How Is A Medical Administrative Assistant Different From A Medical Biller?

If you’re thinking about making a career move into the medical industry, two popular career tracks are medical billing and medical administrative assistant. And while each path is similar, at the same time, they are pretty different.

Both career paths combine working with medical records and the use of computers. Both jobs require a high school diploma or GED, and both provide competitive salaries and excellent growth potential. If you’re trying to decide between two such similar career paths, here are some differences in each to empower you to make a more informed decision.

 

Medical Billing And Coding

Medical billing involves reviewing patient charts for medical procedures and services, then filing insurance claims on their behalf. Medical billing and coding professionals also review coding and classification systems, making sure claims are appropriately submitted.

 

Medical Admin Assistant And Billing

A medical administrative assistant focuses more on healthcare’s clinical aspects, such as distributing medications and scheduling patient appointments. However, the job also includes interacting with patients and other providers to coordinate care and ensure their needs get met.

The difference between a medical billing and coding job and a medical administrative assistant job is primarily due to the higher levels of responsibility. For example, a medical administrative assistant does not need to make a diagnosis or treatment recommendation – they coordinate all aspects of a patient’s care.

 

Medical Billing And Coding Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that medical billers and coders earn an average of $34,000 per year. Potential employers for people with medical billing and coding certification could include hospitals, medical clinics, physician offices, diagnostic and treatment centers, public health clinics, and insurance companies.

 

Medical Administrative Assistant Salary

Salary for medical administrative assistants is lower than that of billing and coding professionals – an average of $26,000 a year. The areas where a medical administrative assistant might find employment include hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, insurance companies, and other similar settings.

 

Medical Billing And Coding Career Outlook

According to the BLS, the demand for medical billers and coders will increase by 21% from 2012 to 2022. The highest employment opportunities are forecast to be in physicians’ offices and outpatient care centers, where a growing number of physicians will require the services of medical billers and coders.

 

Medical Administrative Assistant Career Outlook

The BLS reports that demand for medical administrative assistants could increase by 23% from 2012 to 2022. This figure is equivalent to about as fast as the national average for all occupations. Employment growth will stem from increased needs by an aging population and the increasing number of Americans with high-deductible health plans, which are required to make more cost-conscious healthcare decisions.

 

Medical Billing And Coding Vs. Medical Administrative Assistant

Both fields are excellent career paths to consider. Still, if you’re trying to decide between becoming a medical administrative assistant or a medical biller, both are promising career paths. Whichever you choose, MBS Careers offers comprehensive programs to help you move ahead professionally.