This article is about a potential employer's view on medical billing schools. My experience has been that they simply are not worth the time and money for the students. I have interviewed many medical billing candidates from many medical billing schools and I do not find that the education makes the individual a more attractive candidate than other inexperienced candidates.
The majority of graduates we do hire start in our apprenticeship program - a position they could have obtained without a medical billing school investment. They start out alongside other apprentices that have no experience and no formal training in medical billing.
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.
Almost without exception, the best way to break into medical billing is to find a medical billing service or a physician practice that will allow you to execute basic medical billing tasks such as verifying insurance or calling on claims to find their status.
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.
So, if you want to break into the field of medical billing please consider pursuing an apprenticeship model it will serve you (and your future employer) much better than a medical billing school education.
Copyright 2008 by Carl Mays II - 15478
The majority of graduates we do hire start in our apprenticeship program - a position they could have obtained without a medical billing school investment. They start out alongside other apprentices that have no experience and no formal training in medical billing.
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.
Almost without exception, the best way to break into medical billing is to find a medical billing service or a physician practice that will allow you to execute basic medical billing tasks such as verifying insurance or calling on claims to find their status.
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.
So, if you want to break into the field of medical billing please consider pursuing an apprenticeship model it will serve you (and your future employer) much better than a medical billing school education.
Copyright 2008 by Carl Mays II - 15478
About the Author:
Carl Mays II is President and CEO of ClaimCare Medical Billing Services. Carl has provided help to medical practices, facilities and hospitals for almost 15 years. He is an expert on medical billing companies and the medical billing industry. You can read more of his articles on his medical billing blog.
