Medical Billing Course News

7 Helpful Tips to Become a Medical Biller

2009-05-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-14T11:32:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-03T16:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-02-26T12:59:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-02-11T12:07:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-02-02T15:43:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-01-28T16:28:00.000-08:00

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

2008-09-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-25T14:00:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

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.

Medical Billing Career Top Choice for Success!

2008-05-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

Have you wanted to enroll in medical billing classes? There's good news for you!

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that individuals that work
with medical records will have employment opportunities that "grow
much faster than average" for all occupations through 2014.

Billing services will be essential to keep up with the expected
increase in medical claims due to a growing and aging population. Medical billing training will prepare you to enter the field as a qualified professional.

Also contributing to medical billing career growth will be the government and insurance companies spending additional time and money to hire qualified medical billing professionals to maintain ethical and correct billing practices.

Medical billers will have opportunities in doctors' offices, surgical centers, hospitals, and more where they will handle medical records and invoices, and make sure that patients are billed for the right services. They will also ensure that the increasingly complicated administrative end of medical care goes smoothly.

Even the smallest medical offices and clinics will be actively looking for professional skilled medical billers. The opportunities in medical billing -- now and in the future -- are excellent!

It's a flexible way to make a difference in your home -- by bringing in a steady income and being there when your family needs you most. If you're looking for a professional, secure career in the medical field, then medical billing training is an ideal career choice for you.

Medical billing classes will give you the background you need to easily transition into this exciting and rewarding field as a skilled professional, and follow the right standards. Get the foundation you need to gain the title of "medical biller" today.

The Ins and Outs of a Medical Billing Career

2008-05-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

What is it? What qualifications do I need? What will a typical day entail? What jobs will I be qualified for?

Whenever health insurance is used, there is a need for individuals with solid medical billing education to oversee the billing process. Medical billers submit the proper documentation to insurance companies for reimbursement. With the right medical billing classes, you can be prepared to ensure that the reimbursement process runs smoothly, and that doctors get paid.

You need to get a solid medical billing education to prepare yourself for a career as a medical biller. Medical billing classes will give you the foundation you need, covering anatomy and physiology in addition to basic training on coding and computer billing software. Also, your medical billing specialist training will provide you with an understanding of the medical billing industry, types of health insurance, and up-to-date regulations. Membership to a professional medical billing career association can give you an advantage too.

In addition to a medical billing education, you will need to posses strong analytical, communication and computer skills with the ability to type at a speed of at least 45 words per minute. Knowledge of medical billing software will be helpful to file claims electronically, apply patient payments, print statements, prepare reports and maintain patient files.

Medical billing classes will prepare you to perform the following duties:
- Explaining insurance benefits to patients and clients
- Accurately completing claim forms
- Adhering to each insurance carrier's policies and procedures
- Ensuring prompt billing of insurance companies
- Preparing patients' invoices
- Contacting patients about past-due accounts
- Performing additional bookkeeping and administrative duties
- And more!

As the U.S. population increases and the Baby Boomer generation reaches retirement age, there will be an additional need for qualified medical billing specialists to properly bill insurance companies for tests, procedures and treatments. Individuals with a solid medical billing education will find increased opportunities in doctors' offices, hospitals, clinics, and more!

You can apply your medical billing specialist training, or enroll in an additional medical billing and coding class, to build a career as a:
- Medical Biller
- Patient Account Representative
- Electronic Claims Processor
- Billing Coordinator
- Medical Coder
- Claims Analyst
- Reimbursement Specialist
- Claims Processor