by De Ette Stewart

Created on: November 15, 2008   Last Updated: November 20, 2008

When considering a career in Medical Billing, you should honestly examine your strengths and skills. This job requires excellent attention to detail, good data entry skills and knowledge of Medical Terms, Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology (knowledge of disease processes) and a good understanding of current medical procedures. If you don't have a healthcare background, you can acquire training through vo-tech, community college, or online courses. Just make sure the school you choose is properly accredited. If you want to become a Coder, check the websites for AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association), or AAPC (American Association of Professional Coders) for more information.

Working for a large billing firm can involve a great deal of pressure to produce completed bills. Some companies have production quotas. Working for an individual provider's office offers an alternative, but more physicians are using billing firms, so these jobs may become scarce over time. Working from home is not likely to be an option due to strong federal health information security and privacy laws (HIPAA - Health Information Privacy and Portability Act).

Do your research. Chat with your own doctor's staff at your next visit and ask them who does their billing and how it works. If they do their own billing, ask if you can speak to the biller. Make an appt to call and find out where they were trained and how they like their job. Call some local firms and ask what they're looking for and what training they recommend. Accuracy of medical billing is fraught with legal concerns. Inaccurate bills submitted to Medicare can carry a heavy penalty including prison time. During your training, make sure you understand the current laws. Having adequate training and a good education is essential for this profession.

Be aware that even after your initial training, the rapidly changing healthcare environment will require you to pursue additional training and education as billing rules change. Ask around and find out if local billing firms pay for this training. The aging American population guarantees long term growth in the healthcare industry. Medical billing offers an opportunity to tap into the benefits of this growth industry.

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