Key Points:

• Massage therapists provide therapeutic massages; medical billers and coders handle insurance claims and medical coding.
• Massage therapists typically earn less than medical billers and coders.
• Both fields have steady job growth.
• Massage therapy requires in-person training, while medical billing and coding can be learned through online or in-person programs.
• Massage therapy training is generally shorter and less expensive than the training for medical billing and coding.

As a workforce development specialist, I often come across students who are torn between pursuing a career as a massage therapist or a medical biller and coder. Both professions have their own unique set of skills and requirements, and it's important for individuals to understand the differences before making a decision. In this blog post, we will explore the roles of a massage therapist and a medical biller and coder, compare the job descriptions, education and training requirements, as well as the career outlook and salary potential for each profession.

What is a Massage Therapist and Medical Biller and Coder?

Massage Therapist: A massage therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in providing therapeutic massages to clients. They use their hands, fingers, elbows, and sometimes even their feet to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, helping clients relax and relieve muscle tension. Massage therapists may work in a variety of settings, including spas, wellness centers, chiropractic offices, and even hotels.

Medical Biller and Coder: On the other hand, a medical biller and coder is responsible for translating medical procedures and diagnoses into codes for billing purposes. They ensure that healthcare providers are accurately reimbursed for their services by insurance companies and other third-party payers. Medical billers and coders work closely with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients to ensure that all medical claims are processed correctly and in a timely manner.

Difference between a Massage Therapist and Medical Biller and Coder:

Job Focus:

• Massage therapists focus on providing therapeutic massages to clients, helping them relax, relieve muscle tension, and promote overall well-being.
• Medical billers and coders focus on the administrative side of healthcare, ensuring that medical claims are accurately coded and submitted for reimbursement.

Work Environment:

• Massage therapists typically work in spas, wellness centers, chiropractic offices, and hotels.
• Medical billers and coders can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician's offices, and insurance companies.

Physical Demands:

• Massage therapists spend a significant amount of time on their feet and may need to exert physical effort when performing massages.
• Medical billers and coders work in an office environment, spending most of their time sitting at a desk and using computers.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Massage therapists need excellent communication and interpersonal skills to establish rapport with clients and understand their specific needs and preferences.
• Medical billers and coders need good communication skills to interact with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients.

Licensing and Certification:

• Massage therapists are required to be licensed or certified in most states. The requirements vary by state but typically include completing a recognized massage therapy program and passing a national exam.
• Medical billers and coders are not required to be licensed, although certification is highly recommended. Professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), offer certifications that demonstrate proficiency in medical coding.

Massage Therapist vs Medical Biller and Coder: Job Description

Massage Therapist:

• Perform therapeutic massages on clients to help relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
• Assess clients' needs and preferences, including any specific areas of concern or medical conditions.
• Develop treatment plans and adjust techniques based on clients' feedback and progress.
• Keep accurate records of clients' sessions, including notes on any areas of concern or changes in health status.
• Educate clients on self-care techniques and provide recommendations for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Medical Biller and Coder:

• Assign appropriate codes to medical procedures, diagnoses, and services for billing purposes.
• Review medical records and other documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Submit medical claims to insurance companies and other third-party payers.
• Follow up on unpaid claims and resolve any billing discrepancies or denials.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations when handling patient information.

Massage Therapist vs Medical Biller and Coder: Education and Training

Massage Therapist:

• Most states require massage therapists to complete a recognized massage therapy program, which typically takes around 6 to 12 months.
• These programs cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, ethics, and business practices.
• After completing a massage therapy program, aspiring massage therapists must pass a national exam to obtain their license or certification.

Medical Biller and Coder:

• Formal education is not always required to become a medical biller and coder, although it is highly recommended.
• Many vocational schools and community colleges offer certificate or associate degree programs in medical billing and coding.
• These programs typically cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, healthcare laws and regulations, and coding systems (e.g., ICD-10, CPT).
• Certification through professional organizations, such as the AAPC or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), can enhance job prospects and demonstrate proficiency in medical coding.

Massage Therapist vs Medical Biller and Coder: Career Outlook and Salary

Massage Therapist:

• The career outlook for massage therapists is positive, with a projected growth rate of 21% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• The demand for massage therapists is driven by an increasing interest in alternative therapies and the benefits of massage for stress reduction and overall wellness.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for massage therapists was $43,620 in May 2020, with the highest 10% earning more than $82,240.

Medical Biller and Coder:

• The career outlook for medical billers and coders is also positive, with a projected growth rate of 8% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
• The demand for medical billers and coders is driven by an aging population and the increasing complexity of healthcare reimbursement systems.
• According to the BLS, the median annual wage for medical records and health information technicians (which includes medical billers and coders) was $44,090 in May 2020, with the highest 10% earning more than $73,370.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a career as a massage therapist or a medical biller and coder ultimately depends on an individual's interests, skills, and career goals. Both professions offer unique opportunities to make a difference in the healthcare industry, but they require different sets of skills and training.

If you enjoy working directly with clients, have a passion for holistic health, and have excellent interpersonal skills, a career as a massage therapist may be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you have strong analytical and organizational skills, attention to detail, and an interest in the administrative side of healthcare, a career as a medical biller and coder may be a better fit.

Ultimately, it's important to thoroughly research and consider all aspects of each profession before making a decision. Vocational training programs and career counseling services can also provide valuable guidance and support in choosing the right path for your future.

Dreambound's educational programs are available in diverse locations. Explore these recommended blogs for a comprehensive examination of the two vocations, including in-depth insights into their prerequisites and guidance on initiating your journey:

• Massage Therapist in Iowa

• Massage Therapist classes near you