Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Pursuing Medical Billing And Coding Certification Online Is A Worthwhile Endeavor

By Wanda Barber


Individuals who plan to obtain medical billing and coding certification online and seek employment in this field will likely be pleased with the level of job security they will find. The United States Department of Labor Statistics reports that a continuous increase in demand for such positions is anticipated until 2016. This is why individuals planning a career as a billing and coding specialist will probably never regret their decision.

This position is a vital part the day to day operations of the office of any health care professional. It is a respected occupation that plays a crucial role in the proficient operation of almost any facility where patients receive care or treatment. It is not part of the curriculum medical practitioners receive in school, and therefore they must rely on support staff to complete this facet of work for their practice.

A person employed in this occupation enters information about services and treatments a patient receives into a computer database. An invoice or bill is then generated, which the employee will send to the patient, as well as to his or her insurance company if applicable. He or she uses codes designed for use exclusively in the healthcare community. These describe the particular service, test or procedure that patients receive during their visits and why.

The main goal of those working in such a position is to generate income for the establishment, so that the latter can make a profit and the practice can be maintained. It also allows the practice to fund payroll for its workers. Certain facilities have their own billers and coders, while others seek reliable third-party companies to handle such tasks.

The cost of care and treatments that a patient acquires are not set by the practitioner by whom they were provided, nor are they determined by those completing the billing and coding. This misconception is a common one among individuals under the care of a medical practitioner such as a doctor. In reality, prices are usually set by either the network that the doctor or practitioner belongs to, or an insurance company.

The occupation has gone through many changes over the past two decades. One of the biggest changes came with advances in computer and internet technology. Bills and statements are generally available online, and most medical billers participate in "paperless" billing. This is the same technology that allows those who work in this field to work from home as an independent contractor.

Medical billing training can be acquired online or at a local vocational-technical school or college. Such programs are provided in almost all areas of the country. One can choose a basic six month course online, or obtain an Associates degree at a conventional learning institution. Each individual should consider all options and choose the most suitable one for his or her individual situation.

In most instances, a person must receive certification prior to becoming gainfully employed. Although certain companies and practices will allow one to work without such credentials, it is much better for graduates to become certified if they want to compete for top jobs. For this reason, pursuing medical billing and coding certification online is a wise course of action for anyone planning a career in this field.




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