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Are you interested in healthcare but prefer to be behind the scenes instead of at the forefront? If you answered “yes,” then becoming a medical office specialist might be for you!

There are two kinds of medical office specialist jobs related to healthcare – medical billing and medical coding. Sometimes these jobs can be done by two different people or can be combined as one.

Medical billers and coders are integral to healthcare because they ensure all medical parties get appropriately reimbursed and that patients receive proper coverage through insurance.

If you desire to further your medical billing and coding specialist career, continue reading to explore the job details and learn what you need to know to pursue the field, along with how to complete medical billing and coding online.

 

Take The First Step in Your Career Journey Today!

 

What is Medical Billing and Coding?

Medical Billing and Coding are essential to the healthcare industry because it involves the process and payment the healthcare system goes through to receive compensation.

A medical coder is responsible for reviewing a patient's medical records; through this, they can see what services were rendered during a visit and translate the information into codes to process a claim. There are thousands of medical codes, so the medical coder must fully know medical terminology to align with specific principles for specific visits. These codes are a universal language between clinicians, medical facilities, insurance companies, and government agencies. Once regulations are determined and confirmed for accuracy, they are passed onto the medical biller.

A medical biller is involved in just as its name says, "medical billing." Medical billers submit the insurance claim with codes to insurance companies to obtain payment for medical services rendered by providers or organizations. Medical billers safeguard and optimize revenue for the health information management system.

As you can see, medical billing and coding are vital to the healthcare industry’s shared goal of performing services to those in need and getting paid for it!

Job Duties for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists & Where They Can Work

Now that we've covered what medical billers and coders do, let's look deeper into their responsibilities in this position. Some of the job duties can vary based on the employer's needs, but here are everyday responsibilities:

  • Electronically recording data and reporting it.
  • Using classification systems for codes.
  • Organizing clinical databases.
  • Maintaining confidentiality with HIPPA laws.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Office Specialists typically work full time and spend many hours at a computer.1

The top five employers of Medical Office Specialists are:

  • 33% – State, Local, and Private Hospitals
  • 10% – Physician's Offices
  • 7% – State Local and Private Educational Services
  • 6% – Federal Government
  • 5% – Professional Scientific and Technical Services

A Medical Office Specialist Program can prepare students for entry-level positions in various health care and care facility offices, insurance companies, laboratories, and billing companies. Depending on the medical practice or firm, medical office specialists may be employed with little or no expertise. Doctor’s offices or clinics prefer on-the-job training. Learn how to enroll in a medical billing and coding online training program to further your knowledge in the healthcare industry.

What Schooling is Required for a Medical Biller and Coder?

An individual pursuing an entry-level job as a medical biller and coder must have the prerequisite of a high school diploma or equivalent.

To become a medical office specialist, you must complete a medical billing and coding degree online. The first step is to enroll in a medical billing and coding online training program and inquire about the required billing and coding courses.

In an online medical billing and coding program, you should learn fundamental concepts through courses and practice in hands-on virtual lab environments. Some studies that should be offered to students to gain knowledge of the health industry as a medical office specialist shall be:

  • Medical Office Procedure and computer application
  • Medical Terminology Anatomy and Physiology Courses
  • Medical Insurance
  • Medical Coding 1 ICD-10CM
  • Medical Coding 2 CPT-Coding
  • Electronic Medical Records and Billing

These courses provide students with the foundation of knowledge they need to begin a medical billing and coding career. Each class is equipped with professional experts. Students will be provided an in-depth understanding of the healthcare industry and learn what it takes to be a successful medical billing and coding specialist.

Once courses are completed a professional certification exam needs to be taken to ensure mastery of complex billing and government-mandated coding requirements. Certification can lead to job opportunities in the field.

Start Your Medical Billing and Coding Online Training with National Career College!

With National Career College's Medical Office Specialist online program, graduates are prepared for entry-level employment as medical office billing and coding specialists within eight months. We provide essential training in the administrative knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to function in a medical office. Learn more about getting started at NCC here or call us at 888-988-2301!

 

Learn More About Medical Office Specialist Program at NCC!

 


Sources:

  1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm