Medical Billing Course News

Even More Options for Your Medical Billing Career: Third-Party Billing on the Rise!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:38:00 +0000

More doctors nationwide are choosing to contract out or outsource their medical billing needs. This means that professionals training today have even more options to build a solid medical billing career! As a medical billing professional, you will typically provide services to specialty physician groups and primary care practices and process Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance claims - and working with a third-party billing company is no different.

The Department of Health and Human Services defines third party billing companies as "providing a valuable service to providers and suppliers who seek out their help in submitting claims correctly and efficiently. These firms vary greatly, performing a wide variety of services from simply formatting claims for submission to Medicare and private insurance companies to managing the entire 'business end' of provider practices."

In addition to seeing that health care providers get paid for their services, billing professionals who work in a third-party billing setting usually offer a wide range of functions. In fact, in this career, you will perform many of the same extensive duties as an in-house medical biller:

- Manage patient data - demographic and incurred charges
- Prepare insurance claims
- Follow up on unpaid claims
- Post payments
- Bill patients for deductibles and co-insurance
- And more

Third party billing companies have a long and storied history, but larger-sized billing companies did not become more commonplace until the 1980s when it was required that hospital-based physicians' services be billed separately. Today, according to statistics by the Healthcare Billing and Management Association (HBMA) third party medical billing companies employ nearly 20,000 people nationwide and process more than 17 million claims per month.

Partnering with a third-party billing company can help health care providers increase cash flow and productivity, as well as enable them to concentrate on health care services, not on collecting bills. This means that as a medical biller, you have many options to create a solid future in the health care industry. Joining a third party billing company is yet another way to apply your medical billing training and create the medical billing career you've always wanted.

(Source: Houston Business Journal, Thora Qaddumi)

Top 5 Reasons to Start a Medical Billing Career

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:03:00 +0000

1. Short-Term Training Prepares You for a Career
Training for a medical billing career is quick. Most medical billing programs don't exceed 18 months and often you can finish your training much sooner depending on the amount of time you dedicate to your studies. This means you can get career-ready skills and be ready for a career quicker than if you attend a traditional two or four-year college.

2. Opportunity for Employment Growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of billing and posting clerks will increase by 15 percent, faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. An increase in the number of medical transactions will create a greater medical billing need. It's a great way to join the healthcare industry in a non-clinical type career.

3. Solid Earning Potential
Did you know that according to the BLS, the median wage of medical billers was $30,950 in May 2008? In fact, the highest 10 percent earned more than $44,560 that same year. Salary is dependent on a variety of factors, such as geographic location, number of hours worked, etc. However, the facts show that medical billers can earn a solid income.

4. Abundance of Career Opportunities
As a professional medical biller, you have the option to work in a many different settings. Any health care organization that provides medical services will have a need for medical billing services. Grow your career in physician offices, hospitals, clinics, outpatient surgery centers, rehabilitation centers, and much more. Additionally, you can realize increased career opportunities if you diversify your skills - learn medical coding or electronic health management.

5. Flexible Work Schedule
As a medical biller, you'll work in a pleasant and comfortable office environment. While most medical billers work a 40-hour week, a percentage of these professionals work part time, meaning that you can easily balance work and family. Also, some employers may offer flex, evening or weekend hours, so you can create a working schedule that fits with your busy life.

The Right Medical Billing Software Can Make All of the Difference

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:42:00 +0000

When it comes to the practice of medical billing, precision is absolutely paramount to ensuring that payment from claims submitted to insurance companies, or respective administration entities, is received by the doctor or other licensed health care provider who provided the service. Most medical billing professionals are required to perform a myriad of duties that include managing healthcare billing as well as processing, altering and resubmitting claims while adhering to the most current regulations and policies in the industry. Even the most experienced and well-trained in the field are prone to the possibility of human error, which can end up being extremely costly to the healthcare provider. This is why the use of electronic medical billing has been rapidly gaining in popularity throughout the medical field.

By incorporating the use of software, those who work in medical billing can increase their precision in tracking a range of functions - from keeping tabs on patient demographics, appointments and diagnoses, to gathering and keeping track of billing information and insurance payments, scheduling, and generating reports. In addition to significantly reducing the chance for human error, the use of an electronic medical billing system generally offers substantial savings in time and money, as it makes sure that every patient bill is paid and all accounts received are kept up to date.

The majority of electronic billing systems for the medical industry require that the user sticks with the sections detailed in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which emphasize improved security standards, ANSI billing formats, etc. It has been found that the use of the correct electronic medical billing software within a company assists in and facilitates a smooth work flow. And, since the software gives employees better access to personal details and time schedules, it's likely that customers and patients will be satisfied as well. Insurers also benefit, since they are able to receive payments at a faster rate - often in less than half the time it used to take.

When looking for electronic medical billing software, be sure to select the system that will work best for your particular organization. And don't hesitate to ask for assistance from the vendor regarding features and which one will be best suited for the company. Also, you might want to inquire as to whether a sample account could be provided on a trial basis, and they may have a sample CD available for you to take. Once all of the questions have been answered to your satisfaction, you will be able to make an informed decision as to which one to choose.

Billing Dental Procedures as Medical Expenses? It's A Growing Trend in Medical Billing

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:26:00 +0000

As documentation linking oral health and overall health of the human body continues to build, more and more dental practices are recognizing the value of filing medical claims for many of their procedures. While this knowledge leads to more opportunities for filing claims with medical carriers, it also requires dental practices to learn how to do it.

Incorporating medical billing in dental practices has turned out to be a win-win situation for everyone. Patients are going forward with treatment, doctors are being paid, and satisfied patients are eagerly referring their friends and family. No doubt, a dental office will enjoy the rewards that come from happy, patients, profit stability, and a team that will receive compliments on a daily basis.

Here is a current list of some dental procedures that can be filed with medical carriers:

- Trauma procedures
- Medically necessary oral surgical, laser, and periodontal procedures
- Medically necessary implant, endodontic, and prosthodontist procedures
- Appliances to treat sleep apnea
- Screening to detect oral cancer
- Medically necessary exams and x-rays, including CT scans, associated with any of the procedures listed above

In fact, staff members at dental offices have been amazed at the number of cases that meet the criteria for filing a medical claim. While some similarities exist between preparing a dental claim and a medical claim, such as patient demographics and insurance demographic sections, there are also some significant differences, such as in coding systems. For instance, medical carriers ask for more than just a procedure code, which is all that is required by dental carriers. Medical carriers also require the reason (which is the patient's diagnosis) why the particular procedure was done. Therefore, medical necessity is probably the most important element of successful dental-medical cross coding.

Dental practices that choose to implement a dental-medical cross-coding system will undoubtedly experience a positive impact on their day-to-day operation. Patients will certainly appreciate the fact that you are willing to help them obtain medical benefits… and word of mouth is one of the most effective marketing tools that exists in any service business.

(Source: Dentistry IQ)

Need Experience to Get Hired? Here Are Some Steps You Can Take to Get that Medical Billing Job.

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:20:00 +0000

You've finished your medical billing education and are ready to look for work. What happens if potential employers require that you have experience? As with other career fields, medical billing jobs often list experience as a prerequisite for employment. As a recent graduate, what can you do? Consider these tips:

- Maximize your education: You have medical billing training under your belt, now consider complementing your education with additional skills. Maybe take a medical billing course so you can offer two valuable services. Or enroll in Electronic Health Records (EHR) or Health Information Management (HIM) and be prepared for the transition to digital records. Whatever you choose, additional education can set you apart in the eyes of employers.

- Get certified: Certification is a great way to show employers that you are serious about your career. Become a Certified Medical Billing Specialist® and add valuable credentials to your resume - demonstrate that you have a high level of knowledge. Being certified means that you have passed a rigorous exam. Employers will value your dedication and expertise!

- Join professional associations: Show you are serious, goal oriented and motivated to succeed by becoming a member of medical billing associations. It's an ideal way to network and find jobs. Plus, you'll benefit from being informed about your career field.

- Start your career in a lower-level job: You might have trained to become a medical biller, but you may have to start your career in a different capacity to get your foot in the door. If you find that medical billing jobs require experience, you can build your experience level in the records department, as a clerk or assistant, or at the front desk of a medical office. Your career will benefit from learning medical billing from the ground up.

- Apply for an internship: An internship can provide you with the invaluable opportunity to get real-world experience. It's an ideal way to build your experience level while working in an actual medical billing setting. Contact a local hospital or doctor's office and find out if there are internships available.

- Customize your resume: Create a strong resume that maximizes your strengths. Demonstrate what you can offer employers - i.e. maybe you scored an "A" on every exam in your medical billing course or completed an internship that provided valuable hands-on experience. Emphasize your strengths so employers can easily see what you have to offer.

Ready to start your medical billing career? By implementing the steps above, you can maximize your opportunities by taking action. Going the extra mile, such as becoming certified or completing an internship, can set you apart from other job seekers. When a potential jobs lists experience as a requirement, you'll be prepared and ready to bring extra skills to the table.

2004 Medical Billing Survey Results - Learn What Industry Professionals are Doing in Their Careers

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:34:00 +0000

As the Medical Association of Billers (MAB) conducts its 2010 Medical Billing and Coding Salary Survey, it is interesting to take a look back at the 2004 survey and view some of the results. Will this year's results widely differ from six years ago? The results will be published on the MAB website after the January 31, 2010 deadline.

The survey is designed to help establish industry-wide billing and coding standards by compiling statistics based on data of current industry professionals. The results are divided into 6 regions - North East (NE), North Central (NC), North West (NW), South East (SE), South Central (SC), and South West (SW). Click here to view the full 2004 survey results.

Here's some information from the 2004 Medical Billing Salary and Statistics Survey:

Of the respondents:
14.4% were Certified Billers
19.2% were Certified Coders
40% use a Superbill
50.4% review their codes annually
62.4% use current coding manuals
43.2% use some practice management software
34.4% use some coding software
46.4% verify insurance prior to the patient seeing the provider
70.4% collect patient co-pays before the office visit, 17.6% collect after and 12% bill the patients for their co-pays.

The percentage of offices billing electronically by region is:
NW - 50%
NC - 67%
NE - 68%
SW - 68%
SC - 77%
SE - 85%

Billers generate claims:
NW - 0% daily, 100% individually, 0% weekly
NC - 33% daily, 67% individually, 0% weekly
NE - 33% daily, 53% individually, 14% weekly
SW - 14% daily, 68% individually, 18% weekly
SC - 38% daily, 62% individually, 0% weekly
SE - 19% daily, 69% individually, 12% weekly

The length of time on average before insurance carriers are billed:
0-3 days - 85%
4-7 days - 10%
8-15 days - 3 %
16-30 days - 2%

On average, people working in a provider's office make:
NW - $15-25 75%, $46-50 25%
NC - $15-25 83%, $26-35 17%, $36-45 2%, over $60 7%
NE - $15-25 78%, $26-35 13%, $36-45 2%, over $60 7%
SW - $15-25 82%, $26-35 5%, $36-45 9%, over $60 4%
SC - $15-25 81%, $26-35 12%, $36-45 7%
SE - $15-25 88%, $26-35 8%, over 60 4%

(Source: www.physicianswebsite.com)

5 Tips to Stay on Top of Your Hospital Bill

noreply@blogger.com (Allied Blogger Admin) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:36:00 +0000

The Commonwealth Fund states that in 2007, 72 million Americans either experienced problems paying medical bills or accrued medical debt. Billing errors are often at the root of this problem, creating medical bills that patients can't afford. Interpreting a hospital bill can be complicated and reviewing it line-by-line can be time-consuming and overwhelming.

It pays off to be informed. There are medical billers, medical coders, doctors and other health care professionals involved in each hospital stay. Miscommunication on any part can lead to mistakes. What can you do? Start by following these tips:

1. Plan ahead if possible - If your hospital stay is planned, make sure you double check your coverage before your hospital stay. This will enable you to verify the cost of any procedures and the amounts that will be covered.

2. Don't leave the hospital without an itemized bill - Once you're discharged, it is harder to obtain, so make sure you have it in your hand before you leave.

3. Keep track of everything - It is important for you to know who is treating you and exactly what they are doing. Make sure you ask questions and take names. Note: if you are unable to keep track of this information, have a spouse, family member or friend do it for you.

4. Don't immediately pay the bill - Make sure you take the time to carefully go over the bill and understand what the charges are for. Once you pay the bill, it will be harder to re-coup your money if there are mistakes.

5. Make the hospital accountable - Don’t let the hospital ignore the erroneous charges and assure you that your insurance company will pay for it. Mistakes are mistakes and the hospital needs to correct errors.

Did you know that your medical billing courses and related experience prepare you to undertake better in medical billing? Click here to learn about 7 Helpful tips to become a medical biller.

A Medical Billing Career: Just What the Family Ordered

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:04:00 +0000

Juggling the demands of work and family can always be a struggle, but choosing the right career can make this feat easier. Some jobs are more naturally suited for a positive work-life balance, and building your future in one of these careers can lead to greater personal satisfaction as well as excellent professional fulfillment. Consider a medical billing career.

The life of a medical billing specialist can be particularly conducive to a good work-life balance. That is because these health care professionals generally enjoy above-average job security, good wages and great job satisfaction. This combination of factors can lead to a promising future in a career that you enjoy, along with the ability to easily balance the needs of the career with the commitments of a family.

Medical billing specialists who work in traditional office settings enjoy a number of advantages over other workers. Unlike many others who work in the health care arena, medical billing professionals tend to work predictable hours, typically following a normal 8-to-5 or 9-to-6 workday. There are also an abundance of opportunities to work on a part-time basis. These schedules make it easy to find time for baseball games, camping trips and other fun family activities.

Also, with the health care industry poised to dramatically increase in the next decade - more than three million new jobs are projected from 2006 to 2016 - the opportunities for medical billers are abundant. An increase in medical claims will mean more professionals needed to accurately bill insurance companies and facilitate payments for doctors. This will lead to stable job opportunities for medical billers - and an income a family can count on!

These health care professionals enjoy the best of both worlds - a satisfying career, along with a rewarding home life. Medical billers receive good salaries and benefits, along with better than average job security. In addition, they are able to enjoy the fruits of their labor, with plenty of free time to spend with family and friends.

Choosing a medical billing career can enable people to find that ideal work-life balance. With all that it has to offer - job security, flexibility and stable salary - it is no wonder that the field of medical billing is on the rise. When someone wants a career that provides reward and satisfaction, while meeting the needs of the family, medical billing is the right choice. It's a career that accommodates career aspiration and family dedication.

Want to Start a Medical Billing Career? Consider Collections.

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:25:00 +0000

Medical billing collections have become a vital part of health care offices nationwide. With over 47 million American uninsured and countless others underinsured, there is a need for qualified medical billers to help re-coup outstanding bills. Put your medical billing education to work in a different way. Build your career in debt collection.

Did you know that your medical billing courses and related experience prepare you to undertake a career in medical billing collections?

- You understand complex medical billing practices
- You have practice dealing with insurance carriers
- You understand Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Shield
- You know how to comply with HIPAA guidelines
- You can quickly and effectively resolve any billing issues
- You have an ability to maintain positive patient relationships

You'll bring an exclusive understanding of medical billing to a medical billing collections career - something that will make you more effective and efficient. You'll be prepared to address any billing questions or concerns of the patients and bring a more effectual approach to collecting outstanding balances. Additionally, you can effectively deal with delayed payments due to misfiled claims and billing errors.

With a slowing economy and rising unemployment, health care providers, hospitals and clinics are experiencing a shortage of income from people unable to pay their medical bills. That's where you come in - as a medical billing collector, you can be the solution to recovering outstanding debts. Doctor's offices and health care providers need professionals to stay on top of outstanding balances and address billing errors. Having one person dedicated to these efforts can free up other employees to perform necessary medical billing and coding tasks - also it is helpful for one devoted professional to act as the go-between for billing issues.

Apply the knowledge learned from your medical billing training to a career in a doctor's office, health care facility or third-party agency. Your insight into the medical billing field and related practices will provide the gateway to a successful career in the medical billing field. There's no reason medical debts can't be effectively managed - it just takes someone familiar with the medical billing process. That someone can be you.

7 Helpful Tips to Become a Medical Biller

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:22:00 +0000

Want to start a medical billing career? By doing some legwork beforehand, you can get the information you need to start your career on the right foot. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Know what being a medical billing specialist entails -- As a medical billing specialist, you will bill insurance companies for services that have been performed by doctors -- it will be your job to quickly and accurately complete insurance claim forms correctly and manage the overall billing process. You will need to be able to perform basic bookkeeping skills and understand the inner-workings of health insurance.

2. Find out about earning expectations -- An important factor when choosing a career is learning about salary potential. You can find out how much you can earn as a medical biller by going online -- the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides salary information based on geographic location. Learn if this is an ideal long-term career for you and provides the earning expectation that fits with your needs.

3. Talk to others in the field -- You can talk to some medical billing specialists and get their perspective of what the job is really like. Consider contacting the Medical Association of Billers (MAB) and network with other billers in your area -- you might ask about what a typical day involves, the salary range, what they like best about their jobs, etc.

4. Think about integrating medical coding -- Your medical billing career may also involve medical coding tasks. You can give yourself an advantage by combining your medical billing knowledge with medical coding training. This will include a familiarity with medical terminology and medical coding so you can apply the correct codes to the medical services provided -- and be in charge of the entire billing process.

5. Education is the key -- You need a solid education and foundation of knowledge to become a medical biller. There are different training options available -- from standalone medical billing courses to full packages that include medical billing, insurance and reimbursement, software instruction and more. Enrolling in a full package can give you a broad range of knowledge that enables you to step right into your role and handle every facet of medical billing. Online courses enable you to learn from home -- keep your current job while you prepare for your medical billing career.

6. Get certified -- You can give yourself an advantage in the medical billing field by becoming certified. It shows potential employers that you are serious about your career and gives you extra credentials to stand out. To become certified, you will need to take the Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS) exam -- your medical billing course will give you the foundation you need to pass.

7. Find out about career prospects -- Do you want to work in a doctor's office? Or does a hospital setting or clinic suits you? Learn about your career opportunities -- medical billers are needed in health care facilities nationwide. Find out which area suits you best.

Bulletproof Your Career with Medical Billing Training

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:32:00 +0000

Job security? These days most of us will be employed by many different employers, and some will even embark on several different careers. The challenges of the global economy and the demise of the manufacturing sector have conspired to eliminate true job security in many parts of the career world, and many workers are left feeling helpless and wondering how to proceed.

No matter what the state of the economy, there are some career fields that just continue to grow. One of those high growth areas is in the health care industry -- health care-related jobs are among the fastest growing in the nation. Even as other segments of the economy continue to decline and shed jobs, health care providers continue to hire new workers. And a career that is in high demand means greater job satisfaction, a better salary and less chance of being laid off.

There are many job opportunities in the field of health care, but one of the fastest growing is in the medical billing arena. As long as there are doctors, hospitals, medical clinics and insurance companies, there will always be a need for qualified and experienced medical billing specialists. These professionals are responsible for completing and submitting insurance claim forms and overseeing the entire billing process from beginning to end.

Without the right information, claims for health insurance reimbursement will be denied, resulting in lost income, higher out-of-pocket costs and other negative consequences. It is easy to see why medical clinics, doctor's offices and other providers of medical care need to have qualified and experienced medical billers. In fact, a good medical billing specialist can save a health care provider many thousands of dollars a month by ensuring top reimbursements and avoiding denied claims. This is one job that more than pays for itself -- making a medical billing career one of the most bulletproof opportunities anywhere.

The good news is that stable medical billing career is within reach. For those people that feel locked in their current job, they can start their medical billing training today -- without having to quit their jobs of change their lives. Medical billing courses are short-term and online -- meaning people can enroll in an accredited medical billing school and complete their coursework in a short period of time. Once their medical billing education is complete, they can say goodbye to their dead-end job and start a stable, flexible career that's needed in medical facilities nationwide.

Medical Billers Are Sought-After and Highly Valued

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:44:00 +0000

Even as many industries are in decline, the health care field is experiencing tremendous growth. From nurses and medical assistants to administrative specialists and billing experts, careers in health care are on the rise. The shortage of qualified candidates, coupled with the ever-increasing demand for medical care, has resulted in higher than average salaries and exceptional job security, especially for medical billers.

One of the fastest growing job opportunities within the health care field is in medical billing, and this growth is expected to continue for quite some time. Medical billing specialists provide valuable and in-demand services to insurance companies, doctors' offices, hospitals, clinics and other health care organizations. Individuals with medical billing training are highly valuable, and highly sought-after. This means high salaries, great job satisfaction and of course incredible job security.

If you are looking for a new career that is always in high demand, you should consider a career in the medical billing field. For doctors, health care clinics and other medical professionals, the right medical biller can mean the difference between timely payment and a rejected claim. Those who know the ins and outs of the medical billing field and have proper medical billing training can help ensure that their employers receive the reimbursements they are due in a timely and efficient manner.

The importance of proper billing in the health care arena means that the job of the medical billing specialist is one of the most critical in the industry. Proper billing helps medical offices, clinics and other health care organizations maintain the cash flow they need to keep their businesses up and running, and that is good for both patients and caregivers.

Want a career that makes a real difference? Consider medical billing! You will be helping patients get the care they need, while ensuring that the professionals who care for those patients receive all the reimbursement they are due. Make the decision to enroll in a medical billing course today - the future is wide open!

Temporary Medical Billing Jobs Can be the Answer in Today's Economy

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:40:00 +0000

More than 2.5 million people perform temporary and contract positions everyday. These jobs make a major contribution to the U.S. economy and allow individuals to find employment, even in a tough economy. Temporary positions are available for almost any job, in any type of industry -- creating opportunity for your medical billing career. If you were laid off from your medical billing position or looking to start a new career, you should consider taking a temp medical billing job.

A temporary medical billing job can provide an opportunity for immediate work. Companies that are unable to hire full-time medical billers will consider other options for work -- including hiring temporary individuals to get the work done. As a medical biller, this can provide you with a flexible work option and means to earn a paycheck in today's tough economy.

Types of Temporary Medical Billing Jobs

- Temporary or contract medical biller hired for a specific project: You are brought into a health care facility or medical billing organization for a specific length of time to complete a specific task.
- Temporary-to-permanent employee: You are hired with the purpose of becoming a permanent medical billing employee after an introductory period with an organization.
- Direct hire: Many organizations hire staffing companies to screen and interview potential candidates for a medical billing job.

In a temporary position, you can choose when to work and tailor your schedule to accommodate other responsibilities and commitments. The temp situation also enables you to try new challenges -- and gain medical billing experience. You can get the opportunity to work in different health care settings with different medical billing duties. A temporary medical billing job can also give you a leg-up on a permanent position. By getting your foot in the door, you can prove yourself to be the perfect candidate for a long-term opportunity within an organization.

How to Start a Temporary Medical Billing Job

How do you get started? Applying for a temporary medical billing job can be quick and easy. In many cases, you can apply to a temp agency online. Through the use of your computer, you can register, submit a resume and search for available jobs. You can also use various tools to create an effective resume. Another way to locate a temp agency is to look in the local yellow pages or career section of a newspaper.

Interesting Statistics

- 90% of all companies use temporary employees
- Over 79% of temps work on a full-time basis
- 70% of temps say that they gained new skills during their assignment

In today's economy, you need to widen your medical billing career options to maintain employment and earn a steady income. This may mean searching for alternative types of work, such as a temporary medical billing job. You can gain additional work experience as a temporary employee and possibly get your foot in the door of a medical billing opportunity that might not have otherwise been available. It's a flexible career option that open doors in your medical billing career.

New Medical Billing Opportunities in Patient Advocacy?

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:59:00 +0000

Who knows medical billing better than those employed in the industry? Medical billers are thoroughly familiar with the medical billing process and can recognize things that the layperson might not, such as mistakes and overcharges. Is patient advocacy in their future? It just might be!

There is a trend appearing across the U.S. where medical billers and medical billing companies are becoming advocates and deciphering medical bills for the elderly, insured and employers alike -- creating an essential service and saving money. In a time when patients need additional help navigating the confusing billing maze, medical billers have a unique opportunity to step up to the challenge.

If patients have a hospital stay, they will receive a bill from every specialist they see, providing a lengthy paper trail of charges. Medical billers can help from the start -- making sure patients understand beforehand what their insurance will pay and how much is required out-of-pocket. Afterward, they can carefully review the bills and work with doctors and insurance companies to fix any errors.

There is a need for patient advocacy -- someone to work on behalf of the patient.
Doctors, hospitals and insurance companies are sometimes available to answer patients' questions, but there needs be an accessible, dedicated individual available to guide patients -- providing opportunity to medical billers nationwide.

The benefits? Patient advocacy can help patients by alleviating the burden of medical bills by uncovering instances of overbilling, double billing and providing an overall understanding of their coverage. It can also help employers save time and money -- when an employee has questions about a medical bill, they can talk one-on-one with a patient advocate and get the issue resolved more quickly, resulting in faster payment.

In today's complex health care environment, seldom does anyone work on behalf of the patient when it comes to medical bills. Hospital stays and doctor visits result in a myriad of charges -- leaving patients with a confusing trail of bills. Patients need someone on their side -- someone to help them navigate the confusing medical billing process. And who better to be that person than a professional medical biller? Their complete understanding of the medical billing process makes them more than up to the job -- it makes them uniquely qualified.

Medical Billing Software Makes Your Career Easier!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:07:00 +0000

Easy access to patient information, increased efficiency and quick payments -- sound good to you? These are just a few of the benefits medical billing software can provide for your medical billing career. Forget completing paper claims; using electronic medical billing software puts control in your hands. From tracking patient visits and collecting outstanding payments to scheduling appointments and generating reports, your medical billing career will be handled with ease.

Benefits of Medical Billing Software
- Achieve 100% HIPAA compliance
- Enter claims faster
- Receive payments quicker from insurance companies -- paper claims usually take 30 - 60 days, while electronic claims are usually paid in 10 - 14 days
- Improve office efficiency -- benefit from less paperwork and easier access to patient information
- Have fewer errors in billing and insurance -- correct and resubmit errors right away without waiting weeks
- Improve staff productivity -- easy-to-use software will make everyone's job easier
- Improve patient security

Medical billing software can help you stay on top of your insurance and medical billing tasks, while improving the overall atmosphere of the medical office. As a medical biller, you will increase your billing accuracy and time spent on collections. Instant access to open claims and insurance company information will enable you to make the most of your medical billing career.

Re-training is the New Trend in Today's Economy -- with Medical Billing an Ideal Choice!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 23:43:00 +0000

With the national unemployment rate soaring, re-training is becoming an increasingly popular option for people nationwide. Having difficulty finding jobs, they are opting to return to school to get more skills and set themselves apart from other job seekers.

Some people are choosing to build upon their existing professional skills, while others are starting entirely new careers. Many worry that they'll end up in the same position as before. However, a diverse set of skills is often favored by employers, so people have nothing to lose by expanding their knowledge base. Click here to learn more how to become a medical biller.

You should consider this: health care is the largest industry in the U.S. -- with a forecast of 3 million new wage and salary jobs on the horizon between 2006 and 2016. (Source: BLS) An aging and growing population is expected to create a greater need for medical billers to perform quick and accurate billing procedures in hospitals, physician offices, nursing and residential care facilities, and outpatient care centers nationwide.

Medical billing requires less education than other careers. You don't have to go to school for years and acquire advanced degrees. In a short period of time -- less than two years -- you can find yourself in a stable medical billing career. An online medical billing course will make it even easier -- you can learn when and where they want.

The key is just to be proactive -- if you are unemployed, you should use your time wisely and start getting the career skills that will set you apart. Losing a job can motivate people into action -- you should set your sights on a new career and get started. A career like medical billing is a solid choice for a career that will be in demand for years to come.

Calling All Medical Billers: Clinics are Short-Staffed and Need You!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:28:00 +0000

California's medical clinics are experiencing a shortness of qualified staff -- meaning opportunities for qualified medical billers. These non-profit clinics are finding it difficult to hire and re-train skilled health care workers at a time when caseloads are ever-increasing.

The main problem: the demand for health personnel in clinics has outpaced the supply of trained health care professionals. The number of patients is growing due to increasing unemployment and fewer people having adequate insurance - thus creating a critical problem for these facilities.

More than 8 out of 10 surveyed clinics, reported difficulty in keeping their positions filled with qualified personnel (Source: California Wellness Foundation). Many clinics are hiring temporary workers or choosing to outsource their work, while others are increasing overtime.

This lack of personnel is creating a need for qualified health care workers, including office and administrative support positions. If you are a medical biller or looking to enroll in a medical billing course, it is the perfect time to build your career in a California medical clinic.

Every health care facility requires trained medical billers to oversee the billing process -- including completing claim forms, working with third-party payers and determining pre-authorization codes. Put your medical billing training to work by joining a clinical team. They're looking for trained professionals -- get started with an accredited medical billing school.

10 Duties of Today's Medical Biller

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:35:00 +0000

As a medical biller, you have the critical task of bringing in the income for a doctor's office or health care facility. You have to be organized, thorough and persistent to ensure that the billing process runs smooth - from beginning to end. It's a rewarding career that puts you at the center of a medical office and provides variety every day.

Here's a list of typical duties of a professional medical biller:

1. Prepare the electronic or paper claim form
2. Enter information into medical billing software, if applicable
3. Submit form to insurance company
4. Track the claim until it is paid
5. Collect the receipt from the insurance company verifying the transaction
6. Adjust records based on the transaction detail (what was paid, what patient
owes and what, if anything, is to be written off
7. Mail invoice to patient if money is owed
8. Post payments
9. Follow up on unpaid insurance claims, including appeals and denials
10. Handle all patient billing questions and follow up on unpaid invoices

Avoid Common Medical Billing Mistakes

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:46:00 +0000

Usually it is only when an insurance claim gets held up or denied that medical billing professionals realize that they've made a mistake. It is these overlooked mistakes that can cost patients money and delay reimbursement for doctors. As a medical billing specialist, take extra care to avoid these common medical billing mistakes:

- Wrong patient identification number
- Wrong ICD-9-CM code without 4th and 5th digits when required
- Duplicate claim
- Wrong date of service
- Wrong rates charged
- Procedure of claim not fully furnished by the other party
- No match between the ICD-9-CM code and CPT code
- Doctor's ID not available
- Billing for more operating room time than used
- Type of service code not mentioned
- Billed for cancelled services or tests
- Bill amount totaling mistake
- Treatment or service provided was not validated
- Service or treatment given in an invalid center or place
- Service was not a medical necessity
- Place of service code not mentioned

Medical billers play a key role in the medical billing process. You can put your medical billing education to work and ensure that you submit correct and complete claim forms. Double check your work every time -- accuracy is the key in medical billing.

Medical Billing Course Only $888 -- Act Now for Savings!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:00:00 +0000

Allied has slashed its regular course price. Until Friday, August 29th, students can enroll in the Medical Billing Course for only $888. That's $600 in savings! Act now -- take advantage of this limited time discount! There are also significant discounts available on other Allied medical billing courses and programs this week only. Get the training you need to work in the growing health care field.

Top 5 Reasons to Start a Medical Billing Career

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:37:00 +0000

Top 5 Reasons to Start a Medical Billing Career.

1. Job Security -- The health care industry is on the rise and requires medical billers to handle the increase in medical claims!

2. Flexibility -- Medical billers often work part-time or variable schedules, meaning more time at home with the kids.

3. Income Potential -- With medical billers in demand, there is the opportunity to negotiate the wages you want.

4. Longevity -- As the Baby Boomer generation gets older, there will be more people than ever requiring medical services -- meaning long-term opportunities for you!

5. Reward -- Join a career that is essential to the health care industry! Do your job knowing that you are keeping the billing process running in a smooth manner.

Stay on Top of Reimbursements with Electronic Medical Billing

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:52:00 +0000

Medical billing software provides the fastest, most convenient way to get doctors reimbursed. In today's computerized world, you can submit all of your claims electronically and keep the billing process moving forward -- quickly! Gain advantage when you choose a Medical Billing Program that covers electronic medical billing!

The software is designed for doctors, dentists, medical billing services and other healthcare professionals, enabling electronic claims to be sent directly to health insurance companies. You simply enter patient information into the software system and claims are securely transmitted using an existing Internet connection.

Benefits of Electronic Medical Billing

Easy to use -- Medical billing software is designed to be user-friendly. Most programs are Windows-based and provide a straightforward way to enter data, complete claim forms and submit electronic claims.

All-inclusive -- You can work on several things at once. Enter data, print reports, and oversee claims using one software program -- navigate through the menus to get your work done, in any number of areas.

Comprehensive -- Most software programs store information for almost every type of health insurance. You can easily provide billing services for private commercial insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, worker's compensation, and much more.
Convenient forms -- All of the forms you need are at your fingertips. For example, you can print HCFA-1500 insurance claim forms. Custom claim forms can also be easily created. Oftentimes, software updates are readily available to help you meet new insurance carrier requirements.

Easily manage claims -- Medical billing software enables you to oversee all of your claims too. You will always know what still needs to be completed, what has not been sent and what reimbursements you are waiting to receive. You are on top of the billing process at every stage!

Perform additional tasks -- You can complete your office duties too, Medical billing software enables you to perform scheduling tasks through your computer. Set up appointments through a fast and convenient patient scheduling program.

Paper claim forms are becoming a thing of the past -- with the ease and convenience of electronic medical billing. It's the fastest way to get reimbursed -- and stay on top of the medical billing process. Reimbursements are how doctors get paid. You can make the process quicker and easier by using medical billing software.

$600 Course Discount -- Secure Your Future Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:26:00 +0000

Take advantage of an opportunity to save $600 on Allied's Medical Billing Course. This limited time offer is available from July 28, 2008 to August 29, 2008. Benefit from this savings and be one step closer to your medical billing career. Call (888) 822-2923 for more information!

How to Tell the Difference Between Medical Billing and Medical Coding

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:25:00 +0000

Medical billing and coding are vital parts of the medical billing process. From the time a doctor sees a patient to when the paperwork is forwarded to the insurance company, there are important steps that need to be performed.

Here's how it works:

Medical coding includes the process of using specific codes to identify medical procedures and services for private billing and health insurance companies. A medical coder reads medical documentation, such as a medical chart, and assigns the right code based on their coding knowledge. The codes are entered into a form on their computer system.

Once the procedure and service codes are determined, the medical biller transmits the claim to the insurance company for payment. Medical billing includes the process of submitting and following up on claims to insurance companies in order to receive payment for services rendered by a health care provider. A medical biller ensures that the patient and health insurance company are properly billed for all procedures. Approved claims are reimbursed, while rejected claims are researched and amended.

Medical billers and medical coders ensure that the billing cycle is smooth - from patients being billed the correct amount to doctors getting paid. They are both essential to the financial well-being of an organization and the health care industry as a whole.

How to Become a Certified Medical Biller

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:14:00 +0000

In today's increasingly competitive and specialized job market, it can be beneficial to add "certified medical biller" to your list of credentials. The Certified Medical Billing Specialist exam provides a way to grow your income potential while distinguishing yourself in the eyes of employers.

- Increase your income
- Add to your credentials
- Open the door to more jobs
- Experience long-term career potential

Requirements to Take the Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS) Exam

1) Enroll in an accredited medical billing course
2) Receive an "A" in the course
3) Contact the Medical Association of Billers (MAB) to schedule the certification exam approximately 30 days after completion of the medical billing course
4) Send (1) a check for $199 to pay for the exam and (2) a letter stating your name and address so you can receive your test results
5) Coordinate a proctor for the Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS) examination
6) Study for the certification exam using the guidelines and study information provided from MAB
7) Take the CMBS exam

If you choose Allied Medical School as your education provider, you can take advantage of the "Pass of Don't Pay" promise. If you don't pass the certification exam, you don't have to pay -- you have nothing to lose!

Certification can lead to better opportunity in your medical billing career. Once you complete your medical billing course, simply enroll in the exam and benefit from being a certified professional. It will enhance your resume and provide additional career opportunities.