The Medical Billing and coder professional, also referred to as a Medical Biller, is the person responsible for the prompt and accurate medical billing and coding of medical insurance claims. As the person in charge of billing, the Medical Biller reviews the medical insurance which is presented as payment for medical treatment performed on patients. The Medical Billing and Coding professional then processes the insurance claims by submitting them to the patient's insurance provider. This is a very important position, as the Medical Biller is responsible for the revenue of the medical facility. Medical billing is essentially the key factor to ensure that a doctor's office gets paid. Every medical office needs to maintain patient financial accounts and arrange for collecting payment of services. This involves knowing the different methods of billing insurance companies and patients, and understanding various collection methods. Although challenging at times, being a Medical Biller can be a rewarding career and allow you to earn top wages. In order to be reimbursed for services, medical facilities must document all patient diagnostic and procedural information using correct medical terminology. This is referred to as 'coding.' Standardized codes exist for all types of services, tests, treatments and procedures provided in a medical office, clinic or hospital. The combination of these codes tells the health insurance companies which services were performed. Without proper coding of procedures, doctors' offices cannot obtain reimbursement from insurance companies. Medical Billing and Coding is a profession that plays a crucial part in the healthcare industry. The Medical Biller and Coder is responsible for reviewing and creating medical records for documentation supporting not only assignment of a specific code to a medical condition, but also the medical necessity of the prescribed treatment. Upon graduation, you will be qualified to work as a Medical Insurance Biller, a Medical Records Coder or a Health Information Technician in places such as: Hospitals, Private Doctor Offices, Dental Offices, Home Health Agencies, Medical Equipment Suppliers, Clinics, Chiropractic Offices, Drug Treatment Centers, Insurance Companies, Laboratories, Group Medical Practices, Physical Therapy Offices, Clinics, HMO's, Pharmacies, Eye Glass Stores, Surgical Suppliers, Ambulance Companies, Nursing Agencies, MRI Centers, Testing Facilities, Nursing homes. Medical billers can work for the insurance company itself reviewing insurance claims. Many students have also opened their own Medical Billing Companies. Other titles Medical Billers go by are: Medical billing specialist, Medical Billing and coding specialist, Medical coding specialist, Billing assistant and support help, Billing and coding support personnel, billing and/or coding workers, billing and/or coding clerks. Some medical billers are known as Medical Insurance Biller, Medical Records Coder or a Health Information Technician Insurance billing specialist. When working for a doctor or hospital, you will be expected to correctly bill the insurance company. Once the bill is sent out you will be expected to follow up until the bill is paid. Medical billing and coders must be willing to take directions. Alternately, they must also be able to work competently without constant instruction. A medical biller and coder must enjoy attention to detail, performing precise work, which is essential for proper medical reimbursement. Even if a task is repetitive, a medical billing and coding worker must be able to complete the task accurately every time. Finally, all employers want dependable employees, but dependability is especially important for medical billing and coding professionals since a medical facility depends on money to stay in business. The Manhattan Institute. “Medical Biller.” 17 Feb. 2010 [http://www.manhattaninstitute.com/class-2-medical_biller.html].
Related Articles -
medical, biller,
|