Medical Biller Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities

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The job description of a medical biller is targeted at proper documentation of a patient’s diagnosis and treatment for use by healthcare providers and insurance companies.

Unlike other professions where duties and responsibilities may vary slightly depending on employer and location, the duties and responsibilities of a medical biller are practically the same. They are not dependent on location and employer.

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Medical billers play an integral role in managing the finance of hospitals or healthcare clinics.

Employers look out for academically qualified individuals who possess certain skills.

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While reading this guide on the job description of a medical biller, you will learn more about the skills employers look out for.

If you can’t wait to read gently until you get to the section concerning these skills, kindly use the table of contents.

But, I will advise you to study this guide on a medical biller job description carefully.

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What does a Medical Biller do?

Medical billers serve as a bridge between healthcare providers, patients, and insurance companies. 

They study a patient’s record or report and then transcribe the patient’s history and diagnosis into shorthand or codes that are understood and will be used by healthcare providers and insurance companies.

This guide on the job description of a medical biller will not be complete without clearly stating the current code medical billers use for tracking patients’ diagnoses.

The current code for tracking patients’ diagnoses is ICD-11.

ICD stands for international classification of disease.

This current version of ICD helps billers prepare more specific documentation.

Medical billers and medical transcriptionists carry out the same function.

But, medical transcriptionists make documentation based on what they heard directly from the doctor or health care provider.

Whereas medical billers get information by studying and evaluating the record and history of patients.

Although medical billers work in hospitals, they usually have no direct contact with patients.

They are often far from where treatment or care is administered to patients.

But, they may have physical interactions with healthcare providers if need be.

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What are the Duties and Responsibilities of a Medical Biller?

As I said, practically all medical billers’ job descriptions have the same responsibilities.

Medical billers perform the same functions irrespective of location and employer.

Here are the duties and responsibilities of a medical biller typically featured in the job description:

1. Study Records of Patients

It is the duty and responsibility of a medical biller to analyze and evaluate a patient’s medical history and record.

This is done to properly and accurately transcribe a patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan using the current ICD-11 code.

2. Interact with Healthcare Providers to Ensure Accuracy

Whenever the need is, medical billers interact with healthcare providers to avoid errors.

For example, the biller doesn’t understand the diagnosis or treatment plan.

3. Prepare Bills and Invoices

Medical billers also prepare bills invoices.

These bills and invoices are based on the amount due for medical procedures and services.

They also keep records of payment for health care using the necessary software.

Also, they review the patient’s bill to make sure that it is accurate.

4. Help Patients Develop a Payment Plan

Medical billers are also responsible for assisting patients in developing payment plans.

When developing a payment plan, the financial capability, as well as the services required, are taken into consideration.

5. Track Late Payment

A medical biller also must monitor and keep track of late payments.

They are also responsible for following up on missed payments.

Other duties and responsibilities of a medical biller usually featured in the job description of a medical biller include:

  • Preparing and submitting medical claims as well as billing data to insurance companies.
  • Cross-checking insurance payments for accuracy.
  • Appealing denied claims
  • Performing medical and Medicare audits and reviews

It is very important to note that the duties and responsibilities section of a medical biller job description is one of the most important.

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What Qualifications do I need to become a Medical Biller?

A medical biller should have a high school diploma and an associate degree.

Although a bachelor’s degree in health care administration, business administration, accounting, or any related field is preferred.

Employers look out for individuals who have at least 3 years of experience working in a hospital or any medical setting.

Employers also look out for individuals with good knowledge of insurance guidelines and policies and Medi-Cal, Medicare, and other requirements.

Proficiency in computer systems and software is also very advantageous.

It is also vital for a prospective medical biller to be familiar with the current ICD-11 code.

Employers also give preference to those who have good knowledge of the use of medical terminologies.

Also, being able to read a physician’s handwriting and decode abbreviations properly is also important.

What Skills should a Medical Biller have?

The job description of a medical biller also contains certain skills.

Employers look out for individuals who possess these skills, so they perform better at the job.

Here are some of the skills a medical biller should have:

1. Communication Skills

A good medical biller should possess great communication skills.

This skill is relevant when interacting with patients and healthcare providers.

As well as when preparing and submitting billing data and claims to insurance companies.

Poor communication skills would do a lot of disservice to medical billers.

Therefore they should be able to communicate in writing and verbally both the technical and non-technical aspects of the job.

2. Multitasking

When performing your daily duties and responsibilities as a medical biller, sometimes, you may have to multitask.

Therefore being able to do more than one thing at a time without error is advantageous.

But, some other times, multitasking may be impossible.

In such situations, all you need to do is prioritize your activities.

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3. Organisational Skills

A medical biller should also be organized and detail-oriented.

This skill helps them prepare and maintain records properly.

Also, it helps them keep accurate track of patient’s payments and visits to the health care center 

4. Interpersonal Skills

Although a medical biller has nothing to do with the treatment of patients, they may need to come in direct contact with them.

Sometimes, patients need a payment plan to suit their budget or insurance scheme.

In such cases, medical billers help them draft a good payment plan.

Doing this requires good interpersonal skills.

Medical billers should also develop good relationships with patients, healthcare providers, and colleagues.

5. Ability to Work as a Team

Great team spirit is also necessary for this profession.

A good medical biller should be able to work as a team with health care providers.

6. Ability to Work Under Pressure

Being able to work well under pressure while keeping your cool is also advantageous.

A good medical biller should be capable of staying calm when working with patients and insurers.

7. Customer Service Skills

This skill is also very important for medical billers

It is relevant for responding to calls from insurance companies and dealing with patients.

Employers also look out for medical billers who have good problem-solving skills.

Billers who are trustworthy and know how to keep a patient’s medical diagnosis confidential are also preferred.

How much do Medical Billers make?

The salary of medical billers in the United States ranges from $26,550 to $66,260 per year.

On average, medical billers in the United States make up to $40,350 annually.

These figures may vary depending on location, experience, qualification, and employer.

Some employers also prefer paying hourly and not monthly.

Where does a Medical Biller Work?

From the Job title and the job description of a medical biller you have read so far, I guess you can already tell that medical billers work in healthcare centers.

The typical employers of medical billers are hospitals and nursing homes.

Advert for vacancies may be placed online or via local newspapers.

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What should I Include in my Medical Biller Resume?

When creating a resume, you may want to include information that can convince an employer that you are qualified and suitable for the job.

You should consider including information like your experience, qualification, and skills.

This information can also be highlighted in your cover letter.

During your interview, never underestimate the importance of referring to your skills, experience, and qualification.

Feel free to use this free guide on a medical biller job description.

Medical Biller Job Outlook

It is estimated that from 2018 to 2028, job opportunities for medical billers will increase by 11%.

This means that medical billing jobs should still be available with the expected population increase.

Conclusion: Medical Biller Job Description Guide

Individuals who have a flair for working in hospitals but do not want to be involved directly with a patient’s treatment should certainly consider a career path in medical billing.

Although this guide on the job description of a medical biller was written with aspiring medical billers in mind, it can also be used as a template by employers to create a medical biller job description.

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Other job descriptions:

Reference:

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