by Carole Larkin

Created on: January 18, 2009   Last Updated: March 17, 2009

Medical billing is one of the fastest growing occupations in the health care industry. There are over 500,000 practicing physicans and hospitals in the United States that depend on the medical billing process to get paid. As the medical records field becomes more computerized, the importance of the role of the medical billing increases. The health care industry is under increased scrutiny by the government and insurance companies to reduce medical claim fraud, abuses, and determine medical necessity issues. It is imperative that the bills submitted by health providers are accurate and timely. The demand for highly qualified medical billing and coding personnel continues to grow accordingly.

Working Conditions

Medical billing positions are available in doctors' offices, hospital, pharmacies, insurance companies, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. There are also positions for medical billing specialists in accounting firms, legal offices and consulting firms. If you work in an office outside of a hospital or nursing home, chances are that the hours would be daytime business hours, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. Evening, night and weekend shifts might be available in hospital or nursing home settings. Overtime is often available, and might be required under certain conditions.

Work at Home

Some medical billers work independently from their homes by setting up electronic billing on their computers. Work assignments are delivered via the internet and completed online. They can work for just one provider, or can can work for several different ones. This is an ideal setup for a person that wants the freedom that working at home can provide.

Qualifications and Skills

A successful biller will know medical terminology, anatomy, proper form completion, and required coding. This occupation requires a lot of reading of medical charts and understanding the procedures performed. You will need to be computer literate and have a typing speed of at least 35-40 words per minute with accuracy. Basic clerical skills will also be needed and good interpersonal skills will be helpful. Although direct patient contact probably will not be an everyday occurrence, if you are working in a doctor's office, you will probably have to fill in for front office personnel on occasion. You will be dealing with other medical professionals and patients who might be stressed, so good customer service skills will be beneficial.

Training

Although there is no standard for required training,

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