Difference Between Medical Billing and Medical Coding
Though medical billing and medical coding may seem like roughly the same thing, they are actually drastically different procedures, each with its own methods and processes. The two are intertwined, though, as one cannot move smoothly without the other, but it is important that you know that the two are not interchangeable.
Medical billing is a focus on the billing aspect of the medical practice, ensuring that the correct payments are received in a timely manner. Whether it is done in-house or outsourced to a medical billing service, the function of medical billing really only has to do with medical claims between insurance companies or other agencies for any services or treatments provided to a patient.
Medical coding is a focus on a patient’s medical records, ensuring that the proper codes are used in order to prevent any misleading diagnosis, notes, or charges.
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In essence, medical billers mainly work with insurance companies and patients on claims, while medical coders work more with healthcare professionals to ensure that any services provided to the patient are categorized correctly.
How Much Does Medical Coding Cost?
The cost of medical coding services varies depending on the number of patients seen per day, the number of physicians, and the vendor you choose.
Typically, coding services charge by the hour, at an average rate of around $36 per hour. This may vary greatly, though, depending on where you operate, as some areas are much more expensive and others much more affordable.
It also depends on whether the coding service also performs billing services. Because the two are so closely linked, and the law requires it, medical billing services employ coders as well. If you’re paying for both services, you typically pay either a flat rate for billing or a percentage of the collections. The average per-bill flat rate is $5, with costs starting as low as $1 and going as high as $8. Services that charge a percentage only get paid when you do, so they typically charge between 5 and 15 percent of the amount collected.
Always make sure to ask for any available references and read all available reviews before making any final purchasing decisions.
The Benefits of Medical Coding Services
Medical coding is essentially translation and must be done whether you hire a medical coding service or keep the function in-house. Accurate medical coding is vital to the operation of your practice and delays or discrepancies can lead to major issues. Hiring a coding service provides your practice with improved coding accuracy, cleaner claims, fewer denials, and more detailed reports. Plus, it leaves your staff able to focus on other tasks instead of spending time on coding.