Medical Billing and coders are primarily responsible for submitting documentation for medical care to insurance companies. They also complete claim forms, schedule appointments, explain insurance benefits to patients, and submit claims to insurance companies.
As part of the medical billing process, coders use a universally recognized coding system (ICD-9 index) to ensure compliance with federal regulations and insurance requirements. There are codes for all types of services, tests, treatments and procedures provided in a medical office, clinic or hospital. A combination of codes are used which tells the health insurance companies which services were performed by the facility.
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Salary Information: Medical Biller
Salaries for Medical Billers may vary, depending on your experience, skill level, and location. A Medical Biller with less than one experience can earn from $9.93 to $13.08 per hour, while a Medical Biller with over 20 years of experience can earn from 14.01 to $18.57 per hour. The median salary is $14.25 per hour.
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Education: Medical Biller
To become a Medical Biller, a certification program at a State Licensed School is required. Some schools may require you to have a High School Diploma or GED, but most will only require you to take an entrance exam. This is to ensure that you are at the appropriate educational level.
Consider a training program that combines both billing and coding in one program, since medical coding is the first step in the medical billing process. In addition, programs that combine both billing and coding are preferred by most employers.
Employers tend to prefer candidates with some formal medical billing and coding training at an accredited technical school due. This is important due to the legal and insurance risks of improper coding. Training programs for medical billing and coding may include communication and writing, computer skills, insurance forms and coding. Some programs may also include anatomy, medical topics, pharmacology and health care management. Medical billing and coding specialists will also need to have a typing speed of at least 35 to 45 words per minute and good computer skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Medical Billers work?
Medical Biller and Coder jobs are available in physician offices, hospitals, pharmacies, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. The biller or coder usually works in a space separate from where patients are treated. There are also positions in insurance companies, accounting and legal offices, and consulting firms. Medical billing and coding specialists often work from home, setting their own hours with home-based businesses, by getting independent physicians as clients or working for larger firms.
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How can I find a good Medical Biller school?
Here is some helpful information to help you find Medical Biller training:
- Compare programs at different schools and remember that programs vary in length depending on location, cost and course of study.
- Consider visiting one or more schools and request a tour.
- Search online for Medical Biller schools in your area using your zip code.
- Consider studying online and completing your studies from home.
- Ask schools for references from other students.
- Do you live or plan to relocate to the New York city area? Consider visiting the Manhattan Institute and learn more about how you can become a Medical Biller. Click here to learn more.
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What is the employment outlook for Medical Billers?
The need for medical billing and coding professionals has grown rapidly, and is expected to increase. This is due to insurance companies and health care agencies requiring more highly detailed records of services provided to patients. Trained, experienced medical billers and coders are valuable members of any health care team.
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