The Advantages of Medical Billing Certification

Medical billing is the process of submitting claims to insurance companies for reimbursement of medical services. A medical billing certification, or the process of completing a professionally recognized examination, is not required to work as a biller. However, many seek certification to prove industry commitment. Medical billing works in tandem with medical coding, or the assignment of codes to diagnoses and procedures. Billing and coding certifications may be obtained through professional organizations, vocational programs and colleges.

Demonstrated Competency

• Medical coders and billers who receive a professional certification demonstrate competency by having completed coding and billing courses or college programs. In addition, they have also successfully completed a certification exam to prove that they are knowledgeable in coding and/or billing for specific sets of credentials. A Certified Coding Specialist is someone who specializes in diagnosis and procedure code assignment and reimbursement evaluation. This credential is available through the American Health Information Management Association. The American Medical Billers Association provides a credential for Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialists who are trained in overseeing the claims process from provider submission to payer reimbursement.

Job Opportunities

• Medical coders and billers who are certified have more job opportunities than uncertified coders and billers. Most hospitals, doctors' offices and other medical businesses prefer certified coders and billers because it guarantees that these individuals have a thorough understanding of the latest coding, billing and reimbursement information. Many certified coding and billing professionals are elevated to management positions at a faster rate than their uncertified counterparts.

Increased Salary

• Certified medical coders and billers are often paid a higher rate than uncertified coders and billers. Because certification means that individuals have committed to additional training and education, they are able to ask for a higher rate of pay than those who are uncertified.

Professional Reputation

• Certified medical billers are required to follow a high standard of professional and ethical behavior. These standards are often outlined by the professional organization to which they belong or the organization through which they completed their certification exam. The higher standard associated with being a certified medical biller often automatically boosts professional reputation within the health care field, especially when seeking new employment.

Continued Growth

• Certifications require ongoing education to keep the certification active. The requirements are often a defined number of educational hours within the billing industry obtained through seminars, courses, conferences and quiz completion. A certified biller will continue to grow and learn within the industry, always maintaining education and gaining training on the latest health care billing, reimbursement and insurance changes in the industry.