An Introduction to Medical Billing Jobs
Medical billing jobs are healthcare related jobs that involve
working with doctors, patients, and insurance companies to make
the payment of services as efficient as possible. There are
large medical billing companies that pay competitive wages to
those with the skills required to be an effective medical
biller. Medical billing jobs require someone to know the various
methods for billing patients, understand how to collect payment
from patients, have a working understanding of medical
terminology, understand legal and ethical implications, and be
able to complete medical billing and claims forms using current
coding. Medical billers are also expected to have basic office
and computer skills.
Though medical billers usually work away from the public eye,
this doesn't mean that they don't communicate with clients and
customers. In fact, a main part of medical billing jobs is
answering patient's phone calls about billing questions and
contacting both insurance companies and patients to follow-up on
overdue bills.
In addition to large company medical billing jobs, there is also
the option of starting a home-based small business in the
medical billing industry. There are several courses and
certification programs offered online to train interested
individuals in the terminology and knowledge needed to become
successful as a home-based medical biller. A word of caution
though - be sure to research the programs offered as there are
many people out there trying to rip unsuspecting people out of
hard-earned dollars. Here are some basic questions to ask when
looking at a given course or program:
* Does it teach you basic medical terminology? * Does it teach
you the basic claims process for medical insurance
reimbursement? * Does it show you how to complete common
insurance forms? * Does it teach you how to use medical billing
software? * Does it introduce you to the diagnostic and
procedural coding systems?
After being certified, home-based medical billers will have to
purchase equipment and software, market their business, and find
and maintain clients. If sufficiently motivated, the earning
potential for this kind of business is great.
Specialties related to medical billing are:
* Medical coding * Medical claims reviewers * Billing
coordinators * Reimbursement specialists * Patient account
representatives * Medical claims analyst * Medical claims
processors * Medical collectors