Medical billing and coding are two of the most critical components in any medical practice. Accuracy in both of these areas is critical to patient safety, rapid payment and efficient operations. Medical billing and coding requires skilled professionals who can read, interpret, record and track complex medical information quickly, maintain patient confidentiality and strong attention to detail.

Medical coding takes information about diagnoses, treatments, procedures, medications and equipment and translates them into alphanumeric codes. This information comes from a range of sources, including transcriptions, medical notes, electronic records, lab results including blood work, urinalysis and pathology and radiologic assessments. Medical coding professionals transfer these codes from the sources to medical billing systems and patient records. Coding is an important step required to submit medical claims with insurers and bills for insurers and patients.