Medical/Billing Coding - Where/How To Get Started

I have been a general office clerk/assistant for just over 16 years and am considering whether to make a career change that is more challenging (and hopefully pays better).
Just over a month ago, I lost my job. Since then, I have been searching for more office/clerical jobs, but I am not really enthused about applying for them.
What is involved in training as a Medical Biller or Coder? What is the difference between the two terms? Is it expensive to do the training/schooling involved? Exactly what kind and how much training is involved?
I really don't know where to start so any and all advice is appreciated. Thank you!

Denelle Cruikshank in Las Vegas, Nevada said:

Billing is usually the claim follow up, calling insurances on denied claims, answering patient questions about bills, etc.

Coding is abstracting information from the patients chart or medical record and turning them into the codes for diagnosis and procedures that are accepted by insurance companies.

I am just a coder, have ZERO interest in dealing with patients or insurances, but that is me, not really a people person.

the easiest and cheapest route is a medical billing/coding certificate, they are usually about 8-10 months long and pretty much everyone offers it. the downside, is that you will probably have a hard time finding a job. since the market is kinda flooded with coders right now, most employers want 2-3 years of experience PLUS certification.

there are also degree programs in Health Information Management, you can get a 2 year or a 4 year degree. and then can sit for the RHIT or the RHIA certifications. i have been seeing a lot of employers looking for these certifications. it is a longer program, but it might yield better results.

definitely research both options, this is a great field and i love it, plus after you gain experience and certifications, you can make pretty good money. but, a quick search of indeed forums alone show that there are a lot of people trying to get into this field and are having some trouble.......

i have done medical billing 3 months program.

I feel like i dont have enough experiences.

nazrene in Ridgewood, New York said: i have done medical billing 3 months program.

I feel like i dont have enough experiences.

that is a problem with the short certificate programs, they really don't teach you enough to be a competent biller/coder. taking extra coding/billing classes could help, also sitting for a certification could help as well.

<a href="www.medical-billing.com/">Medical Billing</a>and coding specialists play a vital role in the field of medicine. And it is a lucrative career option. The demand for medical billing and coding specialists is high now.