Health information technology is a growing field in the healthcare industry. Some health information technicians specialize in medical insurance billing and coding. Billing specialists submit and track all insurance claims and make sure insurance companies reimburse the healthcare provider. Such positions are vital to ensuring the smooth operation of any healthcare facility.
Billing specialists entering the field usually have a certificate from a career college or an Associate degree from a community or junior college. Medical billing schools offer coursework in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, legal aspects of health information, coding, database management and computer science. Most employers prefer to hire Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT), who must pass a written examination offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Because accuracy is essential in their jobs, billing specialists must pay close attention to detail. They must receive and complete medical claim forms and answer inquiries from doctors, patients and insurance companies. Billing specialists also must be able to collect medical information such as diagnosis, prognosis and dates of treatment from patient records. Specialized knowledge from medical billing schools includes medical terminology, diagnostic and procedural coding, as well as the legal requirements for release of medical information.
Education as a billing specialist can lead to a career in hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices and insurance companies. This is one of the few health occupations in which there is little or no direct contact with patients. Although most billing specialists usually work a 40-hour week, some overtime may be required. In hospitals, billing specialists may work day, evening and night shifts. Working at computers for prolonged periods of time can result in eyestrain and muscle pain.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health information technicians held about 159,000 jobs in 2004. On average, positions paid $20,650 to $32,990. The highest 10 percent earned over $41,760. Because of the growing number of claims in the industry, careers in medical insurance billing are expected to grow faster than average through 2014.
Salary Range:
$16,460 — $74,390
Education Level (minimum):
Associate degree
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012):
21 – 35%
