Medical Billing News

Medical Biller - Be The One Doctors Want

2012-02-09T11:08:00.001-08:00

So you want to be a medical biller… you’ve heard that the job growth rate is going up, that medical offices across the country will need you, and that you can also do this from the comfort of your own home or office. Sounds great – but are you the medical billing specialist that doctors will want?

First, a doctor needs a certified medical biller to know the ropes AND the codes – ICD-9 and CPT (the upcoming switch to ICD-10 codes is a plus and something you should consider when pursuing online medical billing classes). Making sure you bill for the right code could make or break the doctor’s practice.

Second, you should have experience in medical billing. A good way to do this when you’re a new graduate of an online medical billing school is offer your services as an intern with a practice, or work with an established medical billing company. Both are ways to get your foot in the door and the experience under your belt.

Third, you must be able to produce results. Bringing in insurance payments is an indicator of your effectiveness as a medical biller. Statistics that demonstrate this are like gold on your resume.

Of course, each doctor will have different needs as far as medical billing goes, but by keeping your eye on these core qualities you will put yourself at an advantage in the marketplace.

Medical Billing Certification – An Important Credential

2012-01-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

Medical billing certification is vital to obtaining employment within the industry. While most state regulations do not require certification or registration to practice medical billing, most hospitals and physicians offices require job candidates to have it. This is why it makes sense to pursue certification after completing a medical billing program.

The Medical Association of Billers (MAB) is a premier training and credentialing association for medical billing and coding. The organization is committed to the developing of medical billing and coding programs centered on the principles of encouragement, excellence, integrity and service. Through MAB, you may become a Certified Medical Billing Specialist® after passing the exam.

Certification also promotes ethical, professional medical billing by recognizing proficiency demonstrated by having passed the Certified Medical Billing Specialist® exam. For potential employers, this means that you have taken the steps necessary to advance your education, knowledge and skills.

By having certification, you demonstrate that you are serious about the profession, and that you agree to abide by strict ethics and standards of practice. Of course, having an education from an accredited program also helps you stand out in the field.

Allied’s Quick and Easy Military Spouse Cookbook is Now Available

2011-12-16T11:43:00.000-08:00

Need some inspiration in the kitchen? Check out Allied’s complimentary Quick and Easy Military Spouse Recipe Book and choose from nearly 100 recipes provided by real military spouses from across the globe! You can download your complimentary copy by visiting Allied’s Facebook page.

Here’s a “taste” of the Cookbook’s Contents:

-Nearly 100 Recipes for Every Craving

-Full-Color Pages

-Fun Retro Design

-Profiles and Pictures of Real Military Spouses

-And more!

So, how does cooking and online education go hand-in-hand? Time management. We understand that pursuing your education is no easy feat, especially when you have a family, a job and an array of other responsibilities. And based on our experiences assisting military spouse students, we feel they serve as prime examples of how to balance daily tasks with personal goals. Especially since many are managing households while their service members are deployed for months at a time. Who better to share a recipe that will also accommodate a jam-packed schedule?

Allied’s programs were designed for individuals who want to further their education, but feel trapped by the demands of a full schedule and tight budget. Online education with 24/7 access backed by live support, payment plan options and more makes meeting your goals possible – and leaves you time to prepare a “Quick and Easy” recipe too!

For more information about online degree, certificate and/or licensing courses, call (888) 751-2306 or visit www.findmycourse.info. And don’t forget about your complimentary recipe book – Visit www.facebook.com/alliedschools, like us and click “Free Cookbook” from the side menu to get your copy today.

The Importance of Medical Billing and Coding

2011-12-08T13:08:00.000-08:00

A physician's job is important. A Registered Nurse's job is important. They're the ones who are visible, and have the responsibility of a human life in their hands. But they can't do their jobs alone. A medical office is only as good as its staff. They need someone to ensure that the billing is done properly, and that the medical codes are correct and up-to-date to ensure that insurance companies will reimburse appropriately.

Typically, medical billing and coding goes hand-in-hand, and those who do the billing are also responsible for ensuring that the coding is correct and accurate. Some places do divide their staff into coding and billing, but smaller offices often cannot afford to separate the two. That's why it's so important to have the proper studies and degree in medical billing and coding – to be prepared and versatile for whatever the office or hospital will need at any given moment.

Medical Billing and Coding Differences
It's important to understand what is demanded from a job that requires both medical billing and coding. The jobs can and are divided up often, but these days, they are mixing the two more and more, so it is vital to understand what each job does.

Medical billing is an administrative position that requires working with both insurance companies (billing for reimbursements), and working with patients (setting up payment plans, collecting overdue payments, and helping to resolve billing issues). The medical billing job ties in directly with coding – a billing agent must know the codes to ensure that their patients are being billed for the appropriate procedures and diagnoses.

Medical coding is the job that is considered “behind the scenes” and makes for very little patient contact. The coding job is a detail-oriented position that makes sure the ICD codes and CPT codes are correct prior to submission to the insurance companies for reimbursement. ICD codes are codes that physicians use in order to render a diagnosis of a patient, and CPT codes are codes for the treatments and services that are given to the patient upon receiving a diagnosis. For example, if a patient visit (called an “encounter” by coding professionals) results in a diagnosis of a laceration requiring stitches, there will be a number of codes associated with the entire visit. Those codes will need to be checked and submitted to the patient's insurance company for reimbursement.

It's easy to see how medical billing and coding go hand-in-hand, and how smaller offices will require a professional to be conversant in the two. That's why it's important to be certified and trained in both areas – to maximize versatility or marketability in the workforce.

From Medical Assistant to Medical Biller – Is It Easy To Switch Roles?

2011-10-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

Can a medical assistant move into a medical billing or coding career more easily than someone with no medical experience whatsoever? Quite possibly. These days, many medical assistants perform several front office duties, which often include medical billing and coding. With this in mind, the medical assistant is more familiar with procedures and codes in general.

A good place for those formerly known (or still known) as medical assistants to start is by studying billing codes via a good program. Because you are probably still working, an online series of courses might work better with your schedule, and enable you to conveniently achieve your education goals.

Additionally, classes that you may have taken for medical assisting, such as anatomy and medical terminology, will undoubtedly assist you in your new career.

Image by Athena's Pix

Medical Billers and Coders Are Needed

2011-09-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

Let’s say you’re a doctor. You are trained to care for people and their health. Of course, you expect to be paid but it isn’t that easy. There are codes for each and every procedure that allow insurance companies to do their thing, and with the October 2013 implementation of the ICD-10 coding system, there will be that much more. These codes will help you get paid for your doctoring, and they are why medical billers and coders are so important to the health care field.

A patient’s records, insurance claims and payment accounts all utilize the medical billing and coding information that such specialists input. This information should also include an explanation of benefits (EOB) analysis and be kept confidential. All in all, these efforts help ensure that a patient’s bills, statements and records are organized and at the ready so that medical fees can be claimed from the insurance company.

For medical billing and coding specialists, this means one busy work day! But that is okay in the scheme of things, because the career path is on the increase and can be done at home or within an organization.

Medical Billers - Choose Your Software Wisely

2011-09-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a medical billing software solution around every corner. Some offer a gazillion features and a price tag to match, while others give bare bones basics for a nominal fee. Somewhere between the two are the rest of the medical billing software players. All of them want your attention… and your business. How do you select which software is right for you and your clients?

First, look at functionality. What will the software do for you? Will it make your job easier, or give you more headaches? Basic systems help you create paperless statements based on billing codes and demographics, while fancier systems enable you to submit electronic claims and assist you with coding. Oftentimes, what you need in a software is based on what your clients need, as well as your experience and expertise in the field.

Second, do you want a system that stands alone, or one that integrates with scheduling software (aka “practice management”)? There are also all-inclusive billing systems that do everything from billing and scheduling, to handling electronic medical records and doing the dishes (don’t we wish!). With the coming requirement that all health records be electronic, it makes sense to look into a multiple function software offering that will help with compliance, instead of a standalone option that likely won’t.

Third, what is popular now? Trendy software solutions may offer bells and whistles, but will they get you through the long haul? At present, web-based medical billing systems are making a splash with low implementation costs, ease of accessibility and little need for IT support. All you need is Internet access you can count on and you’ve got a smart medical billing software solution.

Other trends include software that can make the transition to the ICD-10 coding system, scheduled for implementation on October 1, 2013. Some of the current software available will not be able to support the transition, making it important to check whether your choices will or not, too. Add-on EMR modules are also something to look into, as government legislation requiring the use of EMRs will affect the billing market as well. If you go the standalone software route, make sure you can add an EMR solution later on.

As an independent medical biller, it would be wise to ensure your software choice is flexible to the needs of various clients. This way, you can say “yes” to new clients without worrying about whether your software can handle their needs… and yours.

Image by Scott McLeod

Set Yourself Apart In Medical Billing

2011-09-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

In any business, there is competition. This is true in the medical billing arena, where independent medical billers and medical billing companies run neck and neck for business. How can you stand out from the crowd and get the attention you want and need from potential clients?

Be Competent – Doing a good job, and doing it consistently, can do wonders for your reputation. As clients begin to trust you, they will keep you in mind when colleagues ask for medical billing referrals.

Be Dependable – Can clients count on you for accuracy in medical billing? How timely are you in submitting paperwork? Everyone wants to get paid on time… make it happen for your clients.

Be Available – When clients have a question, do you return their e-mails or calls promptly, or within the first 24 hours after receipt? Or do you get around to responding… when you can? Being available goes hand-in-hand with being dependable.

Be Competitive - The cheapest rates for medical billing services don’t always get the worm. Price your services according to your experience, skills and the estimated amount of time each task will take to complete. Additionally, when you offer quality service and competence, you should be able to command a higher rate.

Be Personable and Professional – Some clients want to work with warm, friendly people. Others are strictly business. Adjust your attitude and be flexible to what pleases the client – you will find it easier to get along with them and build their trust.

Step by step, you can achieve your business goals and gather a steady stable of clients who look to you for medical billing services – and set yourself apart from the competition.

Image by gurdonark

Medical Billers in Jammies - The Right Thing For A-Work-At-Home Business?

2011-09-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

You hear it all the time – stay in your jammies, take a shower at noon and forget about having to commute anywhere because you work at home. For home-based businesses, and especially those that involve medical billing, this scenario is a possibility. But is it realistic, let alone wise?

For example, what if you decided that pajamas were the uniform of choice for your office? Sure, they are comfortable and warm when you first roll out of bed, but do they make you feel like the professional medical biller you are? Imagine conversing with a physician while wearing pink fuzzy slippers and a holey pair of sleep sweats? Yes, the physician is less the wiser to your business getup, but you know what you’re wearing and it can affect your confidence.

By following a routine of dressing for work – even if that work is done in your own home – you set a meticulous standard to follow that will ultimately show through in your work. Granted, nobody likes wearing a tie or pantyhose, so don’t dress like you’re working for an attorney. A clean pair of jeans and t-shirt can do wonders for your morale. Brush your hair (and teeth). Put on makeup. And remember… professional is as professional does.

Photo by Todd Ehlers

Medical Billing Blahs - Is Your Daily Routine TOO Routine?

2011-08-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

It’s Tuesday. You’re working your desk, pushing through files like a crazy bat. Success for you and your medical billing business has come from hard work and dedication to be the best. But sooner or later it’s going to hit you like a wall of water. You will fall prey to the daily drone of the same-old-same-old known as the Blahs.

Yes, when the Blahs come a’calling, be prepared to do things you didn’t think you’d do. What, with all this work on your desk how could you:

Spend an hour on the phone with Trisha talking about the kids
Throw in an extra load of laundry and do some dishes, too
Search the Internet for those cute socks with rhinestones all over them
Take a drive for a double scoop of butter pecan ice cream at 10:30
Succumb to the sleep monster that likes to steal your time after lunch

It’s not like you’re looking to do a double pile of work tomorrow, but the Blahs have a way of making that happen to even the most dedicated business professionals. Running your own medical billing business is hard, but rewarding work. By taking a few measures each day to treat yourself with a healthy diversion from your work, you are less likely to become BFFs with the Blahs.

Set a time to break from your work
Purchase “treats” to reward yourself for staying on task, such as a special candy or flavored coffee (really good for waking up after lunch)
Make sure you stretch and move around each hour – it’s a great way to treat your body to a quick refresher
Glance away from the computer screen every now and then and focus on something pleasant like a photo or out the window
If you have to take a break to pick up your children from school, throw in a quick stop for a coffee or tasty treat before heading back to finish your daily tasks
Eat lunch on time – it will keep your mind going strong

Give one or all a try. Just a few small treats can keep the Blahs away… at least until Wednesday!

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kekka/

Pursuing Health Care Career? Here is easy step to become a medical biller!

2011-05-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

Consider pursuing health care career? You can become a medical biller from home with Allied schools' online medical billing courses!

What You Need to Become a Medical Office Assistant

2011-04-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

The role of the medical office assistant may vary from office to office. Your job duties will depend on the employer and the type of office setting you are working in. Medical office assistants work in doctor’s offices, chiropractor’s offices, dental offices, clinics, hospital departments as well as in medical insurance offices.

Some of the duties that you will be doing as a medical office assistant will include:

Greeting patients as they come into the office
Answering phones or making calls on behalf of the doctor
Helping the doctor to provide treatment to the patient
Filing or updating patient files and medical records
Filling out insurance forms and billing claims
Explaining procedures, tests and prescriptions to the patients.

Not all of these medical office assisting skills can be taught in any kind of medical assistant school. The ability to relate to every patient that comes into the practice is a vital duty that is inherent, not something that is learned.

Medical Terminology and Its Procedures

Of the classes that you will be asked to take to become a medical office assistant, some of the most difficult will be medical terminology, human anatomy and the names of some of the complicated procedures. Once you have these classes under your belt, though, everything else will come much more easily.

The need to understand medical terminology exists because you will be asked to break down procedures to the patients. For instance, the doctor wants the patient to follow a certain diet because of a health concern. The patient may have a number of questions about what he has just been told. You will be reading the chart and the prescription to be able to explain the diet in simpler terms for that patient.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant?

In some cases, you can complete your class work in as little as nine months while those who are pursuing a more advanced, intensive education may take as long as two years to finish. After completing the school itself, you can apply to take the examination which will allow you to be certified as a medical assistant. Some schools do offer job placement assistance for those who have just graduated and are ready to get started on their new career path.

The Benefit of Education and Certification

For most employers, every job that is posted will give them an overwhelming number of applicants to sift through. Preference will be given to those who are highly educated over those who are not. That education may be the key to getting your foot in the door, but the rest is entirely up to you.

Allied schools offers other comprehensive online medical career training in medical billing, medical coding, medical transcription, pharmacy technician.

Even More Options for Your Medical Billing Career: Third-Party Billing on the Rise!

2010-03-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

More doctors nationwide are choosing to contract out or outsource their medical billing needs. This means that professionals training today have even more options to build a solid medical billing career! As a medical billing professional, you will typically provide services to specialty physician groups and primary care practices and process Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance claims - and working with a third-party billing company is no different.

The Department of Health and Human Services defines third party billing companies as "providing a valuable service to providers and suppliers who seek out their help in submitting claims correctly and efficiently. These firms vary greatly, performing a wide variety of services from simply formatting claims for submission to Medicare and private insurance companies to managing the entire 'business end' of provider practices."

In addition to seeing that health care providers get paid for their services, billing professionals who work in a third-party billing setting usually offer a wide range of functions. In fact, in this career, you will perform many of the same extensive duties as an in-house medical biller:

- Manage patient data - demographic and incurred charges
- Prepare insurance claims
- Follow up on unpaid claims
- Post payments
- Bill patients for deductibles and co-insurance
- And more

Third party billing companies have a long and storied history, but larger-sized billing companies did not become more commonplace until the 1980s when it was required that hospital-based physicians' services be billed separately. Today, according to statistics by the Healthcare Billing and Management Association (HBMA) third party medical billing companies employ nearly 20,000 people nationwide and process more than 17 million claims per month.

Partnering with a third-party billing company can help health care providers increase cash flow and productivity, as well as enable them to concentrate on health care services, not on collecting bills. This means that as a medical biller, you have many options to create a solid future in the health care industry. Joining a third party billing company is yet another way to apply your medical billing training and create the medical billing career you've always wanted.

(Source: Houston Business Journal, Thora Qaddumi)

Top 5 Reasons to Start a Medical Billing Career

2010-02-25T16:03:00.000-08:00

1. Short-Term Training Prepares You for a Career
Training for a medical billing career is quick. Most medical billing programs don't exceed 18 months and often you can finish your training much sooner depending on the amount of time you dedicate to your studies. This means you can get career-ready skills and be ready for a career quicker than if you attend a traditional two or four-year college.

2. Opportunity for Employment Growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of billing and posting clerks will increase by 15 percent, faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. An increase in the number of medical transactions will create a greater medical billing need. It's a great way to join the healthcare industry in a non-clinical type career.

3. Solid Earning Potential
Did you know that according to the BLS, the median wage of medical billers was $30,950 in May 2008? In fact, the highest 10 percent earned more than $44,560 that same year. Salary is dependent on a variety of factors, such as geographic location, number of hours worked, etc. However, the facts show that medical billers can earn a solid income.

4. Abundance of Career Opportunities
As a professional medical biller, you have the option to work in a many different settings. Any health care organization that provides medical services will have a need for medical billing services. Grow your career in physician offices, hospitals, clinics, outpatient surgery centers, rehabilitation centers, and much more. Additionally, you can realize increased career opportunities if you diversify your skills - learn medical coding or electronic health management.

5. Flexible Work Schedule
As a medical biller, you'll work in a pleasant and comfortable office environment. While most medical billers work a 40-hour week, a percentage of these professionals work part time, meaning that you can easily balance work and family. Also, some employers may offer flex, evening or weekend hours, so you can create a working schedule that fits with your busy life.

The Right Medical Billing Software Can Make All of the Difference

2010-02-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

When it comes to the practice of medical billing, precision is absolutely paramount to ensuring that payment from claims submitted to insurance companies, or respective administration entities, is received by the doctor or other licensed health care provider who provided the service. Most medical billing professionals are required to perform a myriad of duties that include managing healthcare billing as well as processing, altering and resubmitting claims while adhering to the most current regulations and policies in the industry. Even the most experienced and well-trained in the field are prone to the possibility of human error, which can end up being extremely costly to the healthcare provider. This is why the use of electronic medical billing has been rapidly gaining in popularity throughout the medical field.

By incorporating the use of software, those who work in medical billing can increase their precision in tracking a range of functions - from keeping tabs on patient demographics, appointments and diagnoses, to gathering and keeping track of billing information and insurance payments, scheduling, and generating reports. In addition to significantly reducing the chance for human error, the use of an electronic medical billing system generally offers substantial savings in time and money, as it makes sure that every patient bill is paid and all accounts received are kept up to date.

The majority of electronic billing systems for the medical industry require that the user sticks with the sections detailed in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which emphasize improved security standards, ANSI billing formats, etc. It has been found that the use of the correct electronic medical billing software within a company assists in and facilitates a smooth work flow. And, since the software gives employees better access to personal details and time schedules, it's likely that customers and patients will be satisfied as well. Insurers also benefit, since they are able to receive payments at a faster rate - often in less than half the time it used to take.

When looking for electronic medical billing software, be sure to select the system that will work best for your particular organization. And don't hesitate to ask for assistance from the vendor regarding features and which one will be best suited for the company. Also, you might want to inquire as to whether a sample account could be provided on a trial basis, and they may have a sample CD available for you to take. Once all of the questions have been answered to your satisfaction, you will be able to make an informed decision as to which one to choose.

Billing Dental Procedures as Medical Expenses? It's A Growing Trend in Medical Billing

2010-02-04T09:26:00.000-08:00

As documentation linking oral health and overall health of the human body continues to build, more and more dental practices are recognizing the value of filing medical claims for many of their procedures. While this knowledge leads to more opportunities for filing claims with medical carriers, it also requires dental practices to learn how to do it.

Incorporating medical billing in dental practices has turned out to be a win-win situation for everyone. Patients are going forward with treatment, doctors are being paid, and satisfied patients are eagerly referring their friends and family. No doubt, a dental office will enjoy the rewards that come from happy, patients, profit stability, and a team that will receive compliments on a daily basis.

Here is a current list of some dental procedures that can be filed with medical carriers:

- Trauma procedures
- Medically necessary oral surgical, laser, and periodontal procedures
- Medically necessary implant, endodontic, and prosthodontist procedures
- Appliances to treat sleep apnea
- Screening to detect oral cancer
- Medically necessary exams and x-rays, including CT scans, associated with any of the procedures listed above

In fact, staff members at dental offices have been amazed at the number of cases that meet the criteria for filing a medical claim. While some similarities exist between preparing a dental claim and a medical claim, such as patient demographics and insurance demographic sections, there are also some significant differences, such as in coding systems. For instance, medical carriers ask for more than just a procedure code, which is all that is required by dental carriers. Medical carriers also require the reason (which is the patient's diagnosis) why the particular procedure was done. Therefore, medical necessity is probably the most important element of successful dental-medical cross coding.

Dental practices that choose to implement a dental-medical cross-coding system will undoubtedly experience a positive impact on their day-to-day operation. Patients will certainly appreciate the fact that you are willing to help them obtain medical benefits… and word of mouth is one of the most effective marketing tools that exists in any service business.

(Source: Dentistry IQ)

Need Experience to Get Hired? Here Are Some Steps You Can Take to Get that Medical Billing Job.

2010-01-14T09:20:00.000-08:00

You've finished your medical billing education and are ready to look for work. What happens if potential employers require that you have experience? As with other career fields, medical billing jobs often list experience as a prerequisite for employment. As a recent graduate, what can you do? Consider these tips:

- Maximize your education: You have medical billing training under your belt, now consider complementing your education with additional skills. Maybe take a medical billing course so you can offer two valuable services. Or enroll in Electronic Health Records (EHR) or Health Information Management (HIM) and be prepared for the transition to digital records. Whatever you choose, additional education can set you apart in the eyes of employers.

- Get certified: Certification is a great way to show employers that you are serious about your career. Become a Certified Medical Billing Specialist® and add valuable credentials to your resume - demonstrate that you have a high level of knowledge. Being certified means that you have passed a rigorous exam. Employers will value your dedication and expertise!

- Join professional associations: Show you are serious, goal oriented and motivated to succeed by becoming a member of medical billing associations. It's an ideal way to network and find jobs. Plus, you'll benefit from being informed about your career field.

- Start your career in a lower-level job: You might have trained to become a medical biller, but you may have to start your career in a different capacity to get your foot in the door. If you find that medical billing jobs require experience, you can build your experience level in the records department, as a clerk or assistant, or at the front desk of a medical office. Your career will benefit from learning medical billing from the ground up.

- Apply for an internship: An internship can provide you with the invaluable opportunity to get real-world experience. It's an ideal way to build your experience level while working in an actual medical billing setting. Contact a local hospital or doctor's office and find out if there are internships available.

- Customize your resume: Create a strong resume that maximizes your strengths. Demonstrate what you can offer employers - i.e. maybe you scored an "A" on every exam in your medical billing course or completed an internship that provided valuable hands-on experience. Emphasize your strengths so employers can easily see what you have to offer.

Ready to start your medical billing career? By implementing the steps above, you can maximize your opportunities by taking action. Going the extra mile, such as becoming certified or completing an internship, can set you apart from other job seekers. When a potential jobs lists experience as a requirement, you'll be prepared and ready to bring extra skills to the table.

2004 Medical Billing Survey Results - Learn What Industry Professionals are Doing in Their Careers

2010-01-05T16:34:00.000-08:00

As the Medical Association of Billers (MAB) conducts its 2010 Medical Billing and Coding Salary Survey, it is interesting to take a look back at the 2004 survey and view some of the results. Will this year's results widely differ from six years ago? The results will be published on the MAB website after the January 31, 2010 deadline.

The survey is designed to help establish industry-wide billing and coding standards by compiling statistics based on data of current industry professionals. The results are divided into 6 regions - North East (NE), North Central (NC), North West (NW), South East (SE), South Central (SC), and South West (SW). Click here to view the full 2004 survey results.

Here's some information from the 2004 Medical Billing Salary and Statistics Survey:

Of the respondents:
14.4% were Certified Billers
19.2% were Certified Coders
40% use a Superbill
50.4% review their codes annually
62.4% use current coding manuals
43.2% use some practice management software
34.4% use some coding software
46.4% verify insurance prior to the patient seeing the provider
70.4% collect patient co-pays before the office visit, 17.6% collect after and 12% bill the patients for their co-pays.

The percentage of offices billing electronically by region is:
NW - 50%
NC - 67%
NE - 68%
SW - 68%
SC - 77%
SE - 85%

Billers generate claims:
NW - 0% daily, 100% individually, 0% weekly
NC - 33% daily, 67% individually, 0% weekly
NE - 33% daily, 53% individually, 14% weekly
SW - 14% daily, 68% individually, 18% weekly
SC - 38% daily, 62% individually, 0% weekly
SE - 19% daily, 69% individually, 12% weekly

The length of time on average before insurance carriers are billed:
0-3 days - 85%
4-7 days - 10%
8-15 days - 3 %
16-30 days - 2%

On average, people working in a provider's office make:
NW - $15-25 75%, $46-50 25%
NC - $15-25 83%, $26-35 17%, $36-45 2%, over $60 7%
NE - $15-25 78%, $26-35 13%, $36-45 2%, over $60 7%
SW - $15-25 82%, $26-35 5%, $36-45 9%, over $60 4%
SC - $15-25 81%, $26-35 12%, $36-45 7%
SE - $15-25 88%, $26-35 8%, over 60 4%

(Source: www.physicianswebsite.com)

5 Tips to Stay on Top of Your Hospital Bill

2009-10-23T14:36:00.000-07:00

The Commonwealth Fund states that in 2007, 72 million Americans either experienced problems paying medical bills or accrued medical debt. Billing errors are often at the root of this problem, creating medical bills that patients can't afford. Interpreting a hospital bill can be complicated and reviewing it line-by-line can be time-consuming and overwhelming.

It pays off to be informed. There are medical billers, medical coders, doctors and other health care professionals involved in each hospital stay. Miscommunication on any part can lead to mistakes. What can you do? Start by following these tips:

1. Plan ahead if possible - If your hospital stay is planned, make sure you double check your coverage before your hospital stay. This will enable you to verify the cost of any procedures and the amounts that will be covered.

2. Don't leave the hospital without an itemized bill - Once you're discharged, it is harder to obtain, so make sure you have it in your hand before you leave.

3. Keep track of everything - It is important for you to know who is treating you and exactly what they are doing. Make sure you ask questions and take names. Note: if you are unable to keep track of this information, have a spouse, family member or friend do it for you.

4. Don't immediately pay the bill - Make sure you take the time to carefully go over the bill and understand what the charges are for. Once you pay the bill, it will be harder to re-coup your money if there are mistakes.

5. Make the hospital accountable - Don’t let the hospital ignore the erroneous charges and assure you that your insurance company will pay for it. Mistakes are mistakes and the hospital needs to correct errors.

Did you know that your medical billing courses and related experience prepare you to undertake better in medical billing? Click here to learn about 7 Helpful tips to become a medical biller.

A Medical Billing Career: Just What the Family Ordered

2009-08-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

Juggling the demands of work and family can always be a struggle, but choosing the right career can make this feat easier. Some jobs are more naturally suited for a positive work-life balance, and building your future in one of these careers can lead to greater personal satisfaction as well as excellent professional fulfillment. Consider a medical billing career.

The life of a medical billing specialist can be particularly conducive to a good work-life balance. That is because these health care professionals generally enjoy above-average job security, good wages and great job satisfaction. This combination of factors can lead to a promising future in a career that you enjoy, along with the ability to easily balance the needs of the career with the commitments of a family.

Medical billing specialists who work in traditional office settings enjoy a number of advantages over other workers. Unlike many others who work in the health care arena, medical billing professionals tend to work predictable hours, typically following a normal 8-to-5 or 9-to-6 workday. There are also an abundance of opportunities to work on a part-time basis. These schedules make it easy to find time for baseball games, camping trips and other fun family activities.

Also, with the health care industry poised to dramatically increase in the next decade - more than three million new jobs are projected from 2006 to 2016 - the opportunities for medical billers are abundant. An increase in medical claims will mean more professionals needed to accurately bill insurance companies and facilitate payments for doctors. This will lead to stable job opportunities for medical billers - and an income a family can count on!

These health care professionals enjoy the best of both worlds - a satisfying career, along with a rewarding home life. Medical billers receive good salaries and benefits, along with better than average job security. In addition, they are able to enjoy the fruits of their labor, with plenty of free time to spend with family and friends.

Choosing a medical billing career can enable people to find that ideal work-life balance. With all that it has to offer - job security, flexibility and stable salary - it is no wonder that the field of medical billing is on the rise. When someone wants a career that provides reward and satisfaction, while meeting the needs of the family, medical billing is the right choice. It's a career that accommodates career aspiration and family dedication.

Want to Start a Medical Billing Career? Consider Collections.

2009-08-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

Medical billing collections have become a vital part of health care offices nationwide. With over 47 million American uninsured and countless others underinsured, there is a need for qualified medical billers to help re-coup outstanding bills. Put your medical billing education to work in a different way. Build your career in debt collection.

Did you know that your medical billing courses and related experience prepare you to undertake a career in medical billing collections?

- You understand complex medical billing practices
- You have practice dealing with insurance carriers
- You understand Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Shield
- You know how to comply with HIPAA guidelines
- You can quickly and effectively resolve any billing issues
- You have an ability to maintain positive patient relationships

You'll bring an exclusive understanding of medical billing to a medical billing collections career - something that will make you more effective and efficient. You'll be prepared to address any billing questions or concerns of the patients and bring a more effectual approach to collecting outstanding balances. Additionally, you can effectively deal with delayed payments due to misfiled claims and billing errors.

With a slowing economy and rising unemployment, health care providers, hospitals and clinics are experiencing a shortage of income from people unable to pay their medical bills. That's where you come in - as a medical billing collector, you can be the solution to recovering outstanding debts. Doctor's offices and health care providers need professionals to stay on top of outstanding balances and address billing errors. Having one person dedicated to these efforts can free up other employees to perform necessary medical billing and coding tasks - also it is helpful for one devoted professional to act as the go-between for billing issues.

Apply the knowledge learned from your medical billing training to a career in a doctor's office, health care facility or third-party agency. Your insight into the medical billing field and related practices will provide the gateway to a successful career in the medical billing field. There's no reason medical debts can't be effectively managed - it just takes someone familiar with the medical billing process. That someone can be you.

7 Helpful Tips to Become a Medical Biller

2009-05-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

Want to start a medical billing career? By doing some legwork beforehand, you can get the information you need to start your career on the right foot. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Know what being a medical billing specialist entails -- As a medical billing specialist, you will bill insurance companies for services that have been performed by doctors -- it will be your job to quickly and accurately complete insurance claim forms correctly and manage the overall billing process. You will need to be able to perform basic bookkeeping skills and understand the inner-workings of health insurance.

2. Find out about earning expectations -- An important factor when choosing a career is learning about salary potential. You can find out how much you can earn as a medical biller by going online -- the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides salary information based on geographic location. Learn if this is an ideal long-term career for you and provides the earning expectation that fits with your needs.

3. Talk to others in the field -- You can talk to some medical billing specialists and get their perspective of what the job is really like. Consider contacting the Medical Association of Billers (MAB) and network with other billers in your area -- you might ask about what a typical day involves, the salary range, what they like best about their jobs, etc.

4. Think about integrating medical coding -- Your medical billing career may also involve medical coding tasks. You can give yourself an advantage by combining your medical billing knowledge with medical coding training. This will include a familiarity with medical terminology and medical coding so you can apply the correct codes to the medical services provided -- and be in charge of the entire billing process.

5. Education is the key -- You need a solid education and foundation of knowledge to become a medical biller. There are different training options available -- from standalone medical billing courses to full packages that include medical billing, insurance and reimbursement, software instruction and more. Enrolling in a full package can give you a broad range of knowledge that enables you to step right into your role and handle every facet of medical billing. Online courses enable you to learn from home -- keep your current job while you prepare for your medical billing career.

6. Get certified -- You can give yourself an advantage in the medical billing field by becoming certified. It shows potential employers that you are serious about your career and gives you extra credentials to stand out. To become certified, you will need to take the Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS) exam -- your medical billing course will give you the foundation you need to pass.

7. Find out about career prospects -- Do you want to work in a doctor's office? Or does a hospital setting or clinic suits you? Learn about your career opportunities -- medical billers are needed in health care facilities nationwide. Find out which area suits you best.

Bulletproof Your Career with Medical Billing Training

2009-04-14T11:32:00.001-07:00

Job security? These days most of us will be employed by many different employers, and some will even embark on several different careers. The challenges of the global economy and the demise of the manufacturing sector have conspired to eliminate true job security in many parts of the career world, and many workers are left feeling helpless and wondering how to proceed.

No matter what the state of the economy, there are some career fields that just continue to grow. One of those high growth areas is in the health care industry -- health care-related jobs are among the fastest growing in the nation. Even as other segments of the economy continue to decline and shed jobs, health care providers continue to hire new workers. And a career that is in high demand means greater job satisfaction, a better salary and less chance of being laid off.

There are many job opportunities in the field of health care, but one of the fastest growing is in the medical billing arena. As long as there are doctors, hospitals, medical clinics and insurance companies, there will always be a need for qualified and experienced medical billing specialists. These professionals are responsible for completing and submitting insurance claim forms and overseeing the entire billing process from beginning to end.

Without the right information, claims for health insurance reimbursement will be denied, resulting in lost income, higher out-of-pocket costs and other negative consequences. It is easy to see why medical clinics, doctor's offices and other providers of medical care need to have qualified and experienced medical billers. In fact, a good medical billing specialist can save a health care provider many thousands of dollars a month by ensuring top reimbursements and avoiding denied claims. This is one job that more than pays for itself -- making a medical billing career one of the most bulletproof opportunities anywhere.

The good news is that stable medical billing career is within reach. For those people that feel locked in their current job, they can start their medical billing training today -- without having to quit their jobs of change their lives. Medical billing courses are short-term and online -- meaning people can enroll in an accredited medical billing school and complete their coursework in a short period of time. Once their medical billing education is complete, they can say goodbye to their dead-end job and start a stable, flexible career that's needed in medical facilities nationwide.

Medical Billers Are Sought-After and Highly Valued

2009-04-03T16:44:00.000-07:00

Even as many industries are in decline, the health care field is experiencing tremendous growth. From nurses and medical assistants to administrative specialists and billing experts, careers in health care are on the rise. The shortage of qualified candidates, coupled with the ever-increasing demand for medical care, has resulted in higher than average salaries and exceptional job security, especially for medical billers.

One of the fastest growing job opportunities within the health care field is in medical billing, and this growth is expected to continue for quite some time. Medical billing specialists provide valuable and in-demand services to insurance companies, doctors' offices, hospitals, clinics and other health care organizations. Individuals with medical billing training are highly valuable, and highly sought-after. This means high salaries, great job satisfaction and of course incredible job security.

If you are looking for a new career that is always in high demand, you should consider a career in the medical billing field. For doctors, health care clinics and other medical professionals, the right medical biller can mean the difference between timely payment and a rejected claim. Those who know the ins and outs of the medical billing field and have proper medical billing training can help ensure that their employers receive the reimbursements they are due in a timely and efficient manner.

The importance of proper billing in the health care arena means that the job of the medical billing specialist is one of the most critical in the industry. Proper billing helps medical offices, clinics and other health care organizations maintain the cash flow they need to keep their businesses up and running, and that is good for both patients and caregivers.

Want a career that makes a real difference? Consider medical billing! You will be helping patients get the care they need, while ensuring that the professionals who care for those patients receive all the reimbursement they are due. Make the decision to enroll in a medical billing course today - the future is wide open!

Temporary Medical Billing Jobs Can be the Answer in Today's Economy

2009-03-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

More than 2.5 million people perform temporary and contract positions everyday. These jobs make a major contribution to the U.S. economy and allow individuals to find employment, even in a tough economy. Temporary positions are available for almost any job, in any type of industry -- creating opportunity for your medical billing career. If you were laid off from your medical billing position or looking to start a new career, you should consider taking a temp medical billing job.

A temporary medical billing job can provide an opportunity for immediate work. Companies that are unable to hire full-time medical billers will consider other options for work -- including hiring temporary individuals to get the work done. As a medical biller, this can provide you with a flexible work option and means to earn a paycheck in today's tough economy.

Types of Temporary Medical Billing Jobs

- Temporary or contract medical biller hired for a specific project: You are brought into a health care facility or medical billing organization for a specific length of time to complete a specific task.
- Temporary-to-permanent employee: You are hired with the purpose of becoming a permanent medical billing employee after an introductory period with an organization.
- Direct hire: Many organizations hire staffing companies to screen and interview potential candidates for a medical billing job.

In a temporary position, you can choose when to work and tailor your schedule to accommodate other responsibilities and commitments. The temp situation also enables you to try new challenges -- and gain medical billing experience. You can get the opportunity to work in different health care settings with different medical billing duties. A temporary medical billing job can also give you a leg-up on a permanent position. By getting your foot in the door, you can prove yourself to be the perfect candidate for a long-term opportunity within an organization.

How to Start a Temporary Medical Billing Job

How do you get started? Applying for a temporary medical billing job can be quick and easy. In many cases, you can apply to a temp agency online. Through the use of your computer, you can register, submit a resume and search for available jobs. You can also use various tools to create an effective resume. Another way to locate a temp agency is to look in the local yellow pages or career section of a newspaper.

Interesting Statistics

- 90% of all companies use temporary employees
- Over 79% of temps work on a full-time basis
- 70% of temps say that they gained new skills during their assignment

In today's economy, you need to widen your medical billing career options to maintain employment and earn a steady income. This may mean searching for alternative types of work, such as a temporary medical billing job. You can gain additional work experience as a temporary employee and possibly get your foot in the door of a medical billing opportunity that might not have otherwise been available. It's a flexible career option that open doors in your medical billing career.