Virtually all hospitals, doctors and other medical practitioners outsource their medical billing. Specific codes are required on medical bills in order to submit bills correctly to individuals and health insurance companies. As a result, medical billing and coding jobs are always in demand. In that position, you will review reports and notes. You will then code each billable item. Codes will be used to denote both the patient's diagnosis as well as the care given. If you wish to get a medical billing and coding job, you must be properly trained.
Instructions
1. Find a medical billing and coding training program. You can find the link to important schools in our Resources section.
2. Confirm that the training program teaches the particular coding system you wish to learn. There are three coding systems used--International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Healthcare Common Procedure Coding Systems (HCPCS) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). ICD code is used to denote diseases, ailments and injuries. HCPCS codes are used to denote physician's services, lab tests or other medical care. For example, if a patient needed an ambulance ride, it would be recorded with a numeric HCPCS code. Finally, CPT code is used to classify medical procedures or services. The same procedure can generally be coded in either HCPCS or CPT code. You must be trained in ICD coding. However, you will increase your job opportunities if you are also skilled in HCPCS and CPT coding.
3. Apply to various medical billing and coding programs for training. You must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent to apply. This is the only prerequisite.
4. Enroll in the training program that suits your needs. Many online training programs allow you to learn the coding systems at your own pace. If you are studying full-time, you can generally receive your certification within four months. Part-time students usually take six to 12 months to complete the training.
5. Create a resume. Format your resume as you would a standard business resume, simply highlighting your skills and experience that relate to the jobs you are seeking. List any prior experience you have working in a health-related environment. If you have a background in the healthcare industry, you are a more desirable candidate. Detail your medical billing and training training, including your certification specifics.
6. Contact medical offices in your area. If a particular office doesn't have openings at the present time, ask to be put on their waiting list for applicants. Since there is a continual need for medical billing and coding specialists, positions will likely open up in the near future.
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