What Is Medical Billing and Coding? A Complete Guide for 2026

Mechel McKinney

Published: June 3, 2026 | Last Updated: June 3, 2026

# healthcare, medical billing, medical billing and coding, medical coding

If you’ve ever gone to the doctor and had your insurance pay for part of the visit, a medical biller and coder made that happen. They work behind the scenes to make sure healthcare providers get paid accurately and on time.

It’s one of the most accessible careers in healthcare: you don’t need a four-year degree you can be working in under a year, and the demand for skilled professionals is growing.

Here’s everything you need to know about what medical billing and coding is, what the job involves, and how to get started.

What Is Medical Billing and Coding?

Medical billing and coding is the process of turning a patient’s healthcare visit into a standardized code and then using that code to bill the insurance company.

Every time a patient sees a doctor, gets a test, or receives treatment, that visit has to be documented and coded. The code tells the insurance company exactly what happened and what it should pay for.

Medical billers and coders are the specialists who do this work. They’re the link between the patient, the healthcare provider, and the insurance company.

What Is the Difference Between Medical Billing and Medical Coding?

These two roles are closely related, and in many settings one person handles both.

Medical coding is the first step. A coder reads the patient’s chart and translates the diagnoses and procedures into standardized codes. Those codes are drawn from three main systems:

ICD-10-CM — codes for diagnoses and medical conditions
CPT — codes for procedures and services
HCPCS Level II — codes for equipment, supplies, and services not covered by CPT

Medical billing comes next. The biller takes those codes and uses them to create a claim; essentially an invoice sent to the insurance company. The biller then follows up to make sure the claim is paid correctly and on time.

If a claim is denied or underpaid, the biller handles the appeal process. Their job is to make sure the healthcare provider gets fully reimbursed for the care they delivered.

Why Does Medical Billing and Coding Matter?

Healthcare providers depend on insurance reimbursements to stay financially healthy. Without accurate billing and coding, claims get denied, payments get delayed, and revenue gets lost.

Medical billers and coders prevent that from happening. They make sure every service is coded correctly, every claim is filed on time, and every payment is followed up on. It’s work that keeps the entire healthcare system running smoothly.

What Skills Do You Need?

A successful medical biller and coder brings both technical knowledge and personal skills to the job.

Technical skills include:

Deep knowledge of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems
Understanding of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) software
Knowledge of insurance processes and HIPAA compliance
Attention to detail and accuracy

Soft skills include:

Analytical thinking — patient records aren’t always straightforward
Thoroughness — one wrong code can delay payment or cause a claim to be denied
Integrity — you handle sensitive patient information every day
Tech comfort — the field continues to evolve with new software and tools
Communication — you’ll work with providers, insurers, and sometimes patients

These skills are taught in accredited medical billing and coding programs.

Bryan University’s Medical Billing and Coding Undergraduate Certificate covers all of them, including EHR software training, coding systems, medical terminology, and HIPAA compliance. It can be completed in about 10 months online.

What Certifications Should You Pursue?

Certification is highly valued and increasingly expected in this field. Here are the most recognized credentials:

Certification	Issuing Body	Best For
CCA — Certified Coding Associate	AHIMA	Entry-level coders
CPC — Certified Professional Coder	AAPC	Outpatient/physician coding
CCS — Certified Coding Specialist	AHIMA	Hospital inpatient coding
CIC — Certified Inpatient Coder	AAPC	Inpatient hospital coding

The CCA is the most common starting point for people entering the field through a certificate program. Bryan University prepares students for the CCA exam and covers the cost of one exam attempt in tuition.

Where Do Medical Billers and Coders Work?

One of the best things about this career is how many different settings you can work in:

Physician offices and medical clinics
Hospitals and health systems
Urgent care centers
Nursing care and assisted living facilities
Home health agencies
Health insurance companies
Remote and work-from-home positions

AAPC’s 2026 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report shows that 64.8 percent of respondents work remotely full time. That’s a dramatic shift from just a few years ago when that number held at 30-33 percent, according to APPC.

Remote billing and coding roles are now one of the most in-demand arrangements in the field, making this one of the more flexible healthcare careers available.

What Is the Job Outlook?

The BLS projects employment of medical records specialists to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations with about 14,200 openings projected each year.

It’s also worth addressing a question many prospective students ask: will AI replace medical coders?

The short answer is no, at least not in the foreseeable future. AI tools are increasingly being used to assist with initial coding suggestions, but human coders are still essential for compliance, accuracy, complex cases, and regulatory changes.

Health Information Management Degree: Career Paths, Timeline, and What to Expect in 2026

How Do You Get Started?

The path into medical billing and coding is more straightforward than most healthcare careers:

Step 1: Complete an accredited program.

A certificate program covers the coding systems, medical terminology, EHR software, and billing processes you need to do the job.

Bryan University’s online Medical Billing and Coding Undergraduate Certificate can be completed in about 10 months and all courseware and books are included in tuition.

Step 2: Earn your certification.

The CCA through AHIMA is the most common entry-level credential. Bryan University prepares students for the CCA exam and covers one exam attempt.

Step 3: Enter the workforce or keep going.

With your certificate and certification, you’re ready to work. If you want to advance, Bryan University’s Associate Degree in Health Information Management and Support Services stacks directly onto the certificate; all credits transfer, so you can pursue both at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ICD-10 and CPT codes?

ICD-10 codes identify what the patient has; the diagnosis or condition. CPT codes identify what was done; the procedure or service performed. Both are used together on every insurance claim.

Do you need a degree to become a medical biller and coder?

No. A certificate program is the standard entry point and qualifies you to sit for national certification exams. An associate degree expands your career options and typically leads to higher pay over time.

How long does it take to become a medical biller and coder?

With an accelerated online program, you can complete your certificate in about 10 months and be ready to sit for your CCA exam. Bryan University’s stacked program lets you pursue your certificate and associate degree at the same time.

Can medical billers and coders work from home?

Yes, and the number is only increasing. Remote work is becoming the norm in this field. Hospitals, health systems, and third-party billing companies all hire remote billers and coders regularly.

What is HIPAA and why does it matter in this field?

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is the federal law that protects patient privacy. Medical billers and coders handle sensitive patient data every day, so understanding and following HIPAA rules is a core part of the job and a topic covered in every accredited training program.

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