Medical billing specialists are key players in the transition to electronic health records. The number of jobs in the field is expected to increase much faster than other professions, for a couple of reasons. In addition to the electronic transition, which is driving job growth, the aging population will require more tests, more treatments, and more procedures, for health problems. Both of these factors will make much more work for medical billers.
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 provide no direct, hands-on patient care. Billers usually work in the back offices of hospitals, or medical practices, and generally work a typical Monday through Friday, forty-hour work week. Some billers do work part-time, and some may work day, evening, and night shifts, depending on the needs of their 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.
Billers generally have high school diplomas, and an associate's degree. The associate's degree must be from an accredited program, and may be completed in class, or online. After completing coursework, billers take an exam, and earn the credential of Certified Professional Coder. The American Academy of Professional Coders, which provides certification, recommends courses in anatomical and medical terminology, but doesn't require them.
Sometimes, billing may be routine, with little interaction with others. However, the job does offer some opportunities for promotion within the office environment. Some billers move onto office operations, and may even move into an office management position.
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 provide no direct, hands-on patient care. Billers usually work in the back offices of hospitals, or medical practices, and generally work a typical Monday through Friday, forty-hour work week. Some billers do work part-time, and some may work day, evening, and night shifts, depending on the needs of their 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.
Billers generally have high school diplomas, and an associate's degree. The associate's degree must be from an accredited program, and may be completed in class, or online. After completing coursework, billers take an exam, and earn the credential of Certified Professional Coder. The American Academy of Professional Coders, which provides certification, recommends courses in anatomical and medical terminology, but doesn't require them.
Sometimes, billing may be routine, with little interaction with others. However, the job does offer some opportunities for promotion within the office environment. Some billers move onto office operations, and may even move into an office management position.
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.
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