Technology increasingly influences the evolution of the healthcare industry. Digital coding software called “encoders” can streamline the coding process and have provoked many to wonder about the future of medical coding.

Software can help to reduce the probability of human error but certainly does not replace what a human medical coder brings to the table: ability to decipher human documentation and the reasoning skills to accurately translate them into instructions for billing.

According to the projection from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical records and health information technicians (including medical coders) is expected to increase 9% from 2023-2033, faster than the average U.S. occupation.*

Inpatient coding refers to a diagnosis report for patients who require hospitalization and must be admitted for an extended stay. Inpatient coding uses Internal Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) coding systems.

Outpatient coding refers to reports outlining services for patients who aren’t required to be hospitalized, typically those who are released within 24 hours. Outpatient coding uses Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding systems.

Inpatient and outpatient coding also deal with unique payment and reimbursement systems you will need to be familiar with.

You may learn inpatient and/or outpatient coding depending on whether you choose the associate degree or diploma path.

Our goal is to best prepare you to become an excellent medical coder who is ready to excel right away in your first entry-level coding job.

While earning a degree/diploma is not always required to earn certain coding certifications, getting educated can help you qualify for more job openings, hit the ground running at full speed and position you best for career advancement.

Medical coders translate the care provided to a patient into codes a computer system can understand. Coders categorize both diagnoses and procedures performed to convert a story of medical treatment into concise codes used for determining the cost of care.

Coders must work closely with physicians, billers and other healthcare personnel to ensure costs are distributed appropriately and claims are filed correctly. Accurate coding helps the business of healthcare run much more smoothly.

Yes!

Herzing’s program features 100% online coursework for both the diploma and associate degree options.

The program does include a required research project or internship as part of the curriculum.

You can complete the research project online. If you choose the internship (pending eligibility in your state), you will be able to gain experience in a real working environment to best prepare you for your first entry-level job as a medical coder.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical records specialists earn an average salary of $48,310 per year ($23.23 per hour).* 

Learn more about how much medical coders and billers can make, including a state-by-state breakdown and averages for different types of certified professionals.

Your first step is to get educated. Enrolling in one of Herzing’s billing and coding program options will put you on track to graduate with the education you need in 10-20 months.

We are your lifelong learning partner—ready to help you take the first big step towards your new career in healthcare.

While software can automate certain tasks in a medical biller’s day-to-day workflow, there is still need for the human element in the medical billing process, including case-by-case decision making and interpersonal communication.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for medical records specialists is expected to increase 9% from 2023-2033.*

Herzing University offers several undergraduate healthcare degree and diploma options that you may earn online, in addition to medical coding and billing:

• Health Sciences
• Healthcare Administration - Associate, Bachelor's
• Health Information Management - Associate, Bachelor's
• Medical Office Administration - Diploma, Associate
• Medical Assisting - Diploma, Associate

Each program is positioned uniquely to build a foundation for you to pursue the type of job in healthcare you’re looking for—whether it’s directly caring for patients, focusing on day-to-day administrative tasks or leading the way in a managerial role.

You can find an estimate for our medical billing and coding program options by using the Herzing University Tuition Wizard.

Our goal is to provide you with an affordable, career-focused education. We have many options for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans or student employment.