Data processor vs medical claims processor

The differences between data processors and medical claims processors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a data processor, becoming a medical claims processor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a medical claims processor has an average salary of $36,777, which is higher than the $33,076 average annual salary of a data processor.

The top three skills for a data processor include computer database, data processing and financial data. The most important skills for a medical claims processor are patients, healthcare, and data entry.

Data processor vs medical claims processor overview

	Data Processor	Medical Claims Processor
Yearly salary	$33,076	$36,777
Hourly rate	$15.90	$17.68
Growth rate	-	-3%
Number of jobs	92,954	59,992
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 29%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	4

What does a data processor do?

A data processor is responsible for encoding various information to the organization's database, originating from either manual or electronic communications. Data processors must be highly detail-oriented, especially on analyzing the completeness of data before uploading it to the system. In some cases, a data processor performs in-depth research to verify the authenticity of the information. A data processor should have excellent typing skills and knowledge with office software tools to create proper formatting and ensure accuracy for easy comprehension.

What does a medical claims processor do?

A medical claims processor has working knowledge of medical billing and coding. The qualifications for this position include knowledge of current procedural terminology (CPT) and international classification of diseases (ICD) coding systems. They are responsible for processing claims forms, adjudicating the allocation of deductibles and copays, and following through with adjudication policies to facilitate proper payment of claims.

Data processor vs medical claims processor salary

Data processors and medical claims processors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Data Processor	Medical Claims Processor
Average salary	$33,076	$36,777
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $40,000	Between $29,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City	Los Angeles, CA	Dover, DE
Highest paying state	Alaska	Delaware
Best paying company	AECOM	Cognizant
Best paying industry	Technology	Government

Differences between data processor and medical claims processor education

There are a few differences between a data processor and a medical claims processor in terms of educational background:

	Data Processor	Medical Claims Processor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 29%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Data processor vs medical claims processor demographics

Here are the differences between data processors' and medical claims processors' demographics:

	Data Processor	Medical Claims Processor
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 31.2% Female, 68.8%	Male, 16.0% Female, 84.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.7% Asian, 8.5% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 13.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 3.9% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	5%	11%

Differences between data processor and medical claims processor duties and responsibilities

Data processor example responsibilities.

Manage and prepare pharmaceutical records for multiple FDA audits.
Research the CPT coding manual and edit reference codes from CMS.
Utilize knowledge of diagnosis codes and CPT codes to prevent denial of claim.
Process Medicare and Medicaid papers.
Enter data information about insurance claims for Medicaid.
Demonstrate understanding of HIPAA laws and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Medical claims processor example responsibilities.

Enter UB 92 and 1500 HCFA medical claims into computer system manage and process insurance claims.
Manage cases by aggressively directing the litigation process.
Submit medical claims to commercial insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid for payment with use of ICD-9 and CPT coding.
Review and verify patient account information against insurance program specifications, analyze surgical procedures and diagnoses using CPT-4 and ICD-9 codes.
Acknowledge and enforces confidentiality in alignment with (HIPPA) guidelines.
Audit encounters and ICD-10 codes to ensure correct coding and maximum reimbursement.

Data processor vs medical claims processor skills

Common data processor skills

Computer Database, 18%
Data Processing, 16%
Financial Data, 5%
Data Entry, 5%
Computer System, 5%
QC, 5%

Common medical claims processor skills

Patients, 13%
Healthcare, 10%
Data Entry, 10%
Medical Insurance Claims, 9%
Medical Terminology, 6%
Customer Service, 3%

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Data Processor vs Medical Claims Processor

Updated January 8, 2025

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