5 Best Medical Support Jobs

Many healthcare professionals, such as physicians and nurses, enjoy patient-facing roles. But if being a nurse or doctor isn’t for you, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a fulfilling career in the medical field. With the growing need for healthcare services, the demand for help in medical offices continues to expand. Medical support roles jobs are more in-demand than ever as both hospitals and medical offices need help overseeing the business of medical care.  Here are some of the top medical office jobs to help you choose the right health care career for you.

1) Medical Biller

Medical billers help healthcare establishments submit medical claims to insurance companies. They ensure that billing is in order for every patient seen in a medical facility.  For those who don’t want to work out of an office, medical billing also offers a way to earn money from home.  Medical billing doesn’t require the same level of education as many other medical roles. The role typically may need an associate or technical degree and a few months to learn technical terminology. Some employers also look for certain certifications, such as Certified Professional Coder credentials.  Many billing pros can earn a decent living, with the medical billing average salary is $45,240 per year.

2) Medical Coder

As part of medical billing, an essential part of the process is ensuring that all insurance invoices have the proper codes. The wrong codes can delay insurance payments or even result in non-payment.  Medical coders are vital to ensuring that everything is coded correctly so that bills are paid promptly. Medical coders typically review patient records and doctor’s notes and translate them into medical codes to send to insurance companies.  While some may work in an office setting, this role can be handled virtually, so many coders work from home.  Becoming a medical coder requires understanding medical terminology and how to use coding guidelines. Typically, it requires an associate degree or a medical billing and coding diploma. Some employers also look for Certified Professional Coder credentials. However, some coders enter the workforce with just on-the-job training and a high-school diploma.  The average U.S. salary for a medical coder is $51,241, although some states have an average as high as $66,000.

3) Medical Office Manager

The medical office manager orchestrates the work “behind the scenes” in the office. They oversee the medical staff, create schedules, create office procedures, and complete performance reviews. Plus, they help practices with everything from answering phones to assisting with minor procedures.  Medical office managers may require a bachelor’s degree depending on the level of responsibility. However, positions with less responsibility roles require only an associate degree or proficiency certifications. The average salary for a medical office manager is $50,432.

4) Medical Receptionist

Medical receptionists may also help run the office. They greet patients and take insurance details. Secretaries also help file records and ensure they have all the required information. This position requires excellent organizational skills, communication, and integrity in handling sensitive patient information.  The average salary range for a medical secretary is between $37,600 to $46,000, though it is possible to become an executive medical secretary for higher pay.

5) Health Services Administrator

Health services administrators are the operational manager of the entire medical office. They build the policies and procedures and set up systems to ensure the office runs smoothly. They are similar to the medical office manager except they oversee an entire facility instead of a small physician’s office.  Because they are building systems behind the scenes, health services administrators need to know about IT infrastructures and technology. As the medical systems become more dependent on IT systems, this part of the role will continue to grow as a critical part of the job.  While health services administrators can work under a doctoral degree, only an associate or bachelor’s degree is typically required. Because of the necessary responsibility, health services administrator roles are higher pay, with an average salary of $73,119.

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