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Medical Billing Clerks are responsible
for compiling and maintaining records of charges for goods and services
rendered at any health care facility. Once they calculate the total amount
due from a patient, they must prepare invoices to be sent out and ensure
prompt payment. Another major responsibility for a medical billing clerks
is to contact insurance companies to determine what goods and services
will be reimbursed and for how much. Most medical billing clerks use
sophisticated computer programs that allow them to calculate charges and
print bills in one step. These programs also serve as a safety net because
the biller has to verify the information that is entered and correct any
errors before the bill is printed and sent to the patient. Other
responsibilities may include handling follow-up questions from patients,
resolving discrepancies or errors, and ensuring that all billing and
accounting records are kept in a safe place. Billing clerks may work
part-time or full-time, as well as evenings and weekends depending on the
type of employment. Individuals interested in medical billing must be
highly organized, pay close attention to details, have good analytical
skills, and be able to work well under pressure.
Work Environment:
Medical billing clerks work in a
variety of different health care settings. These include hospitals,
outpatient clinics, home health agencies, insurance agencies, long-term
care facilities, consulting firms, government agencies, and private
industries.
High School Preparation:
Students interested in pursuing a
career in medical billing should take high school courses in algebra,
biology, computer skills, English, typing, data processing, and health
occupations/medical professions education.
College Requirements:
Students interested in medical billing
must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Many employers prefer
individuals with at least some college course work in business and/or
accounting. Formal certification or registration is not required to become
a medical biller, but billing clerks may be required to complete
continuing education in order to stay current with the newest computer
programs that are used in this profession.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
The health services industry will continue to be the largest employer of
billing professional. Employment opportunities for medical billing clerks
are expected to grow modestly of the next decade. Growth for this sector
will result from health care facilities putting greater emphasis on
getting bills out faster and getting payment in quicker. Balancing out
this growth will be more reliance on computer technology that will
continue to simplify the billing process, and therefore require fewer
billing clerks to handle the workload.
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$25,300
Salary Range
$18,200 - $30,100
Professional Organizations:
The Medical Association of Billers
2701 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 190
Las Vegas, NV 89128
Phone: (702) 240-8519
Fax: (702) 243-0359
Web:
www.physicians
websites.com |
