A medical billing and coding specialist play a key role in today's health care system, as more people rely on the expertise of such professionals. The medical billing and coding specialist are usually an organized, skillful, detail-oriented professional who plays a pivotal role within the health care staff. He or she is charged with: analyzing medical records for accuracy; coding diagnoses and procedures according to recognized standards; preparing patient insurance claims; communicating with patients on matters pertaining to their health; and making sure that medical claims are processed swiftly and accurately. Because this job requires the expertise and attention to detail of an accountant, it is imperative that someone who seeks such employment possesses these same qualities.
In order to begin your career in this field, you need to complete at least an associate degree in healthcare management. Upon completion, you should be prepared to enter into a wide variety of careers. Medical billers and coders can find work in government agencies, private practice, hospitals, clinics, and health-insurance companies. For those wanting a more specific career, the opportunities exist to work in schools and health care facilities, in hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities. You may even find employment with the military healthcare industry.
Those seeking a career in the Medical Billing Consulting and coding specialist can benefit from a certificate program at a community college. Many community colleges offer programs through the Health Information Technology Action Plan (HIT Pep) that prepare students to pass the Certified Health Information Technician (CHIT) exam. Passing this exam will guarantee you pass the Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (CMBS) examination. After successfully passing the CMBS examination, you will be issued a Professional Coding Award (PCA), which is the highest credential awarded to health information technicians.
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