Health Care Reimbursement Careers

by Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

If you're the type of person who can understand complex medical terms and want to work in the health care field, but not necessarily hands-on with patients, then a career in health care reimbursement might be right for you.

Careers in health care reimbursement are as old as the health care insurance industry itself, but the ongoing complex nature of insurance, billing, coding, reimbursement procedures, as well as the changing technology in health care is making this one of the fastest-growing fields in the health care industry.

A career in health care reimbursement used to mean on-the-job training within a doctor's office or hospital medical billing office, but that has changed in recent years. While some people interested in this field are still trained on the job, many professionals in health care reimbursement are enrolling in and completing certificate and degree programs to join this field.

Reimburse yourself with a rewarding career in health care reimbursement
Why go to school to learn health care reimbursement? The more appropriate question may be, why not? Those who go to school and earn a certificate or an associate's degree in health care reimbursement have the door open wide for them in the growing health care field. If you're interested in a career in health care reimbursement, you might work in a doctor's office, in a government agency that has to do with health care, or in a hospital or surgical setting. Unlike some who work hands-on in the health care field, rather than in administration, you will most likely work regular hours of 9-5, or something comparable Monday through Friday.

There are several different types of programs that specialize in training students in the health care reimbursement profession. You might even start your career while still in high school by enrolling in a dual program at a community college or trade school. These schools typically have certificate, as well as associate's degree programs. The more educated and trained you are for the profession, the higher your salary will most likely be when you begin your career, as well as the higher your chances for advancement within your office or organization.

People interested in a career in health care reimbursement must have analytical skills, as well as the ability to learn and understand complex medical terminology, as you will be required to read and interpret medical records with regards to injury, illness, disease, and patient histories. You will also be required to learn medical coding and billing, including the ICD-9-CM and CPT coding systems. Health care reimbursement professionals must assign diagnostic and procedural codes, as well as know how to use manual and computerized encoders and grouping systems such as diagnostic related groups (DRGs), Resource Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) and Ambulatory Payment Classification (APCs).

A growing field in health care
No matter what happens with the health care system in the United States, a profession in health care reimbursement is likely to grow within the next decade. As the population continues to age and seek medical professionals, those professionals will be looking toward health care reimbursement professionals to get reimbursement for their services.

If you're interested in the thriving field of health care, but would rather work on the administrative side of things, a career in health care reimbursement might be for you - find a school and get started on a new career today!