Medical Billing and Coding Jobs

Wow! I was checking out what else is out there for Medical Billing Blogs and I found this one with an entry about how medical billing and coding jobs are in high demand. That part is true, but it went on to say how it is a good field for people who don't have the skills necessary to compete in the traditional workplace.

What ?!?!? Are they nuts? I don't know what part of the country they are from but where I am, it takes a lot of skill and knowledge to be a 'good' medical biller. This is not a field for drop outs who can't seem to make it in any other field.

I'm not saying that you have to have a college education or that you must complete a billing and/or coding course. I am saying that you do have to have a brain, and the drive and determination necessary to overcome challenges that you WILL face in this field.

The blog entry went on to make a lot of other statements that I certainly don't agree with but they weren't quite as absurd as the one I stated above. I am just amazed at what some people think about the field of medical billing.

Well, that just confirms all the reasons that I started my website and this blog. To tell people the truth about medical billing. It is not some get rich quick scheme, or a job for drop outs. It is a legitimate business opportunity for people who want to make a difference in the medical billing field.

I strive to be the best that I can possibly be for all the medical providers that I bill for, collecting all that they are entitled to for their services. I also strive to share as much of my knowledge as I possible can to help others to be the best in this field also.

Thanks for reading!
Michele

Credentialling for Temporary Physicians

I am asked all the time, "Dr 'Joe' will just be filling in for a short time, can we bill under our current insurance numbers?" Unfortunately, the answer is no. It is illegal for a doctor to bill for another doctor's services under his name and provider numbers. Even if the physician that is filling in will only be short term, it is necessary to credential them with all the insurance carriers. This can be a huge pain. We had a doctor that needed surgery and was going to be out for 4-6 weeks. They got another doctor to come in to see their patients during that time, but we had to credential that provider under the name and tax ID# of the practice that they were covering for. If a doctor just agrees to see your patients but at their own office, then they would just bill out their own claims, but if the doctor is going to be working out of your facility then you need to have them credentialed.

When a doctor is coming in to a practice temporarily, or for a trial period, you must also credential them with all the insurances. Even if you don't know that they will be staying with the practice permanently. This is necessary in order to bill properly. Most practices just bill for the temporary provider's services under one of the other physicians names, but this is not the correct way to do it.

So even if it is a pain, if you have a doctor that will be covering for you or joining you temporarily, start the paperwork as soon as possible!

My Medical Billing Blog - 1st Posting !

I am so excited! I have been talking about doing a Blog for over a year and I've finally taken the time! The field of Medical Billing is very high-paced and is always changing. I love to share information and help others whenever possible. This blog will allow me to help others, but also allow you to help others too! Look here for future changes in the medical billing field, problems that other medical service providers are facing, and all kinds of valuable information that could prove very useful to you. I would also like to let people know that we have an Ask The Biller service where you can ask us specific questions regarding billing, or other issues you may be having. Visit our Ask The Biller page to view other peoples questions and/or problems.