CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Medical billers review, complete and submit medical claims to insurance companies and to Medicare and Medicaid.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$39,180
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
53,299
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Medical Biller Job Description
A medical biller is responsible for reviewing and completing all the documentation concerning billing and payments. These bills must be clear, concise and free of all errors or omissions.
Medical billers work with insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid. They are responsible for obtaining referrals and pre-authorization for procedures. They often must pursue collection accounts and help patients set up payment plans. They work closely with insurance companies to discuss discrepancies in payments and to come to a resolution.
A medical biller is a great career that offers flexibility in work shifts and often the opportunity to work from home.
Medical Biller Job Responsibilities
Medical billers may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Translate health care services into medical claims
- Follow-up with claims to ensure providers get paid
- Maintain confidentiality of patient records
- Obtain referrals and pre-authorization for procedures/tests
- Pursue collection accounts and help patients set up payment plans
- Work with insurance companies to discuss and resolve discrepancies in payment
Medical Biller Salary
The actual salary of the medical biller can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $39,180*
National average per hour: $18.83*
- $32,344 per year, $15.55 per hour**
- $24,874 to $44,722 per year***
- $34,230 to $41,574 per year****
- $36,698 per year, $17.64 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Medical Biller Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a medical biller? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Excellent job outlook
- Training in less than 1 year
- Wide variety of healthcare settings to work in
- Potential to work from home
- Shift flexibility
- Build skills for career growth
Cons
- Must be very detail-oriented
- Long hours spent in front of a computer
- Must have patience with resolving issues
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Medical Biller?
If you are considering a career as a medical biller, this is the typical path you will need to take.
- Obtain a high school diploma/GED.
- Earn a certificate or associate’s degree from a medical billing program.
- Earn a certification and become certified. Although not required by all employers, it is highly desirable.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the medical biller is at the beginning of the medical career pathway, but can be preceded by other careers. A sample career path could look like this:
Patient Service Representative > Medical Biller > Healthcare Compliance Officer
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma/GED
- Completion of a certificate or associate’s degree program
Typical Work Experience Required
No work experience required to start.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by job and location.
- Detail-oriented
- Strong communication skills
- Planning and organizational skills
- Analytical skills
- Technical skills
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Ability to collaborate and work with a team
Medical Biller Certifications
Although there is no certification requirement, most employers do prefer that you are. Certifications make you more competitive in the job market. These are some of the available certifications:
- CPB, Certified Professional Biller (AAPC)
- CMRS, Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (AMBA)
- CBCS, Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (NHA)
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Medical Biller Licenses
None
Medical Biller Training and Preparation
Certificate or associate’s degree programs are available through most community colleges, technical institutes or vocational schools. These programs can often be completed in less than 1 year. There are also online training courses available, which may allow for more flexibility.
When it comes time to take the certification exam, review books and certification prep guides are a great way to help you prepare.
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