<h1>Medical Billing Coding Career Information | FAQs and Answers</h1>
<h2>medical coding and billing online certification</h2>
<h1>Medical Billing and Coding Career Information</h1>
<p>W hen people think about jobs in the health care field<b>,</b> it can be easy to assume that most jobs involve direct<b>,</b> hands-on patient care<b>.</b> What many people don't realize is that administrative jobs are equally vital to ensuring quality health care services<b>.</b></p>
<p>Medical billing and coding is an important piece in the administrative puzzle that makes up the vast health industry<b>.</b> So<b>,</b> what is billing and coding<b>,</b> and what makes medical billing and coding schools an ideal choice for career training? Read on to find out!</p>
<h2>What is Medical Coding and Billing?</h2>
<p>So<b>,</b> what is medical coding and billing? The short answer is that it's a two-part job that involves applying codes to represent the treatment and medication received by a patient<b>,</b> submitting pertinent information to an insurance provider<b>,</b> billing the appropriate source<b>,</b> and following up until payment has been received for all rendered services<b>.</b></p>
<p>The long answer must be split into two parts<b>,</b> as the duties involved with medical coding are quite different from that of medical billing<b>.</b> Often<b>,</b> these are two completely separate jobs<b>,</b> although smaller health care facilities generally combine them into one position<b>.</b></p>
<h2>What is a Medical Coder?</h2>
<p>The long answer to the question What is a medical coder? is someone who takes the written or orally narrated notes and descriptions of doctors and other health professionals and applies a sophisticated coding system in order to convey the necessary information to insurance companies<b>.</b> They also help provide the uniformity that makes it possible to compile accurate data for studies<b>,</b> statistics<b>,</b> etc<b>.</b></p>
<p>There are three main types of coding systems currently used within the industry:</p>
<p><b>1<b>.</b> Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Managed<b>,</b> maintained and copyrighted by the American Medical Association (AMA)<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Thousands of codes in use<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Updated annually in order to remove obsolete codes and add new codes<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Annual update handled and overseen by AMA editorial boards<b>,</b> who also distribute new versions of books<b>,</b> manuals<b>,</b> and software<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<p><b>2<b>.</b> Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Codes designed specifically for Medicare and Medicaid services<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Based on CPT codes<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Ensures uniformity for all Medicare and Medicaid customers<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Monitored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<p><b>3<b>.</b> International Statistical Classifications of Diseases (ICD)</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Created<b>,</b> monitored<b>,</b> and copyrighted by the World Health Organization (WHO)<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Changes and modifications in the U<b>.</b>S<b>.</b> are overseen by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)<b>,</b> which is part of the CMS<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Used to help create uniformity in the classification of symptoms<b>,</b> diseases<b>,</b> abnormal findings<b>,</b> and causes of injuries and diseases<b>,</b> which are used to compile international morbidity and mortality statistics<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>New versions created as necessary<b>.</b> ICD-10 is the current standard<b>,</b> although the U<b>.</b>S<b>.</b> was slow to change to the new system<b>,</b> so ICD-9 is still followed in some health care environments<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The first draft of ICD-11 was distributed in July 2011<b>,</b> and is expected to receive official endorsement from the WHO by 2015<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<h2>What Do Medical Coders Do?</h2>
<p>Although the basic premise of medical coding has been covered<b>,</b> you may still be wondering<b>,</b></p>
<p>What do medical coders do?</p>
<p>The actual duties of a medical coder include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Reviewing written or oral notes from physicians and other health professionals to identify the procedures<b>,</b> services<b>,</b> and medications a patient received<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Following up with physicians and health professionals as necessary for clarification of services<b>,</b> procedures<b>,</b> and diagnoses<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Applying corresponding codes to the information provided by the patient as well as the diagnosis and treatment provided by health professionals using the appropriate coding system (CPT<b>,</b> HCPCS<b>,</b> or ICD)<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<h2>What is a Medical Biller?</h2>
<p>Medical billers essentially act as a vital link between health professionals<b>,</b> patients<b>,</b> and insurance companies<b>.</b> They are responsible for taking the coded information from each patient's visit to a health facility<b>,</b> preparing a claim<b>,</b> and submitting the claim to the proper sourceusually an insurance company or the U<b>.</b>S<b>.</b> government via Medicare or Medicaid<b>.</b> They also handle the follow-up for claims<b>,</b> tracking progress and making contact with the appropriate parties until the health care bill has been paid in full<b>.</b></p>
<p>Because health insurance is available from various sources<b>,</b> medical billers must have a strong knowledge of many different types of insurers as well as the related billing processes and regulations<b>.</b> This can include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Commercial claims</li>
<li>Blue Cross</li>
<li>Blue Shield</li>
<li>Medicare</li>
<li>Medicaid</li>
<li>Tricare</li>
<li>Workers' Compensation</li>
</ul>
<h2>What Do Medical Billers Do?</h2>
<p>Medical billers handle a variety of administrative tasks<b>,</b> but their main purpose is to handle the insurance processing and billing for all health care services<b>,</b> consultations<b>,</b> procedures<b>,</b> supplies<b>,</b> medications<b>,</b> etc<b>.</b> Some of their specific duties include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Processing and filing insurance claims<b>.</b></li>
<li>Providing customer service to patients or companies with questions surrounding a claim or a bill<b>.</b></li>
<li>Following up on claims that haven't received a response<b>.</b></li>
<li>Contacting patients and insurance companies about claims that are in review<b>,</b> pending<b>,</b> or denied<b>.</b></li>
<li>Preparing and sending monthly bill statements<b>.</b></li>
<li>Turning delinquent accounts over to debt collection agencies<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<h2>What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Medical Billing and Coding Professional?</h2>
<p>There are many benefits to becoming a medical billing and coding professional<b>.</b> The top ones include:</p>
<ul>
<li><b>Personal satisfaction</b><b>.</b> It can be extremely fulfilling to know that your work has a huge impact on the health care industry<b>.</b> Not only are you helping patients and fellow health care professionals<b>,</b> but you also make it possible for national and international organizations to gather vital data and statistics<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Excellent job prospects</b><b>.</b> Since the medical billing and coding field is growing at a fast pace<b>,</b> you could have the opportunity to choose from a wider range of open positions<b>.</b> This means you could be more selective about the jobs you apply for<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Good earnings</b><b>.</b> Medical billing and coding specialists typically enjoy good wages<b>,</b> especially considering that the education requirements are usually only two years or less<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<h2>What Qualities Do Medical Coding and Billing Professionals Need to Have?</h2>
<p>As with most administrative jobs<b>,</b> medical coding and billing professionals need to have excellent attention to detail<b>,</b> as one wrong code or inaccurate statement can have a negative impact on a health care facility<b>.</b> A good head for numbers is also helpful since the majority of the job involves working with codes and numbers<b>.</b> Customer service is another vital skill in this industry because it is a common occurrence for medical billers and coders to communicate with patients and insurance companies to answer questions<b>,</b> clarify information<b>,</b> and request payments<b>.</b></p>
<p>Some of the more hands-on skills required by medical coders and billers include a working knowledge of computers<b>,</b> and the ability to work with general business software applications as well as industry-specific software<b>.</b> Strong accounting skills are also a must-have since medical billers are partially responsible for the financial aspects of a health care facility<b>.</b></p>
<p>A few of the personal traits that can lend well to a career in medical coding and billing include:</p>
<ul>
<li><b>Patience</b><b>.</b> Dealing with medical bills can be stressful on patients and their families<b>,</b> so the patience and understanding of medical professionals can be helpful in most situations</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Compassion</b><b>.</b> You will often have to interact with patients and families who are dealing with serious illnesses or injuries<b>,</b> and a little compassion and understanding can go a long way to ensuring a more positive experience for everyone involved<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>A Methodical Nature</b><b>.</b> Since medical coding and billing requires precision and accuracy<b>,</b> a tendency toward working methodically can give you an advantage in this field<b>.</b></li>
</ul>
<h2>What Kind of Education is Required for Medical Coders and Billers?</h2>
<p>Are you wondering how to be a medical biller and coder? If you are considering medical billing and coding for your career future<b>,</b> it's helpful to first gain a solid understanding of the requirements<b>.</b> A post-secondary education is a must<b>.</b> However<b>,</b> the type of school and program you choose allows for some flexibility<b>.</b></p>
<p>Although an associate degree tends to be the general standard within the industry<b>,</b> many employers may appreciate a candidate who has the ability to make a smooth transition from school to the workforce with minimal on-the-job training<b>.</b> That's why a specialized medical coding and billing diploma or certificate from a career school is so valuable<b>.</b> <b>Career schools tend to focus specifically on preparing graduates who are job-ready for entry-level positions<b>.</b></b></p>
<p>Another option is to complete an associate-level degree<b>,</b> or higher<b>,</b> in business administration<b>.</b> health information systems<b>.</b> or another related area<b>,</b> and follow it up with a medical coding and billing certificate or diploma course<b>.</b> By following up your degree with a short-term<b>,</b> career-oriented medical coding and billing program<b>.</b> you can then add to your educational background with job-specific<b>,</b> hands-on training and could even have the chance to gain real-life experience through an externship<b>,</b> clinical<b>,</b> or practicum<b>.</b></p>
<h2>What Will I Learn in a Medical Billing and Coding Program?</h2>
<p>Since degree and diploma programs from career schools tend to be more to-the-point<b>,</b> focusing on specific career-oriented and industry-standard skills<b>,</b> the curricula generally consists of three areas: theoretical background<b>,</b> hands-on training<b>,</b> and real-life experience and preparation<b>.</b></p>
<p>The three general areas and specific topics of training can include:</p>
<ul>
<li><b>Theoretical</b> general health care concepts<b>,</b> medical terminology<b>,</b> medical coding systems<b>,</b> health insurance basics</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Practical</b> medical coding<b>,</b> insurance processing and billing<b>,</b> medical records maintenance<b>,</b> industry-related computer software<b>,</b> general administrative duties</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Real-Life</b> externship<b>,</b> practicum<b>,</b> or clinical<b>,</b> preparation for industry certification examinations</li>
</ul>
<h2>How Long is Medical Billing School?</h2>
<p>The length of programs depends entirely upon the level<b>.</b> Associate degree programs are generally two years<b>,</b> while bachelor's programs can take up to four years<b>.</b> Medical coding and billing diploma and certificate programs are meant to be short-term<b>,</b> allowing you to graduate and enter the workforce quickly<b>.</b> Therefore<b>,</b> they are typically around one year in length<b>,</b> although some programs can take up to two years<b>.</b> Online programs are also available that can be completed in as little as two months<b>.</b></p>
<h2>What is the Medical Billing and Coding Training Cost?</h2>
<p>The cost of medical billing and coding programs can vary depending on the type and length of the program<b>.</b></p>
<p>The tuition for medical billing and coding associate degree programs averages around $32<b>,</b>000<b>.</b> The cost of tuition for certificate and diploma medical billing and coding programs is generally much lowerusually between $12<b>,</b>000-18<b>,</b>000<b>.</b> Some programs include books and supplies in the tuition<b>,</b> while others do not<b>.</b> Typically<b>,</b> books and supplies total around the $800 mark<b>.</b></p>
<p>Most schools are able to help facilitate some form of funding for eligible students<b>.</b> This could include federal loans<b>,</b> federal grants<b>,</b> private loans<b>,</b> scholarships<b>,</b> work-study programs<b>,</b> and veterans' benefits<b>.</b></p>
<h2>Is Certification Necessary for Medical Billing and Coding Jobs?</h2>
<p>Certification is not legally required to obtain a job in medical billing and coding<b>.</b> However<b>,</b> some employers may prefer that candidates possess this qualification because it can demonstrate that your skills<b>,</b> knowledge<b>,</b> and abilities have met industry standards<b>.</b> Plus<b>,</b> statistically<b>,</b> certified medical coders and billers earn a higher salary<b>,</b> on average<b>,</b> than non-certified workers<b>.</b></p>
<p>The most common certification in the field is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)<b>,</b> which was founded in 1988 and has certified over 78<b>,</b>000 medical billing and coding professionals to date<b>.</b></p>
<p>The AAPC offers certifications related to various areas of the medical billing and coding profession<b>,</b> including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Physicians' officesCertified Professional Coder (CPC)</li>
<li>Hospital outpatient facilitiesCertified Professional Coder-Hospital Outpatient (CPC-H)</li>
<li>Payer perspective codingCertified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P)</li>
<li>Interventional radiology cardiovascular codingCertified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC&trade)</li>
<li>Medical auditingCertified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA&trade)</li>
<li>Medical complianceCertified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO&trade)</li>
</ul>
<p>There are also 20 different specialty medical coding certifications available<b>,</b> which range from general surgery to internal medicine to pediatrics<b>.</b></p>
<h2>What is the Medical Billing and Coding Certification Cost?</h2>
<p>The general medical billing and coding examinations from the AAPC are $300<b>.</b> The fee is non-refundable<b>,</b> but you will have one full year from the date of purchase to take the exam<b>.</b> The 20 specialty examinations cost $245 each and include one free retake<b>.</b></p>
<h2>What are the Available Jobs for Medical Billing and Coding Graduates?</h2>
<p>There are many different jobs related to the field of medical billing and coding<b>.</b> Although most of the responsibilities remain consistent across all positions<b>,</b> the actual job titles can vary greatly<b>.</b> Some of the most common jobs for medical billing and coding graduates include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Medical coding and billing specialist</li>
<li>Medical billing clerk</li>
<li>Billing coordinator</li>
<li>Medical claims analyst</li>
<li>Electronic claims processor</li>
<li>Reimbursement specialist</li>
<li>Claims assistant professional</li>
<li>Patient account representative</li>
</ul>
<h2>Where Do Medical Billers and Coders Work?</h2>
<p>Medical coding and billing professionals can find employment within a wide range of health care settings<b>.</b> While larger facilities may separate coding and billing into two separate jobs<b>,</b> smaller health care environments often combine the separate duties into one position<b>.</b> Some of the places that employ medical billing and coding professionals include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Hospitals</li>
<li>Physicians' offices</li>
<li>Health clinics</li>
<li>Long-term care facilities</li>
<li>Dental offices</li>
<li>Home health agencies</li>
<li>Nursing homes</li>
<li>Health insurance companies</li>
<li>Pharmacies</li>
<li>Ambulatory services</li>
</ul>
<h2>What is the Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding Jobs?</h2>
<p>For the purpose of statistics<b>,</b>* medical billing and coding is placed within the larger category of medical records and health information technology<b>.</b> This segment of the health care industry is expected to grow at a rate that is described as much faster than the average<b>,</b> with job prospects being rated as very good<b>.</b></p>
<p>To be more specific<b>,</b> <b>this field is projected to grow by 20 percent between 2008 and 2018</b><b>.</b> This is attributed to various factors<b>,</b> including an aging population and a rise in the number of medical treatments<b>,</b> procedures<b>,</b> and tests that are routinely performed<b>.</b></p>
<h2>What is the Average for Medical Billing/Coding Salaries?</h2>
<p>In an online survey** of more than 10<b>,</b>000 medical billing and coding professionals in 2010<b>,</b> it was discovered that certified employees saw an increase of 1<b>.</b>5 percent in medical billing and coding pay from the previous year<b>,</b> bringing the <b>average salary to $45<b>,</b>404</b><b>.</b> Non-certified employees also saw a rise of 1<b>.</b>2 percent<b>,</b> though at $37<b>,</b>746<b>,</b> the average salary was slightly lower than that of certified medical billing and coding professionals<b>.</b></p>
<p>Medical billing/coding salaries are also directly impacted by experience<b>.</b> The more years of experience<b>,</b> the higher the salary tends to be<b>.</b> Here is a breakdown of the average annual salary of certified medical coding and billing professionals by years of experience:</p>
<ul>
<li>1 Year$34<b>,</b>551</li>
<li>5 Years$40<b>,</b>638</li>
<li>10 Years$45<b>,</b>683</li>
<li>15 Years$50<b>,</b>307</li>
<li>20 Years$51<b>,</b>563</li>
<li>25 Years$53<b>,</b>669</li>
</ul>
<p>The highest average salary was found to be that of experienced medical billing and coding instructors<b>,</b> who may also work as consultants outside of teaching<b>.</b> The average annual salary for these professionals was $69<b>,</b>207<b>.</b></p>
<h2>What's Next?</h2>
<p>Now that you've learned the <em>who</em><b>.</b> <em>what</em><b>.</b> and <em>where</em> of medical billing and coding<b>,</b> the next step is to find out about specific educational options<b>.</b> Check out this guide to medical billing and coding schools today!</p>
<h3>medical coding and billing online certification</h3>
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<div style="display:blockfloat:leftmargin: 10px"><h1>Medical Billing Coding Career Information | FAQs and Answers</h1><a href="http://remmont.com/news/cvetnoj_laminat/2013-11-15-204">цветной ламинат - 15 Ноября 2013 - INSURANCE</a></div><br><br>
