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 Washington private practices and healthcare organizations. Coders have the responsibility to examine the treatment records of patients and assign universal codes to all services provided. These services may be for medical, diagnosis or dental procedures, or any medical supplies or equipment 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 rely 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 accuracy, but must have a functioning knowledge of all private payer and government rules that influence coding as well. Improperly coded claims may result in services not being covered, services being paid for at a decreased rate, or the physician or facility being penalized for fraudulent or improper billing. Since improper coding can actually cost Washington physicians and medical facilities multiple thousands of dollars in revenue each year, a proficient medical coder is a vital asset for any healthcare team. They can operate in every kind of healthcare facility, including private practices, hospitals, clinics and critical care centers. It is not unusual for seasoned medical coders to operate at home as an offsite employee or an independent contractor.
Medical Billing Job Functions
As important as the medical coder's role is, it would be for naught without the contribution of the medical biller whose efforts generate revenue. Medical billing clerks are extremely important to Washington healthcare organizations and are practically responsible for keeping their doors open. Sometimes the coder and biller may be the same individual within a medical facility, but they can also be 2 independent specialists. When the coder has performed his or her duty, the biller utilizes the codes furnished to complete and submit claim forms to insurance carriers, Medicaid or Medicare. After they have been adjusted by the appropriate entity, patients can then be invoiced for deductibles and additional out of pocket costs. On a routine basis, a medical billing clerk might also do any of the following:
- Confirm medical insurance benefits for patients and help them with billing questions or concerns
- Follow up on patient claims submitted and appeal those that have been denied
- Function as an intermediate between the medical provider, the insurance companies and the patients for correct claim resolution
- Generate and oversee Accounts Receivables reports
- Produce and manage unpaid patient collections accounts
Medical billers not only work for family practices, but also Washington hospitals, urgent care facilities, nursing homes or medical groups. They may practice in any type of medical facility that depends on the incomes generated from billing third party payers and patients.
Medical Biller and Coder Education 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. While it is not a requirement in many cases to obtain a professional certification, the program you select should be accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). Most colleges only require that you earn either a high school diploma or a GED to be eligible. The most expedient way to become either a medical coder or biller (or both) is to attain a certificate, which typically takes about one year to accomplish. An Associate Degree is also an option for a more expansive education, which for the majority of schools calls for 2 years of studies. Bachelor's Degrees in medical billing and coding are not abundantly offered. Once your training has been completed, although not mandated in the majority of states, you might wish to earn a professional certification. Certification is an excellent means for those new to the profession to show prospective employers that they are not only qualified but committed to their career. Some of the organizations that make available 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 billing and coding course, in conjunction with obtaining a professional certification, are the most effective ways to accelerate your new career and succeed in the fast growing Washington healthcare industry.
Medical Billing and Coding Online Schools
If you are interested in flexibility and the convenience of attending classes from home, then choosing an online medical billing and coding program might be a great option. They can be particularly appealing to those in Washington who anticipate going to school while continuing to work or have other obligations that make going to classes on campus difficult. And as an added advantage, online programs are frequently less expensive than the conventional classroom alternatives. Costs for such items as tuition, course materials and commuting may be reduced or eliminated. But be cautious, as not all online colleges are reputable. For that reason it's imperative to establish that any online college you select is accredited to ensure a superior education. We will review the advantages of accreditation in the next section. Just make sure to confirm that any online classes you are researching is accredited by one of the national accrediting agencies, such as the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. So if you are disciplined enough to commit yourself to this mode of learning, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.