Author Topic: General Billing and Coding Questions  (Read 2085 times)

snmt05

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 1
General Billing and Coding Questions
« on: July 18, 2012, 04:23:49 AM »
HI,

I am looking around at schools to get a degree in medical billing in AZ. I was wondering if anyone can help me by answering some questions.

Which schools do employers prefer? Online or in class?

What accreditations should the school have?

What exactly are the education requirements?

Job availabilty?

Average starting pay? Advancement opportunities?

General idea of what the job is like?

Any jobs to get while going to school?

Thank You!


PMRNC

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4562
    • One Stop Resources & Networking for Medical Billers
Re: General Billing and Coding Questions
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2012, 02:34:38 PM »

Quote
Which schools do employers prefer? Online or in class?

I don't think this matters, as the course is going to be what matters, what you learn is going to matter. I also have to say that if your goal is to work as a medical biller rather than starting your own business the type of course is going to matter. Many who want to start their own business don't learn all they need to know to help them start a business so you have to find out what direction that course is taking.  If you are undecided which you want to do (start business or seek employment) this article may help:   http://www.billerswebsite.com/jobvsbiz.htm   

If you choose an online school make sure it's accredited, has a good solid reputation. Be wary of ones that claim they will get you a job.. If you choose to seek employment it is more likely you will need to accept entry level to get the experience you need to get your foot on solid ground.  If you do choose an online school you don't necessarily have to disclose your course was online, listing the school and the dates/course should be enough on a normal resume. Not saying to lie, just use caution when listing the educational course.



Quote
What accreditation's should the school have?

There are many accrediting agencies, operating on either the national or regional level, that examine colleges and universities and judge their academic rigor. You can find out whether your online school has been accredited by visiting the U.S. Department of Education’s searchable index of schools that have received accreditation by legitimate agencies. There’s also a nongovernmental group called the Council for Higher Education Accreditation that maintains a similar online index.  Beware of the schools that are nothing more than diploma mills... some will advertise : Get your law degree in 6 months. LOL   ::) :o or something similar.

Quote
What exactly are the education requirements?

You will see several different types of degrees or certifications, don't focus on them. Right now there is NO such national certification or degree requirements..Your degree or certification is ONLY as good as the education behind it. Doctors don't know what any of them are aside from the credentials of a Certified Coder (CPC)


Quote
Job availabilty?

This is a tough one to answer but I'll give you an honest answer. Job availability is there..however it's one of those industries where there is a catch 22. Employers want and need experience but how do you get experience if no one gives you a chance. That's how it is and it's not likely to change, with that said you will need to realize that there is a very probable likelihood you will need to take an entry level job to begin.   On the OTHER side of the coin however if you decide this is a "business" you would like to start and you can obtain the start up fund's, medical billing companies have a much better edge in marketing than individuals will have in seeking employment.  So again, you need to define what your goal is.  A job? Or a business start up?

Quote
Average starting pay? Advancement opportunities?

Depends on where, and again it also depends on the position you will take starting out.. entry level doesn't pay much but look for places with advancements, hospital's, large clinics, etc.  Once again, the medical billing company has the edge here too :)

Quote
General idea of what the job is like?

Demanding, stressful, and many times frustrating. When you get the hang of a rule/law, it changes. It's an ever-changing, fast paced industry HIGHLY regulated by government laws and federal mandates and someone always over your shoulder. There is no room for ignorance as you can actually be subject to individual criminal prosecution, fines, and sanctions EVEN if you are an employee/biller.  Medical Billing Fraud and Abuse laws are written to include verbiage that say you "SHOULD KNOW" so there is NO room for ignorance. If you suspect you are billing something that doesn't look right..your expected to KNOW it's not right.

Quote
Any jobs to get while going to school?

Hospital's are always looking for administrative workers, there are also other entry level jobs such as receptionists. Most don't think of the other side of the fence as where I started which was with insurance companies. I worked for 3 major carriers, all trained and all salaries were great with great benefits and much chance of advancement. I worked from claims sorting to examiner, to quality tech to fraud and abuse departments. When I left to start my own business I left a great salary and great benefits and there was room for even more advancement.. had I not started my own business and wanted to stay home with my kids I would still be there today I believe. Check your area for major cities and find out where the insurance companies are, certainly this won't help if your not located near any of them as they are in limited parts of the country (larger cities)

Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

Medical Billing Forum

Re: General Billing and Coding Questions
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2012, 02:34:38 PM »