What Does A Medical Biller Do?

A medical biller is someone who handles the submission of claims with health insurance companies so that payment for services can be given by a healthcare provider.  This is actually different from a medical coder, though they are often considered the same thing.

Medical billers are very important to the business success of the healthcare industry and they must be extremely careful while submitting claims to insurance companies. This keeps the business running smoothly and leads to success of the physicians, hospitals and even the federal and state governments because it ensures that the inner workings of the hospital is going according to plan. (read: Everyone is getting paid properly!)

Though becoming a medical biller doesn’t require long years of schooling, especially with modern day advances in medical billing software available to consumers, it is an essential job within the healthcare industry and they really do contribute a lot within hospitals and other health care facilities and insurance companies.

Medical Biller Job Description

They will review hospital and patient records, figure out charges, submit claims to insurance companies and answer any questions about these claims. They navigate Medicare, Medicaid, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This act, known as HIPAA, is all about patients’ privacy and discusses how their personal health information can be shared. A medical biller will know the ins and outs of HIPAA so they deal with patients and insurance companies properly.

What is the work environment like?

A certified medical biller can work in any health work place including a hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation facility, as well as consulting companies and insurance companies. Medical billers are employed at high numbers as they are needed in all aspects of this industry. Most work full time and some even work from home by developing their own businesses.

Anyone with a high school diploma is able to become a medical biller, however it is a challenging career field. Medical billing courses are normally stand alone and separate from other programs at local colleges. They can also be completed online.

How Much Does A Medical Biller Make?

According to various statistics, medical billing salaries hover around the national average. However, it really depends on the state you are working from, and they can sometimes make more.  Asking for a raise is a possibility if you’d like to earn a little more!