Health information coder vs medical biller coder

The differences between health information coders and medical biller coders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a health information coder and a medical biller coder. Additionally, a health information coder has an average salary of $54,353, which is higher than the $38,756 average annual salary of a medical biller coder.

The top three skills for a health information coder include medical terminology, ICD-10-CM and CPC. The most important skills for a medical biller coder are patients, medical billing, and ICD-10.

Health information coder vs medical biller coder overview

	Health Information Coder	Medical Biller Coder
Yearly salary	$54,353	$38,756
Hourly rate	$26.13	$18.63
Growth rate	11%	11%
Number of jobs	112,238	54,861
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 45%	Associate Degree, 30%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	12	12

What does a health information coder do?

A health information coder is responsible for translating the reports of physicians into beneficial medical codes. Health information coders make sure that all important information is appropriately coded for accuracy and consistency. The coders read the medical chart of a patient and analyze it and identify patient diagnoses and medical procedures. They categorize the diagnoses and the necessary procedures based on a national classification system. Also, they assign particular alphanumeric or numeric code to each procedure or diagnosis.

What does a medical biller coder do?

A medical biller coder is responsible for handling the billing processes and insurance within a hospital, clinic, or similar facility. They must gather patient information and records to analyze and translate them into codes according to the insurance and medical guidelines. Moreover, it is crucial to verify all patient forms and ensure their accuracy as it will serve as a basis on essential documents and medical record-keeping. There may also be instances where a medical biller coder must devise payment plans for patients, communicate with families and guardians, and coordinate with physicians.

Health information coder vs medical biller coder salary

Health information coders and medical biller coders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Health Information Coder	Medical Biller Coder
Average salary	$54,353	$38,756
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $78,000	Between $30,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City	-	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	University of California, Berkeley
Best paying industry	-	Professional

Differences between health information coder and medical biller coder education

There are a few differences between a health information coder and a medical biller coder in terms of educational background:

	Health Information Coder	Medical Biller Coder
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 45%	Associate Degree, 30%
Most common major	Health Care Administration	Health Care Administration
Most common college	Georgetown University	University of Pennsylvania

Health information coder vs medical biller coder demographics

Here are the differences between health information coders' and medical biller coders' demographics:

	Health Information Coder	Medical Biller Coder
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 12.0% Female, 88.0%	Male, 10.0% Female, 90.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 9.0% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%	Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 8.0% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between health information coder and medical biller coder duties and responsibilities

Health information coder example responsibilities.

Create documentation education classes to general surgery residents, increasing the leveling of reporting which lead to increase revenues.
Provide clerical services in registering patients and guests in ambulatory surgery facility.
Train staff on the HIPAA regulations.
Assist in instructing students for exam preparation for the CPC exam.
Maintain establish department policies and procedures, objectives, QA program, HIPAA compliance, environmental and infection control standards.
Code charts (Inpatient/Outpatient/Observation) according to EHR records to ensure all charges are accurately capture; hydration/infusion/EM levels & procedures.

Medical biller coder example responsibilities.

Manage chart completion (ICD-9-CM and CPT coding), chart assembly and analysis and patient information privacy/security.
Use EMR software to manage patient records and files reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic.
Manage chart completion (ICD-9-CM and CPT coding/abstracting), chart assembly and analysis, patient admission and patient information privacy/security.
Bill insurance claims using HCFA 1500 and UB-92 form.
Review coding, verify the diagnosis codes (ICD-9) and procedure codes (CPT) are congruent and clinically appropriate.
Have experience in all commercial insurances and government insurances including Medicare and Medicaid.

Health information coder vs medical biller coder skills

Common health information coder skills

Medical Terminology, 11%
ICD-10-CM, 9%
CPC, 9%
Patients, 7%
Quality Standards, 6%
AHIMA, 6%

Common medical biller coder skills

Patients, 17%
Medical Billing, 5%
ICD-10, 5%
Customer Service, 5%
CPT-4, 4%
HCPCS, 4%

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Health Information Coder vs Medical Biller Coder

Updated January 8, 2025

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