The Art of Medical Billing and Coding— A Doctor’s Key to getting paid! By Maria Colella New Utrecht High School

What is Medical Billing and Coding? Medical billing and coding is the practice of helping physicians and health care centers get reimbursed for services given to their patients. A billing service can be home-based and started gradually. It’s ideal for people who want to be self-employed and become entrepreneurs.

Occupational Outlook Insurance companies and the government are spending more time and money researching for ways to control claims’ fraud, abuse and “medical necessity” issues. This need has increased the demand for expert billers and coders.

Medical Billers and Coders Career Tracks Billing specialist Patient Account Representative Electronic Claims Processor Billing Coordinator Coding Specialist Claims Analyst Reimbursement Specialist Medical Collector Claims Processor Claims Reviewer Private Consultant

Medical Billing and Coding Career Ladder

The Medical Biller and Coder’s Work Description Explains insurance benefits to patients and clients Accurately completes claim forms Handles day-to-day medical billing procedures Adheres to each insurance carrier’s policies and procedures Prompts billing to insurance companies Documents all activities using correct medical terminology Schedules appointments

COMPENSATION Pay levels depend on experience, credential and education Annual Salary Ranges Entry-Level: $20,000-$30,000 Certified Coders: $25,000-$60,000 Coder Consultants: $100,000 - $120,000

Tips on getting H I R E D!! KNOW HAVE BE Medical Terminology Anatomy and Physiology Basic math skills Excellent verbal/written communication skills Strong sense of ethics Computer proficient Attentive to details HAVE BE

National Major Players

Love Tips Job Security Personal Satisfaction Challenge Rewarding Experience Enjoy learning-by-doing See potential to start own business

Specific courses in High School Medical Terminology Human Anatomy and Physiology Computer Application Biology Business Math Health Education

Training can be obtained from any of the following: 2-year college (Associate Degree) Technical school (Diploma) Certificates from correspondence courses Home-study program (Certificate) National Certification must be obtained at the end of this training

2-Year College A.S. in Office Administration and Technology http://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/aboutKCC/navlight.html A.S. in Office Administration and Technology Certification in Medical Billing and Coding CTF 25 Introduction, Terminology and Coding (T) CTF 26 Procedures and Coding (CPT-4 and ICD-9-CM) (T) CTF 27 Electronic Billing and Clinical Practice (T)

Technical School On line training http://www.chubbinstitute.com http://www.alliedschools.com/Learning/info_onedu.asp

CERTIFICATION The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist Certification (CBCS) is given by the The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) upon completion of training and/or degree.

Employers who’ll hire you!

Employers who would hire college graduates Medical/Dental Private Practices

Employers who would hire H.S. Students Facilities in the Community Hospitals Nursing Homes Medical Group Practices Home Health Agencies Clinics

Need more information… http://www.medicalbillingandcoding.net http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos103.htm http://www.ahima.org/