Medical billing /coding is an excellent career choice for individuals who are people-oriented, possess good technical and communication skills, and enjoy taking on challenges.
The position has a fair job outlook, requiring a mere high school diploma along with some vocational training with a promising yearly prospect average of 33k.
Medical billers and coders basically ensure the smooth running of any healthcare establishment.
The main duties of a medical coder and biller include claim submission to insurance companies, calculation of charges payable, and answering questions and queries of the patients regarding the billing procedures.
This page offers some tips on how to pursue a career as a certified medical coder and biller.
How to Become a Certified Medical Coder and Biller?
Once you have attained a high school diploma, the next step is usually to obtain training to become a certified medical biller.
In order to do this, you need to find a vocational school that offers a certificate program in medical billing. If you cannot find a suitable one, you can also opt for online billing and coding schools.
Obtaining Medical Biller Certification
Although it is not a state requirement to possess certification for a medical coding and billing job, yet most employers demand it or definitely prefer the certified candidates over the non-certified ones.
☛ Certified medical reimbursement specialist exam:
There are various regular and online courses in medical billing and coding that enable candidates to pass the certified medical reimbursement specialist exam, which renders them certified in the field.
☛ Certified coding specialist CCS:
After passing the above discussed certified medical reimbursement specialist exam, the candidate is considered CCS, meaning Certified Coding Specialist. This kind of specialization is necessary if you are seriously pursuing medical coding and billing as a profession.
On The Job Training
Continuous on-the-job training is required in this field. Once you start working somewhere, even if it is an intern position, you will find a lot to learn.
☛ Understanding of Relevant Terminology
There is some medicine specific terminology that a medical coder and biller must understand. To be able to interpret medical terms needed for bill handling and processing, it is important to familiarize yourself with ICD 9 and CPR 4 manuals
☛ Experience in EHR (Electronic Health Records)
It is very important to gain some experience in maintaining and handling electronic health records for the position which is a general practice in most healthcare clinics these days.
Technical Skills Needed For the Job
• MS Office
• Medisys
• Quickbooks
Certified Medical Biller / Coder Resume
In addition to all of the above, you definitely need a winning resume for a certified medical coder and biller job in order to apply successfully!