I am asked alot or read alot where people want to get into medical billing. Some have gone to school and some haven't. Either way, there is more to it than just saying, I want to do that. I've been in this field for over 15 yrs and still learn something new every day. I even learn something I thought I knew and then had to back up and change my opinion or idea of what I thought it was.
When I first started out, I thought, oh my, this is simple. I printed the claims out, pulled the notes, attached them and wala. Out in the mail they went. Then the longer I stayed in it, things changed and then I had to learn these new set of rules. Medicare rules, other carrier rules, coding, modifiers, how to do appeals, what an AR was and how to work it. How to be organized and to get in that maximum reimbursement. And just when I thought I was level with everything, my boat got tipped. I finally came to the realization many years ago that there is no end to learning, it is constant and it's daily. There is no one set of rules and things will always continue to change. So if you have a hard time accepting change, then this is not the field for you.
So why am I still in this field? Well, it is challening, it is rewarding in accomplishments, it definitely prevents your brain from going dead because it's always exercised. And well, I just love being a top biller because it shows I've made a lot of accomplishments. I'm open to learning new knowledge and I know how to do research and get the job done. Yes, that's a good feeling. I'm not wealthy but only because I did't want to expand that far out but I know it can be done. So kudos to those that have over come the trials and tribulations and made it to the very top, kudos to you all!
So what would be my first suggestion if you want to get into this field? Well, go to school, if you can. Or even if you can't, maybe consider looking for part-time work so you can get some hands on experience. And if you do get that job, ask questions and really learn. And I'm not talking about finding out where the shoe sales are. I'm talking about really learning and picking their brains as to what they do and sponge up some of that billing knowledge to make sure it's the field you want to get into. Or, it may only be a stepping stone. Either way, ask questions, learn something new every day and focus forward.
Between the people you meet at work and the friends on the forums, there is no reason why you can't figure something out. And all you really need is, determination and a thirst to learn more. So start now, ask those questions you may have been afraid to ask before. I know I wished I would have asked alot of questions alot sooner, it would have saved me time. Good luck everyone, you've actually picked a really exciting field. And if you strive to succeed and constantly improve and learn, then yes, you can earn a good living. So good luck to those that are on the verge of making that decision because you won't regret it! So get off here and start learning those modifiers, cpts, icd-9/icd-10, ncci, oig and all that other valuable information that will help you make it to the top!
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