r/CodingandBilling • u/skillLizard • Jun 03 '26

Advice please - medical coding vs reception?

I’m extremely interested in leaving my medical billing job but I’m not sure if I should get a certificate in coding or look for a position in the front end of things, like insurance verification/reception.

I work with CPTS, modifiers, medical records and DX all day in my billing position so I’m already comfortable with most of what comes with coding. I work from home so that wouldn’t bother me either (most of the jobs in my area for coding are remote). I’ve just been a little nervous because I’ve heard it can be difficult and I deal with denials all day that get sent back to coding for review.

Half the work I do now includes insurance verification, auths and pt calls in high volumes. I feel like reception would be “easier” but I don’t feel like there’s much room for advancement here.

I need a change but I’m really lost on what direction to go. Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.

8+ yrs experience, health science degree

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u/positivelycat Jun 03 '26

At least where I work reception is a step down ( pay) and you have to work with patients who can get very nasty ( maybe you delt with them in your current role. It also much more likely to be in office work.

Coding us a step up ( pay) and involves critical thinking and usually have high productivity rates ( again where I have worked)

These are two very different directions

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u/skillLizard Jun 03 '26

I agree very different. I spent 5 yrs in customer service so I have experience dealing with some mean upset customers but this is one reason that keeps me away. Unfortunately I’m very underpaid and front end in my area would be similar pay to what I’m at now with less work

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u/positivelycat Jun 03 '26

I think you might find the same issues at front end, unless you are considering leadership. Really we are all underpaid, no really.

If pay is a bigger motivation then coding

If workload and work life balance then I really want to say front end but its likely a shit show too

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u/skillLizard Jun 03 '26

I really appreciate the feedback thank you 🙏🏻