Medical insurance billers must be organized.
A medical insurance biller has a great deal of responsibility as a staff member in a medical facility. Since the majority of income in the medical industry is received from insurance companies, this professional ensures that proper insurance billing procedures are followed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical insurance billers earned median salaries between $24,290 and $39,490 per year in 2008.
Duties
The duties of a medical insurance biller include billing the insurance company for services performed and the patient for any balance due. The medical insurance biller is responsible for getting the correct insurance information from the patient. This generally involves getting a copy of the patient's insurance card and verifying the insurance coverage.
Required Skills
Important skills in the medical billing field include the use of technology and computer software. These professionals also must be detail-oriented and able to communicate effectively. A medical biller must have a great deal of organizational skill and show the ability to multitask.
Education
A general requirement for a medical biller is a high school diploma. Some medical billers receive on-the-job training, and certificate programs and associate degree programs for medical billing also exist. Medical insurance billers need training on medical terminology and the medical coding for diagnoses and treatment.
Work Environment
Medical insurance billers work in various medical settings, but most billers work in an office of some type. This type of setting is generally comfortable and climate controlled. Medical billers primarily work during the day with very little overtime. The set schedule and comfortable environment make medical billing positions appealing to many.
Job Outlook
As with many health-care related occupations, an aging population in the United States provides medical insurance billers with an excellent job outlook. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in the field to grow 20 percent through 2018.
Entry-level positions continue to grow due to the opening and expanding of medical offices, hospitals and diagnostic labs. As stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth also results from the increase in the number of medical treatments, tests and procedures performed that require medical billing specialists.
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