subject: Ways To Help You Get Hired As A Medical Biller And Coder [print this page] Medical billing and coding are two different processes. Nevertheless, they are interdependent. For that reason, these two processes can be performed by only one individual. But which one comes first?
Coding comes first. It involves implementing of medical codes to health care procedures. A person who does this job should be well organized. Apart from that, he/she should have an extensive knowledge about how modern health care works. Keep in mind that each medical procedure has its own code in a form of numbers and letters. For instance, bandaging a sore has a corresponding code, which is different from diagnosing a disease.
Professionals who work in this field are familiar with the doctor's handwriting. Thankfully, doctor's note is now easier to read because many doctors opt to enter medical and health information about their patients into a computer, instead of writing it down on paper. When coding patient's file, it is important to enter the code correctly as errors can cost patient's life.
The coded information will be used for billing. Medical billing professionals should encode the information correctly as billing errors can lead to delay in billing. It can also result in fees or charges not being paid. Because of that, it is essential for doctors to hire an experienced biller & coder who can complete the overall process of billing and coding in a timely fashion.
If you are planning to take a career in medical billing & coding field, you should take a certification examination. Such certification represents that you have the right skills to work in this industry. However, certification for this profession is not a legal requirement. Then again, if you pass a certification examination, you will be more attractive to prospective employers. Hence, it is a must for you to take at least one of the certification examinations for this occupation.
Benefits of getting medical billing & coding
It helps you become more attractive to prospective employers.
It assists you in understanding the latest changes in this field giving you the edge over the others who opt not to take a certification examination.
It allows you to earn higher than those who do not have a Certified Medical Billing & Coding designation.
Requirements to get certification
- You should be properly trained.
- You must have thorough knowledge about the overall system and regulations of this occupation. This is especially important for upper level certification.
To increase your chances of being hired, you should be registered with the most prominent organizations in this field, such as the following:
- American Medical Billing Association (AMBA)
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
But you need to understand that certification for medical billing & coding is not a guarantee that you can land a better job. However, the majority of the employers offer higher salaries to certified medical biller and coder.
