How Do I Become a Medical Biller?

You can become a medical biller by taking classes in medical coding, billing and terminology. Such courses are often offered at community colleges and private career schools. In some instances, you may also learn how to become a medical biller through on-the-job training.

If you choose to become a medical biller through formal training, thoroughly investigate the medical billing and coding specialist programs offered in your area. Such programs offer courses that will train you to analyze medical records, understand medical terminology and teach you how to interact with insurance companies as a medical billing clerk or a medical billing specialist. You will also receive training in anatomy, physiology and be taught how to decipher special codes and classifications used to describe a variety of illnesses and treatments, which are routinely used in medical billing. After successfully completing an extensive medical billing course, you will receive a certificate and can begin searching for medical billing jobs.

When endeavoring to become a medical biller through formal education, be aware that some programs are better than others. It is, therefore, important for you to spend adequate time and energy researching the reputation and accreditation of each training program you consider. Speaking with medical billers currently working in the industry is a good idea, as these individuals can likely refer you to a good training program as well as offer you additional insight on how to become a medical biller.

Although rare, it is also possible to become a medical biller through on-the-job training. Medical billers who obtain their positions in this way often start working at a medical practice in another capacity and are trained over time. Occasionally, industry workshops are also offered for free or for a modest fee. Training to become a medical biller through on-the-job training and workshops can be a cost-effective alternative, but can also take considerably longer than formal training. You also will not receive a certificate as you would in formal training, which may make it difficult to find another employer should you ever choose to leave the job where you were trained.

After you are trained to become a medical biller, unless you are already employed, you will need to find work in your area of expertise. Jobs for medical billing can be quite competitive, but the demand for good medical billers is usually good. In addition to checking your local classified ads, you may also find medical billing jobs on hospital websites, as well as by checking with doctors who are in private practices.