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It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Career in Medical Billing and Coding
Medical Coder Job Functions
Medical coders are on the forefront of the billing systems for North Dakota medical practices and healthcare organizations. They have the responsibility to analyze the medical records of patients and convert all services provided into universal codes. These services may be for diagnosis, medical or dental procedures, or any equipment or medical supplies utilized. There are several codes that are utilized in the conversion, including:
- CPT codes (Current Procedural Terminology).
- ICD codes (International Classification of Diseases).
- HCPCS codes (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding).
Medical coders depend on information from sources including nursing and physician notes, patient charts, and lab and radiology reports. Medical Coders must not only know what services were provided in total for accurate reporting, but must have a working knowledge of all government and private payer rules that impact coding as well. Inaccurately coded claims can result in services not being paid for, services being paid for at a reduced rate, or the physician or facility being penalized for fraudulent or improper billing. Since improper coding can actually cost North Dakota hospitals and doctors many thousands of dollars in revenue annually, a proficient medical coder is a necessary asset to the healthcare team. They can operate in every kind of healthcare facility, including private practices, clinics, hospitals and emergency care centers. It is not unusual for experienced medical coders to working from home as an independent contractor or offsite employee.
Medical Billing Job Duties
As important as the medical coder's job is, it would be for naught without the contribution of the medical biller whose efforts generate revenue. Medical billing clerks are very important to North Dakota medical organizations and are essentially responsible for keeping them in business. Often the coder and biller may be the same man or woman within a medical facility, but they can also be 2 separate professionals. When the coder has completed her or his duty, the biller uses the codes provided to complete and submit claim forms to insurance companies, Medicare or Medicaid. After being adjusted by the applicable entity, patients can then be charged for deductibles and additional out of pocket costs. On a routine basis, a medical billing professional might also do any of the following:
- Verify medical insurance benefits for patients and assist them with billing questions or concerns
- Follow up on submitted patient claims and appeal any that have been denied
- Function as an intermediate between the medical provider, the insurance companies and the patients for correct claim resolution
- Create and manage Accounts Receivables reports
- Produce and deal with unpaid patient collections accounts
Medical billers not only work for family practices, but also North Dakota hospitals, urgent care facilities, nursing homes or medical groups. They can work in every kind of medical facility that depends on the incomes generated from billing third party payers and patients.
Medical Billing and Coding Programs and Certification
It's imperative that you receive your education from a reputable school, whether it's a trade school, vocational school or community college. Although it is not required in most cases to attain a professional certification, the program you select should be accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). The majority of schools only require that you earn either a high school diploma or a GED to be eligible. The fastest way to becoming either a medical coder or biller (or both) is to earn a certificate, which normally takes about a year to finish. An Associate Degree is also an option for a more extensive education, which for most schools calls for two years of studies. Bachelor's Degrees in medical coding and billing are not widely available. Once your education has been completed, although not mandated in the majority of states, you may want to acquire a professional certification. Certification is an excellent way for those new to the profession to show potential employers that they are not only qualified but committed to their occupation. A few of the organizations that provide certifications are:
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
- Board of Medical Specialty Coding (BMSC).
- The Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists (PAHCS).
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Completing an accredited medical coding and billing program, along with earning a professional certification, are the most effective ways to advance your new vocation and succeed in the fast growing North Dakota healthcare industry.
Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs
If you are looking for flexibility and the convenience of attending classes at home, then choosing an medical billing and coding online program may be an excellent option. They can be especially appealing to students in North Dakota who anticipate going to school while still working or have additional commitments that make going to classes on campus challenging. And as an added benefit, online schools are often cheaper than the conventional classroom alternatives. Costs for such items as tuition, commuting and study materials may be decreased or eliminated. But be cautious, as not all online programs are reputable. That's why it's imperative to confirm that the online course you enroll in is accredited to guarantee a premium education. We will cover the advantages of accreditation in the next segment. Just be sure to confirm that any online instruction you are looking at is accredited by one of the national accrediting organizations, such as the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. So if you are dedicated enough to devote yourself to this type of learning, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.