medical coding training at home.
A medical coding and billing career can be a lucrative way to make money while working at home. While many of these professionals work in office environments, many others work from their own homes. Since the training is not extremely extensive, it is a popular way to earn income for stay-at-home moms, and other housebound people.
The work that coding and billing personnel do is how insurance agencies and doctors, hospitals and clinics interact. Their job is to first turn the medical procedures of a certain patient into the codes that the insurance companies use to classify them, and then bill the insurance company for the services rendered that the patient's insurance covers.
The coding part of the process involves using a manual, either physical or electronic, with long lists of procedures that are possible, and translating the doctor's report of the patient's visit into these codes. The codes are used to simplify things on the insurance company's end, though they provide more work for the doctor's office.
After being coded, the billing procedure starts. This is relatively self-explanatory, but very important. If things are not billed properly, the doctor's office or hospital won't receive payment for services they provided. Some coders and billers work for insurance companies, making sure that bills are submitted correctly, and that no fraud is being attempted.
Training to become one of these personnel is usually required. No state or federal requirement for training exists, but getting a job without it is nearly impossible. Training programs range from nine months to two years, and many can be completed online from the comfort of your home. Community colleges are the most common sources of these programs.
Certification by one of the certifying agencies in the field greatly increases a person's chances of getting hired, as well. There are several different agencies that certify these personnel, so make sure that the organization whose test you are considering taking is well-respected in the field, and will help you get the job of your choice.
While some small doctor's practices do their own coding and billing, the majority of larger ones hire a firm that specializes in the subject to do the work for them. Most people starting a medical coding and billing career can expect to work in an office or from their own home, during regular business hours. The job requires a lot of sitting and typing, and meticulous attention to detail.
medical coding training at home.