Medical claims processor vs medical collector

The differences between medical claims processors and medical collectors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a medical claims processor, becoming a medical collector takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a medical claims processor has an average salary of $36,777, which is higher than the $36,235 average annual salary of a medical collector.

The top three skills for a medical claims processor include patients, healthcare and data entry. The most important skills for a medical collector are patients, healthcare, and customer service.

Medical claims processor vs medical collector overview

	Medical Claims Processor	Medical Collector
Yearly salary	$36,777	$36,235
Hourly rate	$17.68	$17.42
Growth rate	-3%	-8%
Number of jobs	59,992	73,797
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 29%	Bachelor's Degree, 24%
Average age	44	46
Years of experience	4	12

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.

What does a medical collector do?

A medical collector deals with collection of bills related to medical services. They handle healthcare-related debt, collect patient insurance information, and develop repayment plans to accommodate debtors that are unable to settle their accounts. Qualifications for this position include knowledge of accounting and training in insurance, business or finance.

Medical claims processor vs medical collector salary

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

	Medical Claims Processor	Medical Collector
Average salary	$36,777	$36,235
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $45,000	Between $30,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	Dover, DE	Arlington Heights, IL
Highest paying state	Delaware	Illinois
Best paying company	Cognizant	Addison Group
Best paying industry	Government	Finance

Differences between medical claims processor and medical collector education

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

	Medical Claims Processor	Medical Collector
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 29%	Bachelor's Degree, 24%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Medical claims processor vs medical collector demographics

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

	Medical Claims Processor	Medical Collector
Average age	44	46
Gender ratio	Male, 16.0% Female, 84.0%	Male, 18.0% Female, 82.0%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 3.3% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	11%	8%

Differences between medical claims processor and medical collector duties and responsibilities

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.

Medical collector example responsibilities.

Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic.
Perform as a mediator between insurance companies and patients collecting nationwide extensive medical bills.
Utilize A/R reports and identify accounts that are past payments.
Maintain a filing system of clients' medical records and disclosure following HIPPA guidelines.
Post appropriate adjustment types and carrier payments to accounts for true A/R account balance reflection.
Maintain strict confidentiality; adhering to all HIPAA guidelines/regulations.

Medical claims processor vs medical collector skills

Common medical claims processor skills

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

Common medical collector skills

Patients, 22%
Healthcare, 9%
Customer Service, 7%
Medical Collections, 5%
Appeals, 5%
Medicaid, 4%

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Medical Claims Processor
Medical Claims Processor vs Medical Collector

Updated January 8, 2025

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