Jobs for medical billing specialists are expected to grow much faster than average, over the next ten years. An aging population will result in more health-related problems, along with an increased number of tests, treatments, and procedures. Also, specialists are essential players in the transition to electronic health records for medical practices, and hospitals.
Billing specialists work to accurately process claims. Every patient encounter, whether at a hospital, or a doctor's office, is assigned a number, or CPT code. The CPT code then corresponds to another number, which is a diagnosis code. Billers record this information and send claims to insurance companies, so that physicians or hospitals are reimbursed. In so doing, billers ensure the quality, accessibility, accuracy, and security of patient information.
Billers may work both full-time and part-time. The vast majority of billers work a standard Monday through Friday, 40-hour work week. If an office is open 24/7, billers may work day, evening, and evening hours. Billers spend is one of the few medical professions that provides no care to patients. Instead, billers work in the back office, at either a hospital, a primary care facility, or a specialist's office.
Good billers have several common characteristics. To become a billing specialist, a person should be great with numbers, and have stellar attention to detail. Also, specialists should be comfortable with computers, and with coding and billing software. In addition, good interpersonal skills allow billers to communicate well with doctors and insurance providers. Most of all, billers should enjoy learning, because continuing education is required to maintain certification.
To obtain certification, candidates should complete an accredited program. Billers must have a high school diploma, and usually have an associate's degree. After completing their degree program, either in the classroom, or online, billers take a credentialing exam. The American Academy of Professional Coders rewards the title of Certified Professional Coder to those who pass the exam. The AAPC also recommends coursework in anatomy and medical terminology, although this is not required.
Professional coders may be able to secure promotions within their office. Many billers move up to other jobs in office operations, or, they become office managers. Some cons of the job are the lack of interaction with other people, and the routine nature of the work.
The expertise of medical billing specialists prevents errors in payment, and fraudulent claims. Physicians and hospitals receive reimbursement for their services, thanks to the work of a medical biller. After completing an accredited program, and an exam, students become Certified Professional Coders, and work in either hospitals, or private practices.
Billing specialists work to accurately process claims. Every patient encounter, whether at a hospital, or a doctor's office, is assigned a number, or CPT code. The CPT code then corresponds to another number, which is a diagnosis code. Billers record this information and send claims to insurance companies, so that physicians or hospitals are reimbursed. In so doing, billers ensure the quality, accessibility, accuracy, and security of patient information.
Billers may work both full-time and part-time. The vast majority of billers work a standard Monday through Friday, 40-hour work week. If an office is open 24/7, billers may work day, evening, and evening hours. Billers spend is one of the few medical professions that provides no care to patients. Instead, billers work in the back office, at either a hospital, a primary care facility, or a specialist's office.
Good billers have several common characteristics. To become a billing specialist, a person should be great with numbers, and have stellar attention to detail. Also, specialists should be comfortable with computers, and with coding and billing software. In addition, good interpersonal skills allow billers to communicate well with doctors and insurance providers. Most of all, billers should enjoy learning, because continuing education is required to maintain certification.
To obtain certification, candidates should complete an accredited program. Billers must have a high school diploma, and usually have an associate's degree. After completing their degree program, either in the classroom, or online, billers take a credentialing exam. The American Academy of Professional Coders rewards the title of Certified Professional Coder to those who pass the exam. The AAPC also recommends coursework in anatomy and medical terminology, although this is not required.
Professional coders may be able to secure promotions within their office. Many billers move up to other jobs in office operations, or, they become office managers. Some cons of the job are the lack of interaction with other people, and the routine nature of the work.
The expertise of medical billing specialists prevents errors in payment, and fraudulent claims. Physicians and hospitals receive reimbursement for their services, thanks to the work of a medical biller. After completing an accredited program, and an exam, students become Certified Professional Coders, and work in either hospitals, or private practices.
