Saturday, June 29, 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.

Such positions are an integral part of the daily operations of healthcare practices throughout the country. It is an honorable position that plays a vital role in the efficient operation of virtually any facility where clients receive treatment or care. It is typically not part of the curriculum healthcare providers receive in college, and for this reason they must rely on support personnel to handle this area of 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 primary objective of this position is to generate income for the maintenance and profit of the establishment. It is also to fund payroll for its employees. Some institutions hire their own billing and coding specialists, while others choose to outsource the work to a reliable third-party company.

Prices for treatments and services that a patient receives are not set by the professional who provided them, nor are they determined by medical billing and coding personnel. This is a mistake frequently made by those under the care of a doctor or other healthcare practitioner. These prices are typically set by the insurance companies, the network the health professional belongs to, or both.

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 cases, an individual is required to have certification before gainful employment can be found. Even though certain practices and companies will allow a person to work even if he or she does not have such credentials, it is in the best interest of graduates to seek certification if they desire top positions. This is why seeking medical billing and coding certification online is a worthwhile endeavor for those planning to work in this field.




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