Consider getting certified with one of the two primary national programs, which offer courses on being a medical biller, but supporting courses on being a medical coder, computer codes, and business practices. [3] X Research source Be aware that many community and technical colleges and universities offer 2 or 4 year programs to be a certified medical biller. Meet with an admissions professional to discuss your options and see if the medical billing course ends with certification through one of the national organizations. In many cases, these degree programs will prepare you to sit for one of the national certification exams. [4] X Research source
Figure out the type of medical billing you want to do. If you want to simply create medical bills, you can enroll in online programs such as AHIMA and AAPC. However, if you would like to work in a variety of environments such as a hospital or doctor’s office, you will need more education that is also available from these organizations as well as local colleges and technical schools. [6] X Research source Enroll in any required courses and consider adding classes that will boost your basic knowledge. Be aware that the more classes you take, the more it will cost you. Consider applying for what you can afford and boosting your education as you can afford it. [7] X Research source
Enroll in a certification program either at the AAPC or AHIMA websites. These can also point you to affiliated programs in your area. Provide any information necessary to enroll. This generally includes your personal information, educational and professional background, and anything else that may be relevant to your desire to be a medical biller. You may also need to become a member of the certifying organization. Finally, pay any course fees required by the program. [9] X Research source
Follow the coursework requirements detailed in your education packet. In general, these include elements such as assigning proper medical codes for specific diagnoses and procedures performed by doctors, proficiency with a broad range of services including management and anesthesia, knowledge of medical coding guidelines and regulations, knowing how to integrate coding and payment changes into an existing system, and knowledge of the terminology used in a medical office.
Speak to a career counselor, local doctor’s office, or draw on a professional network about getting practical experience. Ask about the best types of work for your specific education and certification goals. Be aware that many organizations consider two years experience as a medical biller necessary to pass the certification exam. [11] X Research source
Schedule an exam date from the options in your area. Remember that you must attend an exam with a proctor at a physical location. Obtain any letters of recommendation and employer verification you need to take the exam. Pay any additional fees necessary to sit the exam.
Meet with classmates or attend organizations’ local chapter meetings to meet people with whom you can study. You may find you learn more by studying as a group than if you study alone. Use the most recent coding books to study for the exam. These resources are updated every year and not using the proper volume may hinder your ability to pass. Make sure to study a variety of topics for your exam. Many exams will have questions on the following fields: anatomy, medical terminology, information technology and computers, coding, insurance, fraud and abuse, compliance and health laws.
Verify any examination information you receive from the certification organization. You may receive this electronically or by mail. Make sure to note the name of your proctor and phone number to verify examination information. Get your exam results between 7-10 days after you sit the exam. Results are generally available online and by mail. Be aware of policies if you fail the exam. Some organization will require you to pay a fee each time you take the exam. You may also need to wait for a specific period of time between exams.
Consider recertification requirements when you start your education and certification process. You’ll generally need a certain number of continuing education units to get your recertification. You may also need further coursework. Provide any documentation and pay any fees needed for recertification. You may need to show the following information: coding self-assessments, proof of obtaining continuing education credits, participation in accepted and qualified continuing education programs, and proof of payment of fees.
Send letters of intent to local employers about your interest in working for them and your credentials. For example, contact local hospitals and inquire if they are looking for someone with your certification and skills. Ask fellow medical billers in your local area if they know of any job opportunities. Check the websites of professional organizations such as AMBA, AAPC, and AHIMA for job listings. [16] X Research source Register yourself with a headhunter or placement agency to help find opportunities as a medical biller.
Consider volunteering as a way to gain valuable practical experience and make inroads in the medical billing profession. Remember that it will also look good on your resume.
Join local and national medical biller organizations such as AMBA, AAPC, and AHIMA. These organizations have local chapters, regular meetings, national conferences, and events where you can meet other certified medical billers.
Providing assistance can be very rewarding not only for you, but also to the people whom your work supports. Be aware that medical coding may have some emotional demands. You might have to bill for serious conditions such as cancer or death. This could upset you. You may also have to positively maneuver dynamics or situations involving patients, medical professionals, and insurance companies. If you like working with and helping people, then a working as a medical biller might be a great option for you.
Consider shadowing a medical biller for a day so that you can get a better sense of what a typical working day entails. Make sure to ask questions about the person’s career path and any things they like and dislike about the profession. Be aware that you’ll need at least a high school diploma or GED to enroll in a course. You’ll need further education and practical experience to get certification.
What are the possible physical demands? You might need to work late at night, stare at computer screens for long hours, or sit for hours at a time. Does medical billing fit my personality? Working with doctors, insurance companies, and patients is a big part of being a medical biller. This could be a good option for you if you like working with people and in the medical profession. How does medical billing fit my lifestyle? Medical billers are necessary for any healthcare or medical facility and, in many cases, you may be able to set your hours according to your schedule. You may need to work more at times of high need but will also get perks like vacation time. Will I make enough money? Medical billing is a quickly growing profession and this means you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a job. Currently, the average salary of medical billers in the United States is $34,000. [20] X Research source Depending on the facility in which you work, you may also get health benefits in addition to your salary.
