Key Points:

• Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) provide basic patient care; Medical Billers and Coders handle insurance claims and medical coding.
• LVNs typically earn a higher median salary than Medical Billers and Coders.
• Both professions have good job prospects, but the demand for LVNs is generally higher.
• LVNs require in-person training and licensing, while Medical Billers and Coders can often complete their training online.
• LVN training is typically more expensive and takes longer than Medical Biller and Coder training.

In the field of healthcare, there are a multitude of career paths to choose from. Two popular vocational training options are becoming a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) or a medical biller and coder. Both of these careers offer unique opportunities and challenges, and it can be difficult to determine which path is the right one for you. In this blog post, we will explore the roles and responsibilities of each profession, as well as the differences between them. We will also discuss the education and training required for each career, the job outlook, and the salary potential. By the end of this blog post, you should have a better understanding of whether becoming an LVN or a medical biller and coder is the right choice for you.

What is a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Medical Biller and Coder?

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN):
A licensed vocational nurse, also known as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), is a healthcare professional who provides basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. LVNs work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Their duties may include administering medication, taking vital signs, assisting with patient hygiene, and documenting patient care. LVNs play a crucial role in the healthcare team and provide direct patient care to individuals of all ages.

Medical Biller and Coder:
A medical biller and coder is a healthcare professional who is responsible for translating medical procedures and diagnoses into codes for billing purposes. They work in medical offices, hospitals, and insurance companies to ensure accurate and timely reimbursement for healthcare services. Medical billers and coders review medical records, assign appropriate codes, and submit claims to insurance companies. They also handle insurance denials and appeals, as well as patient billing inquiries. Medical billers and coders play a vital role in the financial aspect of healthcare and help ensure the smooth operation of healthcare facilities.

Difference between a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Medical Biller and Coder

While both licensed vocational nurses and medical billers and coders work in the healthcare field, there are significant differences between the two professions. Here are some key distinctions:

Scope of Practice:

• LVNs are responsible for providing direct patient care, including administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with activities of daily living. Their focus is on patient care and ensuring the well-being of individuals under their supervision.
• Medical billers and coders, on the other hand, have a more administrative role. They focus on coding and billing procedures, ensuring accurate reimbursement for healthcare services provided. Their work is primarily behind the scenes and does not involve direct patient care.

Education and Training:

• Becoming an LVN typically requires completing a vocational nursing program, which can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months. These programs are offered by community colleges and vocational schools and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. After completing the program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed.
• Medical billers and coders can enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent. However, many employers prefer candidates with formal training in medical billing and coding. These programs are typically shorter in duration, ranging from a few months to a year. They cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, coding systems, and billing procedures. Certification is also available through organizations such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Job Setting:

• LVNs can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health agencies. They may also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or obstetrics. LVNs work closely with patients and other healthcare professionals to provide quality care.
• Medical billers and coders primarily work in medical offices, hospitals, and insurance companies. They may also have the option to work remotely. Their work is typically focused on coding and billing, and they may not have as much direct interaction with patients or other healthcare professionals.

Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Medical Biller and Coder: Job Description

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN):

• Administering medication and treatments as prescribed by physicians
• Monitoring vital signs and reporting any changes or abnormalities
• Assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing
• Documenting patient care and maintaining accurate medical records
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans
• Providing emotional support and education to patients and their families

Medical Biller and Coder:

• Reviewing medical records and assigning appropriate codes for procedures and diagnoses
• Submitting claims to insurance companies and ensuring proper reimbursement
• Handling insurance denials and appeals
• Following up on unpaid claims and resolving billing discrepancies
• Answering patient inquiries regarding billing and insurance coverage
• Staying up-to-date on coding guidelines and regulations

Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Medical Biller and Coder: Education and Training

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN):

• Completion of a vocational nursing program (12-18 months)
• Passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)
• Continuing education to maintain licensure

Medical Biller and Coder:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of a medical billing and coding program (few months to a year)
• Optional certification through organizations such as AAPC or AHIMA
• Continuing education to stay current with coding and billing guidelines

Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Medical Biller and Coder: Career Outlook and Salary

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN):

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 9 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses was $47,480 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

Medical Biller and Coder:

• The BLS does not provide specific data for medical billers and coders. However, they project that employment of medical records and health information technicians, which includes medical billers and coders, is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for medical records and health information technicians was $44,090 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in the healthcare field requires careful consideration of your interests, skills, and goals. Both becoming a licensed vocational nurse and a medical biller and coder offer unique opportunities to contribute to the healthcare industry. If you enjoy direct patient care and have a passion for helping others, becoming an LVN may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you have strong organizational and analytical skills and enjoy working with medical codes and billing processes, a career as a medical biller and coder may be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what you value most in a healthcare career.

Dreambound extends its programs to diverse locations. Delve deeper into information about these two vocations by visiting:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse in Virginia
• Medical Biller and Coder in Virginia
• Licensed Vocational Nurse classes near you