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Billing -- a softer, gentler approach ... sm - Kindred Spirit

Posted: Oct 24, 2014

Anybody out there who is focused on the billing aspect more than the coding aspect?

I am considering getting my feet wet by starting with billing experience instead of going full-force into coding. Apparently, there is a big fifference. From what I am reading, billing really leans more towards filling the insurance paperwork, etc.

There are schools everywhere and so many touting "start your own business in medical billing." I am wary and tired and confused and everything in between. So many schools to take my money but will i be able to get a job?

I thought I could take the billing course and along with my transcription experience get my foot in the door somewhere, at least part-time. My heart is not into taking the time it takes to master coding. I'm tired. I'm disallusioned. I just want a decent paying regular paycheck.

My hearing is going really bad, quickly, and I thought maybe i could qualify for financial assistance for the classes along that line for medical billing. The only other "government programs" to pay for schooling/training is a 4-hour a day class 5 days a week on site for nursing assistance.

I'm getting ready to talk to the job training department to see if I could qualify for the Career Step program or if i pay out of my own pocket, i will probably take the CMBP program, if this is what I decide to do.

Billing is fine, but lots of scams - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
I can understand that you would feel too tired and burned out to take a coding course. Billing would be a more approachable option.

Billing expertise is good to have, and would enhance your coding if you ever decided to go further.

Be sure that there are billing jobs in your area. If you live in a rural area, there won't be jobs.

Check some jobs to see what the requirements are. You might find they are minimal, with some employers offering training. A lot hire from within the organization, too, so a job in scheduling or something might be a good way to begin.

You are correct that your transcription experience will help, but only if you present it correctly. If you only say you were an MT, no one will grasp the relevance. It is your knowledge of healthcare operations, i.e., what goes on in patient care situations from office visits to surgery and inpatient care, and your knowledge of the content of medical records, and your ability to understand physicians, their needs, and what they talk about, along with your extensive computer expertise that is important. Also important is your ability to self-motivate and self-direct your work, understand confidentiality and security (HIPAA), focus on accuracy, attention to detail, and work with minimal supervision.

I think you need to be really careful in choosing a school because scams are all over the place in billing. The fact that the school looks good online is no guarantee of legitimacy.

A clue to Scam No. 1 is "we provide billing software." That is intended to appeal to people who think they are going to start a lucrative business -- that doctors are just desperate for their services. Doctors aren't and nobody else is, either. You are not going to get a job using that software ... you are going to use your employer's software. It is not like needing a copy of Word to work for an MTSO.

Scam No. 2 is where a school offers its own certification. No need to explain what is wrong with that.

Career Step is $1,995 and it looks like they give you 3 months. Their coursework is usually all online, no instructors, and students pay extra for printed copies, but check to see if this has changed.

If it were me, I would go with Andrews. They have an excellent reputation for producing graduates who get good jobs and hit the ground running. They include all books and materials, so there is never any surprise cost. They have qualified instructors. They are licensed by the state of Oklahoma, which has a very rigorous licensing process. Their total cost is $900, and they have an interest-free payment plan. Their course takes 4 months, but I think you can take longer without incurring additional charges. With your background, you could do it faster. From personal experience, I can recommend them without hesitation.

Spot on. Thanks! sm - Kindred Spirit

[ In Reply To ..]
You are not kidding about the scams for billing ... they are everywhere. Start you own business! No thanks! :) Andrews is one I have not looked into. Yes, I live in suburban Atlanta on the "westside." I'm seeing a few jobs here and there.

Thank you very much for taking the time to listen and share your experience.

Thank you. - Good info. sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I also am considering billing, among many other possible career options. Your post is very informative.

new coder here with some observations - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
I work for a multi-group physician practice and many of our coders started off in billing here. As they learned the billing, they took courses and moved into coding. There was quite a learning curve for me as a new coder; I had to learn the EMR software, coding software, and billing software, how they all interfaced, and the rules for the different insurances, LCD, NCD, etc. Those moving from billing into coding already knew most of this and they transitioned more easily. It would be a good way to see if this is a field you want to pursue. I am settled in now, but the first few months I was overwhelmed! Good luck whatever you decide.

I'm going for it! (Billing) sm - Kindred Spirit

[ In Reply To ..]
The coding just seemed overwhelming, and this just feel right.

Billing, now this seems like something I can sink my teeth into. I've always been on an "insurance/healthcare" soap box, so this should be interesting.

I believe if I take this course, combine it with my dedicated 15 years of MT, along with my secretarial experience in the past, if I get professional resume that can tie it all together, put on my power suit, I might get my foot in the door at least part-time for a local office.

I'll keep you guys up to date! Thanks for listening and thanks for advice.

Also need to try to lose a few pounds, get those few streaks of grey out of my hair (but I love them!) and as my husband pointed out this morning, probably should clean my potty mouth up a bit! My Irish is showing!! Thanks! :)

Sounds like a plan ... - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
I think that is a good plan. You will find the motivation to learn coding when you begin to see job opportunities opening up for you. It won't seem as intimidating, either, because you will learn some coding in your billing program.

Andrews has a diet and fitness section on their student board, I think, but if they don't, ask Linda to set one up for you.

Exercise helps you learn, as it happens.

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