Medical billers are professionals who create billing records and coded invoices and as a business result ensure that the health care system doesn't grind into a halt.
What it takes to be a medical biller
For you to be a medical biller, you need to have the right knowledge. While there is no formal requirement for this career, many employers tend to consider applicants with a minimum of an associate's degree from an accredited university.
In addition to the degree, you should also have strong grades in biology, chemistry, math, and computer science.
Since there are no formal education requirements, many employers offer on-job training. For you to survive in this career, you should be able to easily master the basic concepts.
If you want to be a professional biller, you can go for the certified medical reimbursement specialist (CMRS) certification. The certificate takes nine months to one year to complete and covers basic knowledge in anatomy, sciences, and physiology.
Other topics covered include: medical terminology, billing and coding procedures, computer database management, and insurance procedures.
You need to note that you don't need to have this certificate for you to be a medical biller; however, having it opens many doors for you and raises your chances of landing higher paying jobs.
Working environment for a medical biller
In most cases, medical billers find opportunities in medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics, research centers, and other health related facilities. In addition to health facilities, medical billers are in high demand in insurance and outsourcing companies.
As a medical biller you have the freedom of working from home or you can work from your station. You also have the freedom of working as a freelancer where you work with a number of institutions at the same time.
Advancement opportunities
Although, many billers begin their careers in front office where they share reception and coding responsibilities, there are great opportunities for advancement if you work hard. For example, you can be promoted to the back office where you will be required to do invoicing and handle key operations of the office.
What it takes to be a medical biller
For you to be a medical biller, you need to have the right knowledge. While there is no formal requirement for this career, many employers tend to consider applicants with a minimum of an associate's degree from an accredited university.
In addition to the degree, you should also have strong grades in biology, chemistry, math, and computer science.
Since there are no formal education requirements, many employers offer on-job training. For you to survive in this career, you should be able to easily master the basic concepts.
If you want to be a professional biller, you can go for the certified medical reimbursement specialist (CMRS) certification. The certificate takes nine months to one year to complete and covers basic knowledge in anatomy, sciences, and physiology.
Other topics covered include: medical terminology, billing and coding procedures, computer database management, and insurance procedures.
You need to note that you don't need to have this certificate for you to be a medical biller; however, having it opens many doors for you and raises your chances of landing higher paying jobs.
Working environment for a medical biller
In most cases, medical billers find opportunities in medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics, research centers, and other health related facilities. In addition to health facilities, medical billers are in high demand in insurance and outsourcing companies.
As a medical biller you have the freedom of working from home or you can work from your station. You also have the freedom of working as a freelancer where you work with a number of institutions at the same time.
Advancement opportunities
Although, many billers begin their careers in front office where they share reception and coding responsibilities, there are great opportunities for advancement if you work hard. For example, you can be promoted to the back office where you will be required to do invoicing and handle key operations of the office.