Choosing a Career as a Medical Office Specialist

By: Abby Reid

A career as a Medical Office Specialist continues to be one of the quickest growing opportunities in health care. One of aspects of this career is Medical billing and coding. Medical billers and coders are necessary in efficient and successful medical administration management. In the hospital billing process, they work to correctly code medical procedures and patient health conditions. Both the government and insurance companies are putting more effort into controlling potentially abusive or fraudulent claims. Doctors, insurance companies, hospitals, pharmacies and health care providers are constantly hiring skilled medical billers as a result of this.

Education and training in the field of medical billing has become more convenient and attainable than in years past. Many schools are beginning to offer convenient classes that allow a person to work full-time and still obtain an effective education.

Many health care workers are able to complete their medical education or training while working full time jobs in less than two years. High school graduates often choose to complete a medical office administration specialist certificate in lieu of a four year university degree.

How do you decide if this career is the correct choice for you?

A person who chooses to embark on the journey to earn an education in medical billing and coding should be able to pay close attention to details, cooperate well with others, provide quality customer service and effectively work with numbers and math. A successful medical biller will be trained familiar with required coding, anatomy, functional medical terminology and proper form completion. Basic computer knowledge is also a job requirement. Many companies also prefer a certified biller who can type over 35 words a minute.

Medical billers and coders usually work in an office. Often, they are able to work from the convenience of their own home. They also have the choice to work as independent contractors or for larger firms that send them insurance claims electronically.

Advancement in this field can be quick, since medical offices are in continuous need of managers, supervisors, clerks, directors of billing and billing management departments. An entry level medical biller can start by earning $8-10 an hour and make up to $30-40 an hour with experience.

Choosing to obtain a degree in medical billing and coding can be a rewarding and challenging career choice that only takes a short period of time.