When you think of healthcare doctors, and nurses come to mind right away, but there’s more to healthcare than what meets the eye. Instead of thinking about the front lines of healthcare, let’s go behind the scenes! Every medical procedure, doctor’s visit, or appointment a patient may schedule needs a running office and backbone team!
The medical billers and coders handle essential tasks such as upkeeping healthcare records, managing medical billing systems, reporting insurance claims, and ensuring care providers and the facility get paid. Medical coding and billing specialists are the key to medical organizations’ operation and ensuring they remain successfully operating for the people in need.
Continue reading to learn how to start your Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Career. Explore “medical billing and coding training programs near me” and see how to begin your journey. Take the time to understand the job duties and requirements and see if the job is right for you. If it is, then make your dreams of becoming a medical billing specialist or medical coder one step closer!
Take the first step in your career journey today!
What is Medical Coding?
Medical coders play a significant role in the money in a healthcare organization. Coding specialists are always on a time-sensitive clock because of their massive impact on cash flow and incoming reimbursements. Medical coders must stay on top of the facility workflow to ensure providers are paid, supplies are in stock, and open doors remain for patients in need.
Medical terminology knowledge is a must for this position; you can’t do the job without it. Coding specialists apply medical codes based on notes, examinations, and procedures. In turn, these codes determine whether an insurance company is billed for a patient’s visit. If yes, then using these codes, the medical office bills the insurance provider for the visit. The proper coding will help ensure the provider gets reimbursed promptly.
On a typical day of a coding specialist, they will complete these tasks:
- Review medical documentation and translate medical terminology into diagnostic codes and service codes
- Communicate with medical providers and insurance companies or other payers
- Code to the highest degree based on details from the medical providers
- Use digital tools such as coding software and patient record platforms
What does a Medical Biller do?
Medical billers are responsible for submitting claims. A medical biller’s work starts after the codes have been entered into the computer system. A claim is based on the codes entered by the medical coder. The medical biller uses these codes to create a claim with the patient’s health insurance company or directly bill the patient. After filing a claim, they will follow up with the insurance company as needed.
On a typical day as a medical biller, you might complete these tasks:
- Use the diagnosis and treatment codes provided by the Medical Coder to create and submit reimbursement claims
- Review codes to ensure accuracy to avoid delayed payments
- Communicate effectively and proficiently with providers, coders, and insurance companies
- Work with patients on billing arrangements through insurance or by creating a payment plan
- Work on pre-authorization for treatments or procedures by talking to medical providers and insurance companies
Becoming A Medical Billing And Coding Specialist
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Overall employment of medical records and health information specialists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations¹”.
Medical billing and coding students need to take classes to become knowledgeable about the field. Students could learn the knowledge they need to join the field and be successful with the foundations they learned.
Courses in a medical billing and coding program may include:
- Diagnostic Coding
- Procedural Coding
- Billing and Coding Application
- Introduction to Computers
- Introduction to Healthcare Communication
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Law and Ethics
- Records Management
- Healthcare Settings, Claim Cycle, and Claims Processing
- Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
Does a Medical Billing and Coding Program offer flexibility?
Absolutely! You can now fit your education into your busy schedule. Some educational programs combine online courses with classroom-based hands-on training. Formal training is the most effective way to become a medical biller and coder.
Medical Billing and Coding Diploma programs can take as little as 15 months. An associate’s degree generally takes two years. To decide which education option is best for you, consider your career plans and see what fits best with your schedule.
With Blue Cliff College you have the choice whether to complete the program in a traditional classroom setting or earn your diploma or degree online.
Campuses:
Alexandria Campus – 1505 Metro Drive Suite I, Alexandria, LA 71301 | (318) 445-2778
Gulfport Campus – 12251 Bernard Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503 | (228) 896-9727
Online:
HIMBC Online Associate Degree Program
Starting Your Dream Career Today!
Health information management training at Blue Cliff college fulfills many goals for those aspiring to advance their careers. Medical billing and coding are excellent choices for those looking for an impactful healthcare job in a growing industry with many opportunities for advancement. If you are interested in pursuing a career in medical billing and coding, enroll today at Blue Cliff College!
Learn more about Medical Billing and Coding at Blue Cliff College
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