A Complete Beginner's Guide to Medical Billing Software

This guide is for medical billing and coding.

Medical billers used to sift through diagnostic and operative classifications by hand using large books and coding them on forms in triplicate in order to bill them to the insurance companies. The International Classification of Disease codes or ICD-9 coding is a standardized six-digit number, usually in the form (xxx.xx) that allows users to gather data in order to bill medical services or compile statistical data. Most billing is now done on the computer using medical billing software. Medical billing software is widely used today since it speeds up the process of codifying diagnoses and operative classifications that physicians utilize in their practice. Electronic billing improves patient security according to HIPAA compliance standards. It also improves collections, receivable entry, and communication. This means faster payments for medical personnel and consumers. Database technology gives the biller control over his time and management practices. Coding gets completed in a timely manner without the cumbersome manual files. Reports are generated with a few clicks of the mouse. Medical billing software lowers the possibility of error and lowers labor cost.

What is Medical Billing Software?

Medical billing software is software designed to facilitate ease of gathering and codifying diagnoses and operative classifications by use of computer algorithms that utilize one or more databases of information. Most software packages are either client/server or the more economical application service provider (ASP) model software. Many client/server packages are totally proprietary; that is, they are designed for use for specific billing and coding needs, in-house, for a certain company. There are also third-party vendors that companies use to outsource their billing and coding needs, but work-from-home software is often not credible software. Most authentic medical billing and coding software features patient and insurance electronic billing and eligibility checks. Many also send out patient letters advising them of the status of their bill. The software allows for automatic remittance by the consumer. This creates optimum accounts receivable/time management as claims are much easier to track and workflow is streamlined. They also integrate electronic medical records, and are HL7 or Health Level Seven International standard compliant. Current medical billing software should also be National Provider Identification (NPI) ready to utilize the new National Plan & Provider Enumeration System. Manufacturers of medical billing software include Abraxas Medical Solutions, Benchmark Systems™, GE Healthcare, Kareo, and MediSYS for Physicians, Inc.

Medical Billing Software: What it is, its advantages, and how to choose the right one for your business.
Client-Server or ASP Software? An MD lists the pros and cons of the two basic electronic billing software models.
HIPAA Privacy: Certain healthcare entities must comply with HIPAA privacy standards, including medical billing companies.
Health Level 7: The non-profit organization is an ANSI-accredited standards developing entity.
NPPES Search: The National Plan & Provider System Registry allows for searching a provider's NPPES information,.
Software Comparison: Buyer's guide chart lists the medical software billing system, its description, allows for a free demo and quote request.

How It Can Help You

The medical records administration field includes the medical billing sub-field. A career in Medical Records and Health Information Technologies is slated for above average growth--20 percent--through 2018. If you want to gain entry into the medical field and relish no hands-on patient care, have at least an associate degree and strong computer skills, and want to work 40-hour weeks, then this may be the field for you. Nearly 40 percent of the jobs are in-house hospital jobs. The median salary range in 2008 was $30,610, which should grow along with the job prospects. Technicians with medical billing and coding software experience and aptitude will be in highest demand as the software is continually refined for a population that continues to need more medical services continues to age.

Online Training & Workshops: Although some of the information is particular to Colorado, these links give a great overview of beginning billing. Make sure that you've enabled pop-up windows or you can click the link to enable the document as a .pdf.
Medical Billing Course: This micro-course is free. Click the arrow at the top right of the page to continue with the course contents.
Sample Medical Billing Exam: Try two questions from each of the seven categories of the 100-question test.
Billing Manuals: Many general manuals as well as a section on specialized Colorado manuals. Worth taking a look to see what is involved and why computer software eliminates much of the manual research.
Research Medical Billing: Search by job or by state to find out the current requirements for medical billing jobs, what kind of software experience is expected, and educational requirements.
Medicare and Medicaid: These two government health care providers are a large facet of the medical billing that is billed. Links include coding and regulations.
Medical Records and Health Information Technologies: Career and salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
ICD-10: Familiarize yourself with the coding standard. Does your software comply?

The Software and You

Training can be found through professional billing associations and organizations. Keep in mind that specific software training is not usually separate from the medical biller and coder training unless it is offered in-house. If you are just looking to get into the field, ask before you sign up for a course if and what kind of software training they offer as training can run several thousands of dollars and take months to complete. If you already have a job targeted or are already in the medical billing field, ask what credentials that you will need in order to further your career at that company. Most companies offer an internal track of coursework to fit their own needs.

Medical Billing Degree: An overview of degree details and recommended schools.
Education Links: Online and on-campus medical billing schools.
American Academy of Professional Coders: The "largest medical coding training and certification organization" in the United States, representing nearly 100,000 medical coders and auditors.
Health Informatics: Independent accreditation commission "enforcing standards for Health Informatic and Health Information Management educational programs."
Billing System Demo: Check out a sample billing and coding demo to see a representative sample of the software you will need to learn.
Medical Billing Scams: Ads luring consumers into this "work-from-home lucrative field" promise big returns with no experience required.

Check with your local or state workforce development center to see if they offer any medical billing, coding, and software programs. Many times, these are offered free of charge or for a nominal fee if you meet the financial guidelines for assistance. With better than average job growth, it is a field that a computer-savvy culture can easily enter with a little specialized education. With the complex needs of the health-care world, medical billing software training will make you more marketable in your field.