biller or coder can eliminate commuting costs. It is also convenient as it provides for more time with your family and friends and generally helps you streamline your life goals while maintaining a work-life balance.
You will be pleased to know that as a medical biller and medical coder, you can undoubtedly stay safe, have a successful career, and make money during the COVID-19 era.
Medical Coders and Billers can Work from Home
One of the best things about being a medical coder and biller during the pandemic is that you can work from the comfort of your home, which is excellent. Did you know that medical coding is a job that lends itself quite well to remote working?
One of the main responsibilities of a medical coder is translating the healthcare provider’s diagnostic as well as procedure dictation into acceptable and suitable codes for processing medical insurance claims. As a medical coder, you will likely need to access patients’ medical records in order to get the information needed to support medical coding of the patient encounter and also obtain specific detailed modifiers. This is possible because of the digitalization of medical records, making it possible for billing and coding professionals to work from home.
As a remote medical coder or biller, you can easily pick up multiple jobs or gigs and effectively handle patient billing. You can also tackle other tasks, such as reimbursements to healthcare providers. As a medical biller or coder, you will have an excellent opportunity to do a lucrative job from the safety and comfort of your home.
And that is not all; when you work remotely, you will not just save lives by social distancing, but you will also get the opportunity to build up an impressive resume and career. You can kill two birds with one stone as you save many patients by being safe and secure and transcribing for patients that are looking for retroactive care in an unprecedented time.
High Demand for Medical Billers and Coders
Keep in mind that the job outlook for healthcare technicians in the field of medical billing and coding is expected to grow by 8 percent until 2029, according to BLS. You will be happy to know that it is slated to be considerably faster than many other job fields, which is an encouraging sign. It is worth noting that the steady growth may be attributed to the increase in healthcare transactions, especially in the next couple of years.
And the only thing that increases but doesn’t come down is our age, and as most of us get older, we require extra care. And as more humans get older, they will visit doctors’ offices. Remember that all of the medical procedures and ailments have to be appropriately transcribed and then billed with the help of medical billers and coders.
The good news is that there will be an increasing need for both billers and coders in our society as long as there are individuals who need healthcare.
How to Increase Productivity While Working from Home
If you are working remotely, you have to keep in mind that tedium may cause loss of efficiency or productivity, especially in the long run. This is why you have to take some essential steps to stay in top working condition and maintain your productivity level.
1. Planning is Important
It is important to plan meticulously and carefully to handle the various challenges that working from home as a medical biller or coder can cause. For example, you may have kids who need your attention. Similarly, you might have to be present at various school events, such as meetings and doctor visits.
So, planning your day by factoring in emergencies will certainly help you finish your work smoothly without getting overwhelmed and stressed with deadlines.
- Follow a Schedule
You have to make a schedule specifying the time of the day that you start work, what time you’re free to interact with your friends and family, and what times you will be off-limits. Note that reinforcing and sticking to your schedule is vital to maintain high productivity levels.
3. Organize your Workplace
It is important to remember that you’re on your own when you are working as a medical biller or coder in a home setting. There is no doubt that medical coding or billing from home requires little readiness in terms of infrastructure; however, you still have to be prepared.
For example, a functional computer or laptop, excellent internet connectivity, as well as a working phone are essential when working as a medical coder or biller.
4. Elicit Family Help
If you have ever worked from home, you will know that a bit of help from your family goes a long way to ensure that you have a pleasant and smooth experience when working from home.
For example, you will have to delegate chores and spell out deadlines in order to elicit cooperation from your family members.
5. Avoid Distractions
It would help if you also made your workspace off-limits whenever you are working. Keep in mind that you have to focus extremely when working as a medical coder or biller. You will likely face plenty of distractions when you decide to work from home.
This is why it is your responsibility to ensure that people don’t walk in when you’re working. You should know that every distraction can affect your productivity, breaking the momentum of your work, and you don’t want that.
Importance of Confidentiality in Remote Medical Billing and Coding
You can do medical coding and billing remotely if adequate security measures are implemented to protect the integrity and confidentiality of patients’ sensitive medical records. Note that although technological advances make it possible for you to work from home as a biller or coder, remote billers and coders have to take steps to protect and safeguard patient privacy.
For example, it requires a thorough understanding of personal health information (PHI) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Remember that as a remote medical coder, you’ll need to have computers and Wi-Fi routers that are password protected and encrypted.
Also, you will need to have a quiet place to work. This is because medical coding and billing require concentration, speed, and accuracy to meet your production targets.
Final Thoughts
Note that working remotely as a medical biller or coder is not a feasible option with every employer. However, since this job is so easily performed digitally, many companies in the US are now making remote working an option. So, if you lack transportation options or live in a hard-to-access location, this option is absolutely worth exploring. For more information, visit www.ucontrolbilling.com.
