What You Need to Know About Medical Billing Training: Getting Started

Do you remember the days when doctors made house calls? Yeah, that doesn’t happen anymore. Anyway, back in those days, the doctor and his nurse pretty much handled everything from administering patient care to collecting payments. Life was simpler back then. There were no cell phones, no computers, and medical billing consisted of typed bills mailed to insurance companies by the doctor’s office.

Fast forward to the 21st century! Today, professional Medical Billing and Coding Specialists are an important part of any doctor’s practice, and the need is growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts there will be growth of up to 21% in the field of Medical Records and Health Information (including Medical Billers and Coders) by the year 2020.

What Is Medical Billing, Exactly?

In simple terms, a Medical Biller submits and follows up on claims submitted to health insurance companies by health care providers. Additionally, Medical Coders review patient records and assign diagnosis (ICD) codes, as well as treatment (CPT) codes, and supply (CMS) codes to the information. Not always, but often, the Medical Biller and Coder are the same person.

Medical Billers spend much of their time working on a computer, compiling and submitting claims to insurance companies. They ensure that claims are accurate and that they are submitted in a timely manner.

Medical Billers also spend a lot of time on the phone with insurance companies, providers, and patients. They follow-up with insurance companies regarding problems concerning reimbursement, and communicate with providers and patients regarding co-pays, and issues with individual claims.

Job Opportunities for Medical Billers

Certified Medical Billers and Coders are in high demand, and may work in a variety of settings. Some Medical Billers work as full-time employees at a single doctor’s office, while others are employed by a medical billing company. Some Medical Billers choose to work for a hospital, and some prefer to work from home for a variety of providers. The options for employment in the field of Medical Billing and Coding are expansive, and make this career a desirable choice for many.

Medical Billing Training

Training to become a Medical Biller requires education in several areas. They include medical office operations, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and medical insurance coding, as well as extensive knowledge of the medical insurance industry.

The Southern California Health Institute (SOCHi) offers a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Program that encompasses all areas of medical billing training necessary for an exciting career in both inpatient, and outpatient settings as a medical billing professional.

As the population ages, careers in the health care field are rapidly growing. Likewise, as the health insurance industry expands, an increased number of health care providers will look for certified Medical Billing Specialists to help them navigate the intricate world of medical billing.