Healthcare information technology, communications and administration careers continue to grow, which places a high demand on entry-level professionals eager to jump into a managed healthcare career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15 percent employment growth rate over the next ten years. This employment growth is nothing new for the healthcare industry, but the reasons for the surge in IT, communications and administration positions specifically are fairly new. Knowing the source of these employment trends gives professionals, especially job-seekers, an advantage in applying, interviewing, and retaining employment. Medical billing & coding positions are particularly in demand due to various governmental regulations and healthcare industry changes over the past five to ten years. To give students and recent graduates some insight into why medical billing & coding is a career worth going into, let’s review the reasons behind the billing & coding employment surge.

International Classification of Diseases

Every healthcare facility keeps records (digital and/or hardcopy) categorized in the International Classification of Diseases, or ICD. The newest ICD update, ICD-10, went into nation-wide implementation in October of 2016. ICD-10 is unique in that it is a new coding system for patient procedures. ICD-10 consists, among many other new coding procedures, around 69,823 diagnosis codes, 71,924 procedure codes and an additional 140,000 new codes in total. The practical implementation of ICD-10 is, as you might have guessed, largely slow-moving and rigorous. ICD-10 is an enormous factor in the demand surge for qualified medical billing & coding professionals – which is why it is essential for individuals going into the medical billing and coding profession to receive training in ICD-10.

Electronic Health Records

Since 2010 the U.S. government has required all healthcare facilities to transition all medical records to digital records. Electronic health records, or EHR, allow for more accurate patient records, more streamlined billing, more efficient treatments, and they take up much less space than traditional hardcopy records. While the switch to EHR is undoubtedly better for the healthcare industry, it requires a lot of additional work for medical billers and coders in facilities of any size. This is another hugely influential cause for the demand of trained medical billing & coding specialists. In general, most current billers and coders are of an older generation and do not have much experience in electronic records. It takes specific training to be able to fluently operate EHR systems, especially in regards to moving a lot of previously organized hardcopy records into a new digital system. Individuals preparing to enter the medical billing & coding field would be wise to allocate a good portion of training on EHR management.

Current Procedural Terminology

Like ICD updates, healthcare terminology and research systems require regular updates. Current Procedural Terminology, or CPT, is identification of codes that the coders use to report medical procedures and services which all national healthcare facilities follow and implement. CPT codes are typically added to once or twice per year, but may require updated more frequently. Because these terminology codes are crucial for accurate patient care, this is a position requiring extreme diligence and expert knowledge. Due to the sheer number of digital medical records existing because of the EHR switch, there will undoubtedly be more CPT and similar updates to coding at a more frequent rate in the future.

Healthcare facilities from private doctor practices to city hospitals are hiring more qualified medical billing & coding technicians than ever before to keep up with the digital world. In summation, any entry-level medical coder should absolutely be proficient in ICD updates and standards, EHR practices, and CPT coding.

Electronic Health Record Trends

In the healthcare field change is the only constant. The last ten years of healthcare reform have seen more change than ever before. In 2009 as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a federally mandated switch to fully electronic health records (EHR) was launched. The goal of the switch to EHR was to have more accurate, comprehensive, and updated patient medical records across the healthcare industry. In the first couple of years following the massive change the industry was, and still is, working out effective EHR methods and trends. Here we will discuss some current EHR insights and trends that can directly impact medical billing and coding technicians so students can stay on top of the industry while working to complete their education.

Patient Participation

A major benefit of the industry-wide EHR switch is patients’ ability to be more involved in their own health and physician communication. This benefit has proven successful as evidenced by the increasing use of patient portals. Between 2014 and 2015 patient portal use increased by 26 percent. Roughly half of all physicians now offer patient portals, and many more are predicted to follow. Portals allow patients to access personal health records (PHR) and effectively communicate with their physicians. Payment is also streamlined through portals. Healthcare facilities and insurance providers can send billing information, reminders, programs, and other materials to patients. For medical billing and coding technicians, this means more organization, more communication, and better accuracy.

Telemedicine

Video conferencing is nothing new, yet it is still providing new value, particularly to healthcare. HD video communication combined with EHR offers a relatively new approach to patient interaction. With telemedicine and EHR, physicians can address patient concerns from anywhere at any time because it is all done digitally. There are numerous benefits to telemedicine, including:

• Care to remote and homebound patients, especially the growing senior population
• Reducing healthcare costs and providing flexibility to providers
• Better communication for patients, especially those with urgent questions
• Eliminating the risks of infections and additional illnesses in clinical care settings

Telemedicine additionally allows medical billing and coding technicians to keep more accurate and updated patient records because they can be updated immediately after a video conference between physicians and patients.

Cloud, Data, and Security

As more medical facilities switch over to mandatory EHR, and more EHRs are stored on cloud-based servers, the risk of data breaches from cyber-attacks drastically increases. Healthcare is already one of the most targeted industries for cybercrime, even before the EHR switch. With immeasurable amounts of confidential, highly valuable data stored on cloud technology, cybersecurity is more relevant now than ever. The responsibility of securing EHR data falls on both healthcare organizations and EHR vendors. Experts suggest that the most important things healthcare organizations can do to prevent data breaches is to firstly ensure that they are on the same page as EHR vendors (vendors are the companies that provide EHR systems). This includes data back-up plans and suitable encryption security for all systems. The other most important security measure is for healthcare organizations to provide substantial training for those handling patient records – the medical billing and coding technicians. A large percentage of security flaws begin and end with personnel errors. Medical billing and coding technicians must be trained and updated on all EHR security measures, as well as HIPAA regulations. While EHRs make healthcare more accurate, efficient, and cost-effective, there is also a huge criminal risk.

Future medical billing and coding technicians will start preparation for best EHR-handling practices at EBI. Proper training will help eliminate the risks of cybercrime as well as help make the EHR switch do what it was intended to do – provide more accurate, streamlined, convenient, and excellent healthcare for all.

Why Choose the Medical Billing & Reimbursement Career

Medical billing and coding is a vital part of our healthcare system, despite public perceptions that it’s a bit of a dull desk job. The fact is that medical billing and coding specialists typically have a great quality of life. They’re in stable jobs in a continuously growing field, they get to work with other medical professionals to help save lives, and they enjoy an above-average lifestyle. Sounds pretty great, right? If you’re not convinced yet, or if you just haven’t been exposed to the profession, keep reading to discover the best reasons to work in medical billing and coding.

Help Save Lives without Medical School

There are many medical professionals in any healthcare facility that aren’t doctors, nurses, or graduates of a medical school – and all of them play a role in saving lives. Medical billers and coders are no exception. They play an integral part in our healthcare system as a whole. They log patients’ medical histories, handle insurance claims and payments, and help ensure patients receive the proper treatment. To a lot of medical billers and coders, one of the best aspects of the position is that they can help people without spending the eight to ten years and tens of thousands of dollars in medical school. The typical medical billing and coding program costs a fraction of medical school and takes between nine and eighteen months to complete.

Employment Opportunities Abound

Many new medical billers and coders primary concern is finding a job after completing a program. While a lot of the medical field is comprised of specialty positions, which would require professionals to likely travel to the nearest open specialty position, medical billing and coding is almost the opposite. Every hospital, clinic, nursing homes, administrative support centers, medical laboratories and more require medical billing and coding specialists. That a wide variety of healthcare organizations absolutely need these professionals means new medical billers and coders have a much higher potential of employment than other allied medical professionals. It also means medical billers and coders have the opportunity to work in a variety of environments, which keeps the job interesting. Plus, because the healthcare field is so dynamic, new billing and coding positions open quite frequently. And keep in mind that the more certifications a medical professional has, the more opportunities become available to them.

Quick-To-Start and In Demand

We’ve discussed how medical school isn’t necessary for medical billers and coders, which saves an enormous amount of money, but many people entering this field are more concerned with time. EBI’s Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program can be completed in 12 months and the Medical Billing and Reimbursement Specialist Associate Degree program in 16 months. Compared to eight years in undergraduate school and medical school combined, allied health careers like medical billing and coding are easily the quicker option to entering healthcare. That’s why the position is growing so fast, because people see the value in investing a small amount of time to achieve lasting career-making results. Medical billers and coders are also highly in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the position to grow by 15 percent through 2024, much higher than the national average. Aging population, ever-changing healthcare industry, and governmental reform are just some of the causes for demand, all of which show no signs of slowing.

The reasons laid out here are just a few of the most popular benefits to choosing a career in medical billing and coding. As the demand for these specialists, along with other allied health professions, continue to rise, the benefits and advantages of the position will continue to expand. Now is a great time to start earning a medical billing and coding certification or associate degree. Future opportunities in the healthcare field for medical billers and coders has never looked so promising.

Top 5 Qualities of a Successful Medical Coding and Reimbursement Specialist

If you’re looking for a career in the booming medical world but aren’t excited about taking blood or interacting directly with patients, Medical Coding and Reimbursement may just be the field for you. The in-demand career offers flexibility and security, and the more you develop the necessary skills, the stronger candidate you’ll be as you interview. As you prepare and train for your new career, here are some of the qualities of a successful Medical Coding and Reimbursement Specialist. They’ll help you climb to the top!

1. Detail-Oriented
Medical Coders must be accurate and pay careful attention to even the smallest points of a medical record or insurance claim. Coding each medical procedure without making mistakes is essential, and you’ll also need to find any previous errors in patient records. If you are good at detail-oriented tasks and like hunting down mistakes, you could be a great Medical Coding and Reimbursement Specialist.

2. Analytical
If you pursue this career path, you’ll need to develop your analytical eye. Understanding and interpreting patient records is a fundamental part of the job description, and the more carefully you investigate every detail, the higher you’ll rise in your career.

3. Technical Skills
The more comfortable you are working with technology and computers, the more successful you’ll be. Medical Coders use Electronic Health Records (EHR) software, so learn how to use it now. Get trained from a program like EBI’s Medical Coding and Reimbursement Specialist Program to help you master that software, and be prepared with the skills you need. You can even become a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), which will demonstrate you have the skills employers want.

4. Integrity
Working with patient medical records and insurance claims means Medical Coders have a lot of responsibility. You must be trustworthy and discrete with that information, because you have an obligation to maintain patient confidentiality. Medical Coding and Reimbursement Specialists are required to keep records private under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA), which protects data privacy. Additionally, being a dependable and independent worker will help you achieve your career goals.

5. Communication Skills
As a Medical Coding and Reimbursement Specialist, you will need to write grammatically and communicate clearly in person and over the phone. Consulting with doctors, nurses, and support staff will be an important part of your job, and you’ll sometimes work with insurance companies in an effort to resolve conflicts. Maintaining professional and clear communication will give you a leg up.

Become a Successful Medical Coding and Reimbursement Specialist

At EBI, you can start your successful medical coding career. Learn more about our Associate Degree in Medical Coding and Reimbursement Specialist Program, and start your path to a successful career today.

What to Include On Your Medical Billing & Reimbursement Resume

The healthcare industry is booming, but while jobs are in-demand, competition is fierce. You have to make a good first impression before you ever get your foot in the door, and it begins with your resume.

If you’re ready to sit down and put together a professional resume to pursue your medical billing and coding career, you probably have a lot of questions. How do I format? What keywords should I use? The career services staff at EBI Career College has come up with some quick tips for writing an effective resume.

Formatting

It’s your resume. You don’t need to include your life story. Make sure to hit the strong points: Who you are; Where you received your training; Your experience in the field. Be sure to include the following:

• Contact information –Name, address, cell phone and home phone numbers, and email address.
• Professional summary – Briefly describe yourself and the type of position you’re looking for.
• Skills – Use a bulleted list to include the skills you’ve acquired during your medical billing and coding training and externship.  If you’re seeking your first medical billing and coding job, you can highlight some “soft” skills – attention to detail, interpersonal and communication skills, and collaboration – to help enhance this section.
• Experience – List your professional work experience in reverse chronological order. Include your externship, volunteer experience with any professional organizations and other jobs.
• Education – Include the name of the program, school, and date of completion, along with any professional certifications you may have earned.

“Action” words.

Your resume needs to grab an interviewers’ attention. Avoid passive phrases like “responsible for.” Instead, use action-oriented words such as “executed,” “organized” and “coordinated” to highlight your potential impact.

Make it scannable.

Believe it or not, but yours is one of many resumes a potential employer will evaluate to determine whether or not you receive an interview. Use scannable keywords that are directly related to the medical billing and coding field. It helps to use words and phrases from the job description.

No room for mistakes.

This could be your only shot at getting an interview, make it count. Be sure your resume is 100% error free. Use spell check. Have a friend or family member proofread. Be thorough.

Keep your resume up-to-date.

As you gain skills and experience, make sure to add it so your resume is ready when you need it. You never know when an opportunity will come your way.

One page is enough.

You only need to include relevant information on your resume. It shouldn’t take more than a page. Be sure to limit your resume to include only information vitally important to establishing your impact on a company.

Contact EBI Career College today!

Now is a great time to start a career in the healthcare field. You can complete your degree in as little as 16 months. To learn more about our Medical Billing and Coding degree program in Vestal, NY, call 607-729-8915.

Medical Coding Resume

Five Mistakes to Avoid on your Medical Coding Resume

Your job resume is often a potential employers first chance to form an opinion of your value as an employee. Easily avoidable mistakes can cost you dearly, even if you are the most qualified candidate for a Medical Coding job.

Our Career Services staff is on hand to help you from the moment you enroll, through and beyond graduation. One of the services we offer is resume assistance. Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to write a resume. Here are five easily fixable mistakes to avoid on your Medical Coding resume:

1. Bad Grammar: The best way to make a bad first impression is for your Medical Coding and Billing resume to be filled with grammatical, punctuation, and/or spelling errors. Proofread your resume. Get a fresh set of eyes to proofread it as well. Always better safe than sorry.
2. Rambling: If you say too much about yourself, that’s all the employer is going to remember. Keep your resume short and sweet. Use bullet points to hit key points about your experience and the skills you want to stand out.
3. Not healthcare-centric: If you’re applying for a job as a Medical Biller, Coder, and/or Reimbursement Specialist, your resume needs to be tailored to that specific job title. This shows you are dedicated to finding a position in this field, even if you’re looking around for fallback options.
4. Failure to highlight skills: Your resume needs to highlight what makes you a superior candidate over someone else. It should be a summary of how your skills, education and experience can best help a medical facility.
5. No Cover Letter: Not every employer is going to read your cover letter, but they are important to have “just in case”. A good cover letter fills in the blanks where your resume just highlights your strengths as a candidate. Make sure you write a new and different cover letter for each employer. Yes, they can tell the difference in a freshly written letter and one you’ve been copy and pasting.

Earn your degree in as little as 16 months
The Medical Coding and Reimbursement degree program is designed to prepare you for a career as a medical billing and coding specialist. Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll be eligible for an Associates Degree in Occupational Studies and the Certified Professional Coding(CPC).

Launce your new healthcare career at EBI Career College!

Get your new career started with career-focused training at EBI. To learn more about our Medical Assisting certification in Vestal, NY, call 607-729-8915.

It’s a digital world where technology moves quickly and those who can’t adapt risk getting left behind. Fortunately you’re a savvy professional hungry for success in the medical field. Whether you’re training for entry-level positions in medical coding and billing, medical assisting or medical office assisting, it’s vital that you keep up to date with medical industry trends and tech. Since EBI’s ultimate goal is to prepare students for career success, the following is some industry info to help you keep up with 2017 trends.

Big Data

The incredibly vast amount of collected data in the world may seem potential troublesome, but it is actually helping to drive healthcare forward. For healthcare, and many other industries, the more data available usually means medical professionals have better/more information to work with, resulting in all-around better patient care. But patient care isn’t the only concern of medical facilities these days. Patient experience has come to the forefront of the healthcare system behind the idea that healthcare shouldn’t only be effective, it should also be efficient. Big data helps facilities understand how they can be more efficient from the moment patients enter the door to the moment they leave.

Of course, the term “big data” is very broad term, so it becomes necessary to define what uses for data can be in healthcare. The most obvious use for data is lowering wasted overhead costs in medical facilities like supplies and equipment. Beyond that, big data can predict epidemics, potentially cure diseases, and improve treatment plans – all through data analysis. Big data allows physicians and data scientists to compare patients’ data with billions of other anonymous patient records and the latest medical research findings. Being that all medical records are now digital, we can expect a much more diverse and expanded role for healthcare data in the future.

Patient Experience

As previously stated, the public is becoming ever more concerned with not just the quality of medical treatment, but with the entire healthcare experience. A shift has occurred over the last several years where now patients have the “buying power” in healthcare, so to speak. The weight of patient expectations is put almost entirely on individual practices and hospitals. There are obviously a lot of improvement opportunities in any given healthcare facility, which would be nearly impossible to fix entirely. Instead, medical facilities will likely start strategically making improvements where data and research deem appropriate as well as feasible. Medical assistants will have a large role in improving patient experience, mostly because they are on the front lines of patient interaction. New experienced-focused training is already being implemented in many medical assisting programs, but most “improvements” are typically learned on the job. Where once medical assistants primarily dealt with patient records and physician orders, they will now increasingly be responsible for playing patient host.

Private Investing

The U.S. government funds the large majority of healthcare costs as it always has, but these days venture capital funding is making a bigger impact. Venture capital funding has drastically increased in the last five years from less than $8 billion in 2010 to more than $16 billion in 2015, according to the Wall Street Journal. Funding outside of the government can be highly influential to the progress of healthcare in America. Investors with a personal interest drive technological and procedural innovation, reduce costs, upgrade older systems, and improve overall efficiency. Technology is especially invested in because of the constant evolution of it. History proves that more advanced medical equipment and software has enormous profitability, which helps the U.S. economy, medical practices, and in the end, patient care.

Senior Care

The aging baby boomer population is affecting healthcare more than any other past generation. Senior care is among the fastest-growing, most employed niches of healthcare. In-home care is more popular than ever before, but senior living homes till control the market. Medical assistants will want to pay attention to the senior market for employability, qualification standards, and financial opportunity. Senior care providers typically do not need extensive training, and have the potential to earn high salaries, particularly in in-home care. As the population in general continues to rise, we can expect senior care to continue to grow.

Staying up to date on healthcare trends is perhaps most important for students and entry-level medical professionals. Analyzing these trends can, and should, play an important role in which medical field new medical professionals choose to go into. Opportunity is everywhere; all you have to do is find it.