Medical coders and billers assign codes to illnesses, injuries, and medical procedures based on doctor's and nurse's notes. They enter these codes on insurance forms.

Medical coders and billers match letter and number codes to medical treatments, diagnoses, and medications. Every time a patient receives professional health care, the providers assign a code and create an insurance claim. This ensures that the health care providers are paid for their services.

Medical coders check medical records for doctors' and nurses' notes, lab tests, and x-rays that explain what treatments the patients received.

They know insurance plans, regulations, codes, and guidelines. They use this knowledge to assign correct codes for procedures and supplies used to treat the patient and maintain patients' privacy.

Medical billers make certain that all insurance forms are completed and signed. They also make sure that all the correct information is entered into their computers. Medical billers prepare billing invoices. They might also collect payments, interpret benefits, handle denied claims, and process appeals.

Medical coders and billers work in every type of health care facility, including doctor's offices, surgery centers, and hospitals. Some coders have their own freelance businesses. They work from home and bill for their services on an hourly basis.