Whether you are looking for a career change or just a way to supplement your monthly income, you may be considering a career in medical billing. As the medical profession continues to weave technology into its systems, the need for those who are experienced in medical billing and coding continues to grow. Between increasing patient visits and changing government requirements, effective medical billing is necessary for hospitals and doctors to ensure that they are billing correctly and getting paid the right amount. If you are considering a career in medical billing, we’ve provided some valuable tips for you below.

What exactly is medical billing?

When patients visit a healthcare professional or a hospital, the medical services that they receive must be turned into a bill. A medical billing professional will translate the services into an invoice, typically through the use of billing software. They must ensure that both the patient and their insurance company are invoiced. When an insurance company is billed, this is known as filing a claim. Medical billing professionals must ensure that the services reported on the invoice are correct and will monitor the claims submitted to make sure that they are paid.

In some cases, a medical biller may also be experienced in coding. Properly classifying medical services, also known as coding, is necessary when filing a claim with an insurance company. Medical codes are used so that the billing for claims is consistent between doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies. When coding errors happen, it can result in a doctor or hospital receiving less money than they should or it can hold up payment on the claim altogether.

Medical billing is a growing industry

With technology and billing practices continuing to evolve, experts project that the medical billing and coding industry will grow 11.8% by 2026. Although many hospitals and doctors may handle billing in-house, outsourced medical billing companies are expected to grow rapidly in the future. Whether you are contemplating working in-house or venturing off on your own, you are entering a fast-growing industry that is in high demand.

Medical billing professionals can earn a decent salary in this growing industry. The average salary for a medical billing clerk can range from $34,616 to $42,044. How much you can make depends on your experience and education.

You have the right skills

If you are organized and love to analyze data, medical billing and coding may be a great fit for you. People who thrive in this industry are detail-oriented; they enjoy checking data to make sure that it is accurate, complete, and of good quality. You operate with the highest integrity, as dealing with patient data requires you to maintain patient confidentiality. Having good interpersonal skills is a must as you will need to communicate with doctors, nurses, or other health professionals if you have questions about patient files, services provided, or come across billing discrepancies. Finally, you are comfortable using technology. As billing and coding systems continue to be automated, being able to use a computer and navigate software effectively is a must for a successful career.

Do I need to be certified?

Although certification is not required, it can give you a leg up over your competition. A potential employer may require certification as a condition of employment. By becoming a Certified Professional Biller (CPB) or a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), you can obtain valuable knowledge about billing and coding practices that help to launch a successful career in medical billing and coding.

Medical billing sounds great – what’s the next step?

If you are interested in pursuing a career in medical billing and coding, your first step is education. Local trade schools and community colleges may offer certificate programs, even two-year degrees. You can also go the route of an online certificate or degree.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to change careers, medical billing can be a great option for you. Although it is a fast-growing industry, it offers the stability found in healthcare. Requiring a little over a year to obtain your education and become certified, you can find yourself making a good salary in a short period of time.