Career Guide: How To Become A Medical Billing Specialist

by | Jul 1, 2019 | Uncategorized | 1 comment

Career Guide: How To Become A Medical Billing Specialist | Uncustomary

Are you considering a career as a medical billing and coding specialist? Do you know what it takes to become one? Medical billing and coding are great career choices for those who want to work in the medical field as non-medics. It is also one of the fastest growing and rewarding careers. There’s also plenty of related careers if this one in particular doesnt interest you, such as Medical Negligence Solicitors or Insurance Processors that this post could also be of use for. 

Read on to learn all about the education requirements, certification information, and experience needed to start a career as a medical billing specialist.

Who Is a Medical Billing Specialist?

The work of a medical billing specialist involves the process of billing in any hospital. The medical billers use codes that are given to them by medical coders to help put together claims that they then itemize and send to insurance companies.

They work together with the patients and insurance companies to iron out any discrepancies in the claims. This means that as a billing specialist, you will also need to understand the policy guidelines of insurance companies and you should have very strong communication skills.

Who Is a Medical Coder?

A medical coder is responsible for translating all medical services into codes. Their work is to translate medical notes, transcriptions, and reports into codes. Coders are skilled in the healthcare coding systems and you have to gain this knowledge to be able to work as a medical coder because it is the main tool of the job.

Medical coders are also very good with numbers and they pay close attention to detail. They do not interact with patients and insurance companies.

What It Takes to Become a Medical Billing Specialist

The medical sector has grown abundantly and this has prompted the need for skilled professionals to assist in the day to day running of a healthcare facility, hence, the demand for medical billers.

Medical billers are a very essential part of any properly functioning hospital. Let us take a look at how to become a medical biller.

1. Education and Certification

The first thing you need to have is a high school diploma or a GED equivalency. If you have this, you can proceed to get the required training. This you can pursue in the following steps.

Choose Your Specialty

You need to know which certification you want. The two major certifications are the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist offered by the American Medical Billing Association and the Certified Medical Billing Specialist offered by the Medical Association of Billers.

You will be required to pay a fee for any of these certifications. Each has its own amount. Once you have paid the required fee, you have to pass a comprehensive exam.

The exams cover similar subjects like:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Medical terminology
  • Medical Coding
  • Handling denials and appeals
  • Maintaining regulatory compliance as well as avoiding any accusations of abuse and fraud
  • Medicare and insurance claims processing guidelines

With the advancement in technology, you can opt for online exams as opposed to the traditional classroom setting.

Get Resources

Before sitting for the exam, you need to seek relevant resources that will help you study and prepare for it. You can choose to study on your own with the help of textbooks, enroll on an online course, or look for an institution that offers the training you need and sit under an instructor.

Local colleges and technical schools have been known to offer the required training, you can enroll in one and take the relevant course. You can also take this opportunity and take any other course that will boost your knowledge. Preparing for the exam takes three to six weeks depending on your method and speed of studying

Join an Association

Certificates are awarded by association. For you to take your exam, you will need to become a member of the association that awards it. You have to apply and pay the membership fee.

2. The Exam Component

The billing certification will show any potential employer that you have what it takes to become a medical billing specialist, and you can uphold a high standard of professionalism and competency to ensure that claims are handled well. This is why you need to pass the exams and have the proper certification.

If you have chosen CRMS, you will be able to access a study guide on the AMBA’s website. You will then take your exam online via a learning management system. You will only be able to access the system for 45 days, and you should have completed your exam by then.

The system, once you have completed the exam, will notify you of your final score immediately. You will receive a confirmation of the certification in 3-5 days.

There are a series of preparation options that you must complete should you choose a CMBS certification, before taking the exam. You are free to take the six online courses at your own pace, take a preparatory course at a proctoring site, or enroll in a condensed course, for you to be able to take the exam.

3. Internship

There are certain programs that might require one to have hands-on experience before being fully approved for the job market. Even if your program does not have this requirement, you can still apply for an internship in any health facility near you.

This will prepare you for the job and will also add experience to your resume. Internships also open doors for employment.

How Much Will It Cost to Become a Medical Biller?

Paying for the certification and exam will vary depending on which you will choose. If you are interested and motivated to become a medical billing specialist, consider investing several weeks and some few hundred dollars to earn your required medical billing certification. The certification is very affordable not to mention necessary if you are serious about pursuing this career.

Maintaining a Medical Billing Certification

As a medical billing specialist, you need to maintain your certification. You can do this by getting a certain number of continuing education credits every year. CMRS requires 15 units and CMBS, 12 units. You can get these by taking approved billing courses, taking part in approved development programs, or attending conferences that have been approved by the association.

Medical Billing Salary

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. Medical billers and coders are classified as medical records and health information technicians. The salary is an average of $40,350 per year.

However, this can differ according to the state or your employer. This career has a growth prediction of 13%, this means more jobs are expected to open up over the years.

Get the Job

Now that you have passed your exam, got your certification, and maybe gained some experience, your next step is to start applying for jobs. The best thing about being a medical billing specialist is that you have more than one option. You can choose to work with:

  • A hospital
  • A laboratory
  • Clinics or physicians’ offices
  • Dental offices
  • Nursing homes

Send job application letters to any of these facilities. You can also make use of the internet to search for job openings, especially the websites of professional organizations. Try to network with others in the same field by attending conferences, regular meetings, and events.

Why You Need to Become A Medical Biller

There are plenty of reasons why you should make this your career of choice. Some of them are:

1. It Is Rewarding

You will be part of a team that handles very important information and helping in the smooth running of the facility and saving lives too.

2. It Puts You in the Middle of a Fast-Paced Industry

The specialists might at times need the insurance companies to approve a procedure as fast as possible and also to keep up with the treatment. It is up to you to quickly send this information to the relevant insurance companies and solve any disputes as fast as possible to make the doctors work easier.

3. No Years in Medical School

All you need is less than a year of training and you will be ready to take on the medical field.

4. You Are Saving Lives Too

Medical billing and medical coding should be error free, an incorrect code can translate to wrong medication.

5. You Have a Lot of Employer Options

You are not only confined to a hospital, but you will also be able to work any other employer that deals with patients and insurance companies.

6. Your Career Can Take off Very Fast

You can be able to find good employment within no time. In fact, with lady luck on your side, you can get both the certification and employment within a year.

7. No Dress Code

Imagine working in a hospital and no having to put on any uniforms. Well, that is definitely a plus.

8. It Has a High Potential of Growth

The demand for medical billing specialists is on the rise and this means more job openings.

9. Competitive Package

Most importantly, it pays well to be a medical biller. So why not opt for this career choice?

Consider This Guide on How to Become a Medical Billing Specialist If You Are Looking for an Exciting Career

The medical billing specialist field is yet to be exhausted, and with the growth in the medical field, this is one of the rewarding careers that you can choose to pursue. The certification is also affordable and does not take up much of your time.

Want to read more of how to improve your life? Continue checking out our website.

 

In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle