If you’re looking for a stable career with growth potential, a job in the health insurance industry may fit the bill. Becoming a medical biller is a great choice for someone without the means to obtain a college degree. And it’s a fulfilling profession that plays a vital part in the medical billing process.
You can earn a single certification to become a medical billing and coding specialist. But medical billing and medical coding are two distinct roles impacting health insurance claims. If this topic piques your interest, keep reading for more information.
This article provides a quick guide to medical billing and how it affects the medical claims process.
What Is Medical Billing?
Medical billing requires the use of coded information to generate medical claims for treatment. Medical billers use information from these claims to create invoices for patients and health insurance providers. The medical billing specialist then ensures the provider receives payment for the services included in the claim.
The codes used by the medical billing team are provided by the medical coder. Each code represents the medical services a patient receives. These codes are based on either Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) or the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS).
The efficiency of medical billing depends on the accuracy of information provided by the coder. An insurance provider may deny a claim containing incorrect medical coding or other patient information. That’s why attention to detail is a critical skill for whoever manages the medical billing process.
Medical Billing vs. Medical Coding
Medical billing and medical coding approach healthcare and insurance from different perspectives. Specialists in medical billing may prefer to work in a certain specialty. This way, they become familiar with charges that are common to their area.
In medical coding, the focus is more on understanding the services a patient receives. A medical coder must enter accurate procedural details to pinpoint the treated area. Medical coding needs to indicate the exact location and treatment of a given body part.
If a medical coder provides inaccurate information, medical billing could submit a claim for the wrong services.
Medical Billing is a Team Effort
There are front-end and back-end staff needed to perform a slew of medical billing tasks. The front-end team is responsible for front desk patient services, including registration, insurance verification, and collecting co-payment.
Back-end staff gathers information on the services performed to generate a claim. They also scrub claims to ensure accurate coding. After submitting a claim, billing must track it and confirm the posting of payment.
So many things can go wrong in this complex process. And there lies the reason companies should consider outsourcing medical billing to professionals like those at Med USA.
Medical Billing Process
The need for medical care persists, so medical billing remains in demand. Whether you work in the front-end or back-end, your role in the medical billing process makes a difference. As more companies look to outsource medical billing tasks, your pool of opportunities continues to grow.
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