A medical billing specialist is responsible for handling the administration of healthcare claims and benefits by working with patients, insurance companies, and healthcare providers to ensure that insurance benefits are paid correctly. A medical billing specialist might work in a doctor’s office or at an insurance company, and they typically earn around $24,000 per year if they work full-time. Let’s take a look at the expected salary and job description of this career option so you can learn more about whether it’s the right career path for you.
What is a medical billing specialist?
A medical billing specialist is, as you might have guessed, someone who specializes in medical billing. A medical billing specialist may work in any variety of positions from insurance companies to hospitals, but they all share one thing in common – they help get money from insurance companies back into patient’s hands. The average salary of a medical billing specialist is $40,000. Some may even make as much as $60,000 or more. Let’s take a look at what it takes to become one.
What skills do you need to be good at your job?
If you’re looking to learn more about what skills you need to be good at your job, or if you just want some ideas on how to develop new skills that could help get ahead, then check out our list of skills. Use these as inspiration for your own skill development!
Where can you find work as a medical billing specialist?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for medical billers will grow by 26% from 2010 to 2020, which is much faster than average. This increase in job openings is due to an increasingly complicated healthcare system and an aging population. If you’re looking for work as a medical billing specialist, search online databases like Monster or Careers to find job postings in your area.
How much can you expect to earn as a medical billing specialist?
Depending on where you live in the U.S., your expected salary as a medical billing specialist can vary from $23,732 annually (in Arkansas) to $62,853 annually (in Washington). These numbers are based on cost-of-living estimates provided by MIT’s living wage calculator.
Can you become certified as a medical billing specialist?
Becoming certified as a medical billing specialist is relatively easy. All you need to do is register for one or more certification exams through an organization such as NHA (National Health Academy).
What are the main drawbacks and challenges for being a medical billing specialist?
There are many pitfalls in becoming a medical billing specialist. While some may find being in healthcare extremely rewarding, others might find it boring or even overwhelming at times.
So what does it take to be successful in this carer path?
In order to be successful as a medical billing specialist, you must have strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and time management skills. In order to land your first job as a medical billing specialist you need at least an Associate’s degree in business administration or healthcare management; however, if you go on to achieve your Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management it will improve your chances of gaining employment.