The booming medical industry is sparking a demand for medical billing and coding specialists. This is due to the uptick in the aging population and the need to keep up with medical technology and reimbursement processes.
The United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2016 that the job rate for medical records and health information technicians is projected to increase by 13% over the next 10 years, which is faster than the national average.
Check out some of the top skills and traits to see if you have what it takes to get a career in medical billing and coding:
Detail Oriented
Attention to detail may be one of the most important requirements in the medical billing and coding field. Medical billers and coders are responsible for entering the correct procedural codes and making sure each procedure is paid correctly. If you have a keen sense of tending to minute details and picking up on the smallest discrepancies, then medical billing and coding may be the career you’ve been looking for.
Strong Organizational Skills
Possessing exceptional organizational skills is a must for a career as a medical billing and coding specialist. These professionals are responsible for accurately maintaining and organizing large amounts of information that can be easily accessed at any given time.
Discretion
This profession requires maintaining every patient’s right to privacy. Medical billers and coders have the responsibility of being discreet when handling private and sensitive patient information. Any breach of this confidentiality can lead to serious legal problems.
Analytical Skills
This profession requires not only the ability to work with numbers and money, but having strong analytical skills to ensure that all diagnosis and procedure codes match up. Medical billers and coders need to have a basic understanding of human anatomy and medical terminology to analyze medical records and assign the correct diagnosis and procedure codes on a claim, so that it will be billed correctly.
Professional Attitude
Collecting on an unpaid balance can put billers in a difficult and sometimes uncomfortable position. Having a professional attitude and treating the patient with respect can go a long way. The same is true when calling on a grieving family member who has lost their loved one and was left with the responsibility of paying any bills.
Great Typing Skills
The healthcare industry is a fast-paced environment that requires billers and coders to work as quickly and accurately as possible. Having excellent typing skills is a must to keep up with the demand. If you’re typing skills are not particularly strong, consider taking online keyboarding lessons or typing classes to help increase your speed.
Ability to Read Poor Handwriting
This may seem trivial, but the ability to read bad handwriting can go a long way when deciphering a doctor’s poor penmanship.
So, do you have what it takes to be a medical billing and coding specialist?
If you possess any of the skills listed above or have an interest in the field, then you could be on your way to becoming a member of one of the fastest growing branches in today’s healthcare field. With training and dedication, you can acquire the skills you need.
The Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program at Swedish Institute is designed for students to earn their certificate in as little as twelve months. Your new career can be only a short year away.