Got Medical Billing School - Then Your Making A Bad Investment
After hundreds of interviews with medical billing school graduates I have come to the conclusion that these programs are typically a waste of time and money. Graduates are simply not qualified to start as a medical biller. They are not significantly more qualified than individuals with no experience and no training.
Typically graduates we hire from medical billing school start in our apprenticeship program alongside individuals that have not graduated from medical billing school (i.e., they start in the exact same role as folks that have not made the investment in money or time for medical billing school).
The terminology and concepts taught in medical billing school no more prepare a person to be a full fledged medical biller than reading a book on how to drive a car prepares one for the challenges of actually driving a car - it is practice behind the wheel that is required. The academic elements can be helpful - just like supplementing practice behind the wheel with a manual on safe driving makes sense. Unfortunately, however, this is only true if the academic material is accurate. I have found that often students have been damaged by medical billing schools that either teach incorrect medical billing concepts or leave the students with a sense that they have nothing left to learn.
Most individuals would be much better off saving their money and finding a medical billing company or medical practice that will let them join and start with basic medical billing work such as calling on claims to verify status or verifying patient insurance information before the visit.
These tasks are critical to successful medical billing and they build a strong base of medical billing skills. In addition, you will earn an income while building a resume that can get you a more advanced medical billing job.
Most organizations do not have a formal apprenticeship program, but if you interview with the specific tasks outlined above in mind then you can find an entry level opportunity. This opportunity will pay you to learn about medical billing and build your resume.
The certified coder that does not already have medical billing experience is typically hard pressed to find a coding position. Once, however, your have medical billing experience you can get real value from a certified coder certificate.
If you have your heart set on becoming a medical biller then please do not start with medical billing school. You will serve both yourself and your future medical billing departments better following the path outlined above.
Copyright 2008 by Carl Mays II