Medical billers can consider certification to enhance their career prospects.
Medical billers must have a combination of medical coding and reimbursement experience to become certified in their profession. The Bureau of Labor indicates good job prospects for individuals with a combination of vocational education and previous coding or billing experience. While there are no official certification requirements established for this job, those looking to certify for better career prospects may opt for testing and additional training through a professional organization providing certifying credentials to members.
Instructions
1. Get vocational training in medical billing and coding. Pursue education in medical billing and coding through a vocational program, community college or professional certification program. Completing a two-year program will also enhance your desirability as a job candidate by affording you an associate's degree, but there are also medical billing and coding certificate programs that can be completed in less than a year that will prepare you for the certification process. Vocational course work will includes medical terminology, word processing and insurance claim processing. To locate an vocational degree or certificate program, visit the AllAlliedHealthcareSchools.com website (See Resources).
2. Determine which professional certification you desire. There are two professional organizations that offer certification testing for medical billers. The Medical Association of Billers offers the Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS) exam for individuals once they have completed six online courses designed to prepare the candidate for testing. The American Medical Billing Association offers testing without the training component for the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) title. Both associations require you to maintain a membership with the testing organization to be eligible for the exam.
3. Join your desired professional organization. Before you can take the certifying exam, you must join your desired organization. Pay the appropriate membership fees and review your association guidelines for certification.
4. Take the Certified Medical Billing Specialist exam if you are joining the Medical Association of Billers.The Medical Association of Billers offers the Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS) exam to members who have completed six online preparatory courses provided by the association. To complete the coursework and take the CMBS certification exam, you must possess a high school diploma, complete the six online classes (or opt out of testing by demonstrating billing and coding work experience) and then register for the exam through the Association.
5. Register for the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) exam if you join the American Medical Billing Association. The AMBA offers the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) exam to its members. There are no qualifying courses provided by the AMBA; members are expected to take this certifying exam only if they have received previous medical billing and coding training (though proof is not required to take the exam). Members may purchase study guides to assist them with preparing for the 800 question examination. To learn more about registering for the CMRS exam, visit the AMBA website.
Tags: Certified Medical, billing coding, Certified Medical Billing, medical billing coding, Association Billers