ClaimCare Medical Billing Services has interviewed countless candidates that have just graduated from a medical billing school and coding school. As a rule, we find that the courses in a medical billing school (and coding school) add little value or knowledge to the resume of an individual with no prior medical billing experience.
In fact, when I do hire a medical billing school graduate they typically are started along side inexperienced new hires in our apprenticeship program. They start at the same pay and in need of almost the same training as individuals that have not spent the money or time on medical billing school. I would say at best, they start 3 months further up the learning curve than a completely inexperienced hire. This translates to about $0.50 per hour difference for 3 months (at best).
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.
Finding a company that will allow you to start with these basic medical billing tasks may take a bit more effort than applying to medical billing school, but in the end you will have better medical billing skills, have a better resume and earn money while you learn the medical billing craft.
Once you have established skills as a medical biller, then it can be helpful to study for and take a certified coder exam. A certified coder with no medical billing experience, however, is not in great demand.
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 - 15246
In fact, when I do hire a medical billing school graduate they typically are started along side inexperienced new hires in our apprenticeship program. They start at the same pay and in need of almost the same training as individuals that have not spent the money or time on medical billing school. I would say at best, they start 3 months further up the learning curve than a completely inexperienced hire. This translates to about $0.50 per hour difference for 3 months (at best).
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.
Finding a company that will allow you to start with these basic medical billing tasks may take a bit more effort than applying to medical billing school, but in the end you will have better medical billing skills, have a better resume and earn money while you learn the medical billing craft.
Once you have established skills as a medical biller, then it can be helpful to study for and take a certified coder exam. A certified coder with no medical billing experience, however, is not in great demand.
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 - 15246
About the Author:
Carl Mays II is President and Chairman of ClaimCare Medical Billing Services. He has worked with medical practices, facilities and hospitals since 1995. He is an expert on medical billing companies and the medical billing industry. Be sure to visit Carl's medical billing blog.
