How to Become a Healthcare Billing Specialist
A healthcare billing specialist is responsible for data entry and submission of the bills for services rendered to the appropriate parties for payment. Medical billers must have knowledge of medical codes such as procedure and diagnosis codes as well as solid computer skills. For billing specialists with a combination of education and experience, many opportunities exist within doctors' offices, hospitals and insurance companies.
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Instructions
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Complete an associate's degree in a healthcare related field or a specialized medical billing program or certification program. Classes should include medical terminology, anatomy, math, coding, insurance industry basics and computer science. These classes will prepare you for the everyday terms and numbers used in healthcare billing.
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Use your school's career center to find a job in the healthcare industry. Schools may have relationships with employers that offer internships and entry-level positions to graduates. Work with a career counselor to obtain contacts and network at industry events.
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Take an entry-level administrative position in an insurance company's claims department or in a doctor's office. This may get your foot in the door to move into a billing specialist role. Large group practices often have dedicated billing staff that can show you the ropes through training and mentoring.
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Obtain certification from the American Health Information Management Association. AHIMA offers seven different types of credentials, all of which give you a thorough knowledge of medical records, coding and privacy laws. These credentials position you for advancement into management and other opportunities within the administrative healthcare industry.
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References
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