Are you interested in a career in the healthcare industry but wish to pursue opportunities outside of direct patient care? Well, if you’re organized, have attention to detail, and love working with technology, perhaps you should become a medical billing and coding specialist…
Combining a passion for caring for people and your natural talents may just make you an ideal candidate to become a professional medical billing and coding specialist. Training to become a medical billing and coding specialist can also unlock career opportunities within a diverse range of healthcare settings, including: local and state-run hospitals, private physicians’ offices and more!
The benefits of becoming a medical billing and coding specialist don’t just end there. In fact, according to the CDC, the healthcare industry is becoming the fastest-growing sector of the U.S. financial system 1. In addition, there will always be a need for individuals with medical billing and coding training. This is because they play a key role in ensuring healthcare providers are paid for services rendered. Taking all of this into consideration, it’s possible that there hasn’t been a better time to become a medical billing and coding specialist.
Learn more about Training Direct’s medical billing and coding specialist program today!!
What does a medical biller and coder do?
Medical billing and coding specialists are key members of the healthcare industry. They are responsible for documenting and updating patients’ insurance claims and electronic health records (EHR). When you become a medical billing and coding specialist, you’ll also likely work with insurance companies and medical facilities to ensure they are reimbursed for the patient treatments provided in a timely manner.
Using medical billing software, adhering to standard processes, and using the appropriate medical terminology, a typical day as a medical biller and coder involves an exciting array of responsibilities, that may include:
- Verifying patients’ insurance eligibility
- Translating medical diagnoses, and treatments into specialist uniformed CPT codes
- Submitting insurance claims on behalf of providers
- Resolving unpaid or denied healthcare reimbursements
- Updating patient billing records and account information
- Ensuring a facility’s continued healthcare compliance
- Performing other administrative duties as needed and assigned
How do you become a medical billing and coding specialist?
If becoming a medical billing and coding specialist sounds appealing… we’ve got some excellent news! You could be just a few steps away from starting this exciting new profession.
In fact, you can become a medical billing and coding specialist by following these three steps.
Step 1: Research a program in your area and make sure you meet the minimum requirements for enrollment
Before you start searching for “medical billing and coding classes near me,” it’s important to be aware of the minimum requirements needed to become a medical billing and coding specialist. First, to enroll in a specialized training program in your local area, you may need to have obtained a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Signing up for a program close to home may help you balance studying for your medical billing and coding certification with your personal commitments outside of school. For example, you can study at one of Training Direct’s excellent Connecticut campuses in Bridgeport and Danbury. Here, you can take advantage of flexible course options, because we offer day, evening, and weekend classes. Schedules will vary by program and location.
Step 2: Complete coursework and hands-on training successfully
Studying to become a medical billing and coding specialist can provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the different components of the role. As a result, medical billing and coding coursework may cover several modules, including:
- Medical terminology
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Electronic health records (EHR) management
- CPT coding and ICD-10CM
- Hospital billing and insurance claims processing
- HIPAA regulations and compliance
A solid understanding of these fundamental elements is essential for students seeking to obtain their medical billing and coding certification. Preparation for anyone wanting to become a medical billing and coding specialist is essential and that begins with making the most of your training.
Step 3: Take your state-approved certification exam and become certified!
Once you’ve completed your medical billing and coding training, the final step towards becoming a professional medical billing and coding specialist is to take the state-approved certification exam. Obtaining your medical billing and coding certification demonstrates you can apply the knowledge and skills you have learned. It can also enhance your credentials to potential healthcare employers when you’re interviewing. Depending on the state, becoming certified may be required. As a result, becoming certified can help you stand out when applying for entry-level medical billing and coding jobs at a host of healthcare facilities and practices.
How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist if I already work in the medical field?
Interestingly, as a healthcare industry employee, you may already be familiar with some elements of the job as a professional medical billing and coding specialist. These can include having a working knowledge of:
- Medical record keeping
- Electronic health records (EHR)
- Health information management (HIM)
- HIPAA laws
However, it’s important to note that most employers seeking medical billing and coding professionals prefer applicants to have a medical coding certification as well as medical billing training. Therefore, obtaining your certification after studying and training in a specialized program to become a medical billing and coding specialist may be the fastest way to transition into this field.
Why becoming a medical billing and coding specialist could be the career move for you!
Imagine discovering a dream profession that combines your love of technology and data management, all while helping others daily. Sounds great, right? However, the perks of becoming a medical biller and coder don’t just end there…
Medical billing and coding professionals may have flexibility in terms of not only where they work but also when they work. In addition, some may choose this path as an entryway into the healthcare field. They may later wish to go back to school and further their education in order to pursue other opportunities within the healthcare industry. This is a career that in addition to being fulfilling, can offer great flexibility and opportunities for upward mobility to exceptional professionals.
Expand your opportunities with Training Direct’s medical billing and coding specialist training!
If you’re interested in pursuing a fulfilling career that can offer high job satisfaction and opportunities for career growth, consider training to become a medical billing and coding specialist. Training Direct can help you complete your training and assist you as you pursue a medical billing and coding certification.
Training Direct provides a fantastic opportunity to study around your current work and family commitments by offering day, evening, and weekend classes. Enroll in our program at our campus location in Bridgeport, CT, or Danbury, CT. At Training Direct, you may be able to complete your medical billing and coding training in as little as 4-weeks!
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