Medical billers must
be able to think analytically.
Medical billers are crucial to the functioning of hospitals, healthcare clinics and nursing homes. They handle all financial transactions from patients and keep thorough records for their employer. With positive job outlooks and minimal training requirements, this can be an attractive position, especially during rough economic times.
Education and Training
A high school diploma or General Education Degree is the standard education required by most employers. Additionally a formal training program in medical billing is required for this position. These classes are available online or at many community colleges and trade schools. They typically last between one and three months. Many offer hands-on experience working with medical billing and give training for the typical computer software used by medical billers. A large number of medical billing clerks are hired to fill entry-level positions. Therefore, previous experience working in the field is not required by all employers, though it is helpful.
Skills
Medical billers must be well-organized, since a large portion of their job involves filing. They must have good communication skills, because they'll be working with employees, patients, and the general public. Billers must be able to answer a phone pleasantly and manage multiple phone lines in a cordial manner. These individuals should understand basic office procedures, computer programs, and medical coding.
Duties
These billing clerks handle the financial aspects of medical offices. They calculate charges, compose bills, and mail them to customers. Medical billers process payments, research patient financial information, and prepare information for collection agencies. They communicate with patients, help them budget, make payment plans, and report delinquent fees. They answer phones and answer questions from insurance companies, healthcare professionals, and patients. Billers back up computer files and process payments for their company.
Work Environment
These individuals spend most of their time in a comfortable office setting. A significant portion of their time is spent working on computers. This can lead to lower back pain, eyestrain, or hands and wrist issues. Typically, they work standard 40-hour work weeks, though some chose to work part-time.
Salary
According to a June 2010 survey from the Payscale website, the average annual salary for a medical biller ranges from $24,969 to $34,703. This equates to an average hourly wage between $11.74 and $15.89. As with all salary information, these figures can vary significantly based on experience, geographic location, and employer.
Job Outlook
Job prospects for medical biller jobs should be good. Employment for this position is expected to grow at a rate faster than average in comparison to other jobs because of streamlined billing departments and growth in the healthcare industry.
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