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MEDICAL BILLING HOME-STUDY COURSE

is a comprehensive program for those interested in a career in Medical Billing. This at-your-own- pace course covers every aspect imaginable!

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Medical Billing Training Software Included

Many times I am asked about medical record documentation:

Coding and billing has its foundation with the medical record documentation. If it isn't documented or if it can't be read, it doesn't exist. The documentation must support the CPT code being billed and the ICD-9-CM code must support the CPT Code. If you go to 42 Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 42 CFR 482.25. You can see it states the following:

(2) All records must document the following, as appropriate:

(i) Evidence of a physical examination, including a health history, performed no more than 7 days prior to admission or within 48 hours after admission.

(ii) Admitting diagnosis.

More on medical record documentation here!

Were Would I Look For Billing and Coding Opportunities to Apply My Skills?

Virtually every licensed health care provider, whether practicing out of a private office, or with a group of physicians, or a clinic, or hospital; they all require billing staff and coders. Possibilities also abound with medical and diagnostic laboratories, insurance companies, law firms (in the field of personal injury), nursing homes, auditing and consulting firms, industrial work/accident clinics, emergency rooms, standalone clinics for semi-urgent care, surgical centers, mental health centers, ambulance and home health services require coders.

How About Going Into Health Information Management?

Definitely an excellent idea! With experience and education everything is possible. Going into Health Information Management (HIM) is a great move up the career and income ladder. Statistically, HIM, of which coding is a part, is a rapidly growing field. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, health information technicians are projected to be one of the 20 fastest growing occupations.

Medical records and health information technicians held about 159,000 jobs in 2004. The upward trend of HIM is expected to continue at a much faster than average rate through 2014 because of rapid growth in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures that will be increasingly scrutinized by health insurance companies, regulators, courts, and consumers.

I've been a Stay-At-Home-Mom for a few years and want to get back to work. How can I make the employment gap stand out less in my resume?

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This question is answered by Tony Jacowski, a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online - who offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Jacowski

There are some simple strategies that can help you deal with gaps in employment. You can try using different types of resume formats (depending on your situation) to cover the gap.

How to Handle the Questions

The best way to handle a time gap of more than 2 years would be to be honest. If you took time off for personal reasons, for example, say so - but try not to give too many details. Usually, any information that you provide will be accepted if the gap was a long time ago. Recent gaps in employment generally require more explanation.

How to Write Your Resume

Functional Resume

Professionals who have vast experience in several technologies frequently use this resume style. Job seekers who have minimum experience also prefer this format. Job seekers who adopt the functional resume style systematize it by adding their specialized skills and functions. This resume style is purely functional, stating employment dates, company names, and position titles. This style also works well for homemakers who are returning to work after awhile. Functional resumes are not used as frequently as the chronological style, but if well drafted, it can cover up any gaps in employment and can be used as a marketing tool.

Chronological Resume

This format is also called the default format, as this resume type is organized in reverse chronological order starting with job titles, names of the employers, employment dates and achievements within a time period of 10-15 years. This style is the best bet for those who have lots of experience in one field and who don't have many employment gaps. This resume style is well accepted, as it is usually short and concise, with details well specified. Conservative career professionals or job seekers who are searching for openings in the international job market also use this format.

How to Include the Explanation

If you prefer using a functional resume, you should include a short explanation for the gap in your cover letter. Including a legitimate explanation always helps - just make sure that you mention it in passing and don't get too detailed unless you are asked about it later.

If you have a big gap and don't mention it in your cover letter, then many recruiters may discard your resume thinking that you are not serious about your career. If it's a minor employment gap, recruiters generally will understand, but if you had a more complex issue resulting in a larger gap, then it is better to specify it during the interview on your own.

The biggest concern for an employer when they see gaps in employment is whether this issue is an indication of your probable future absence. How you address any gaps in your employment will usually determine whether you will get the interview or not - so be prepared.

I know there are jobs a medical office, but are there larger companies that hire?

National coding companies hire medical coders and billers who are certified and often expect 1-2 years experience in the field. Medical transcription (MT) companies also offer coding to their clients. The field is unlimited throughout the country, but more so in the largest States—in particular, California, New York, Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania. For more concrete statistics go here.

What else, beside billing statements and invoices, will I be responsible for?

Medical billers in medical offices often handle additional administrative tasks that may include working in reception, answering telephones, scheduling appointments, filing medical records and invoices, sorting financial records, transcribing dictation, and mailing out letters.

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Benefits of Having Medical Billing and Coding Certifications Countless job seekers face barriers to employment and promotion because they lack professional credentials! Many employers want reliable documentation of a medical billing professional's knowledge, and may prefer to hire certified medical billers, sometimes at higher pay than their non-certified counterparts. By attaining industry recognized certifications medical billers have joined a growing distinguished group of expert health care professionals. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist credentials are offered to: new graduates based on their training working individuals based on experience		Reasons Behind the High Demand For Medical Billing Professionals Medical, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical services play an important role in our nation's economy! Driven by the ever increasing need for medical services in communities everywhere healthcare related disciplines will never cease to exist. There is plenty of room for men and women in healthcare occupations as long as they have the drive to achieve their dreams. Employment is not limited by location, gender, race, religion, or disability. Recruiters and employers are readily hiring qualified staff to better serve their patients and clients; this includes medical billers, whose job it is to make sure healthcare providers get paid for the medical services they have provided.