Getting certified as a medical biller is a great way to stand out from a pool of candidates when it is time to look for a job. Certification can show a potential employer that an applicant has the skills and dedication that it takes to do the job well. Before obtaining certification, however, there are some tasks that candidates must already have accomplished on the road toward certification. These may include:
Taking courses in high school that are related to the field
Choosing which type of certification you want
Becoming a member of a professional organization
Obtaining relevant work experience
Taking training courses
Preparing adequately
It might seem like a great deal of work, but the benefits of certification will pay off in the long run.
You Must Have a High School Diploma
Most training programs require students to have either a high school diploma or GED prior to enrollment. If the potential certified medical biller is still in high school, taking some computer, biology and chemistry courses is a great idea. This will demonstrate your interest in and knowledge of the medical field and give you a head start in learning the medical terminology that comes with the job.
Oral and written skills are also valuable, as certified medical billers often deal with complicated insurance matters with patients, medical professionals and insurance companies. While these high school courses are not required, they will set the candidate up for an easier path to becoming certified.
Choose a Certification
Different associations and certifications vary in the requirements and the benefits they offer. Candidates looking to become certified medical billers should first explore their options and decide which certification program will best meet their needs. Certifications are available from the
Membership in the association that the candidate wants certification with is usually required. Information about membership in any of the organizations that administer an exam is available on each organization’s website.
Prior Experience is Helpful
Prior experience can help candidates immensely in their attempt to attain certification. Not only will it give candidates some insight about questions on the exam, but it may also take the place of formal education in some instances. According to The Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists, much of the exam material will come directly from a candidate’s experience in the real world.
While some certifying organizations prefer candidates with experience, it is not always required. For example, The Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists requires either two years of experience or formal education to apply for certification. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) also requires experience for certification. Candidates who take the AAPC exam must submit at least one letter of recommendation from an employer showing a minimum experience of one year.
The Role of Formal Training Programs
Most certification exams require some formal education. Schools offering preparation for the certification exam are often overseen by the same entity that administers the exam. In most cases, formal education and prior work experience are interchangeable. To ensure certification, candidates should look for programs that will teach them the skills needed to pass their exam. Unfortunately, not all training programs end with students attaining certification.
To become a certified medical biller through the Medical Association of Billers, students must complete the Certified Medical Billing Specialist program. This can be accomplished either through completion of six online courses or a PowerWeekend with the Medical Association of Billers. This training program can be taken at the student’s pace and completed in varying amounts of time, from one weekend to four years.
The AAPC also offers several training courses for students who are interested in medical billing and reimbursement, coding, auditing and supplemental courses. Potential certified medical billers should assess the requirements for the exam before signing up for courses.
Proper Preparation is Essential
The certification exam for any association is meant to demonstrate that the person taking it has the necessary skills and body of knowledge to be a professional in that field. That means that anyone planning to take such an exam must prepare with adequate studying. The Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists can provide candidates with a study guide to help them prepare. The study guide is only available to association members and can be purchased online at the organization’s website store. Many of the organizations that offer the exams give students more than one chance to take it, but there are time limitations.
Applications and Fees for Certification
The organization that the candidate would like to receive certification from will have its own application process. Applications typically need to be turned in weeks before the exam is to take place. There is also a fee that may differ for every exam. This fee is separate from the membership dues that are paid to become and remain a member of the organization.
Remain Certified
After receiving certification, don’t forget to stay certified! Certification is not a lifetime guarantee. Once candidates pass their certification exams, their next step is to stay up-to-date with their certification. Re-certification usually requires a fee and some demonstration of continuing education in the field through the accumulation of Continuing Education Units (CEU’s). These units can be gained by attending seminars, courses, educational sessions and so on.
The Medical Association of Billers offers Power Weekends, national conferences and online courses to billers and coders to earn the 12 CEU’s required annually.
About our expert. Jan Jacobs has worked in medical offices since the early 1980's. Ms. Jacobs has worked for M.D.'s and D.O.'s in primary care and specialty care. She is employed as a senior medical biller and has been at her current job for nearly 10 years, where she uses three different billing systems.
