• Claims processors verify information found in patient medical records.Jetta Productions/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Medical insurance claims processors play an important role in the medical billing process. They are responsible for encoding information properly so that insurance companies can pay medical claims on behalf of patients. Insurance claims processors must be detail-oriented and the meticulous in their work in order to ensure that claims are paid out in a timely fashion.
  
  

Checking Medical Records

• Medical insurance claims processors check existing medical records as part of their regular duties. They ensure that all information contained in the records is accurate and that no discrepancies exist. Insurance claims processors also ensure that information has been properly entered by medical information clerks and medical professionals so that the insurance company can complete the claims process.
  
  

Sorting

• Medical insurance claims processors work on multiple files daily. In order to be sure that they are properly filing information and handling the information properly, processors may need to sort claims and organize them by date, type of claim or any other way that ensures accuracy and aids in the expediting of claims for processing.
  
  

Reviewing Claims

• These professionals review insurance claims made by individuals and by physicians and health care facilities to ensure that they are encoded properly for the type of claim being made. They may review claims in light of a patient's past medical history to check for preexisting conditions that might not be covered by an insurance claim. This may require the medical claims processor to retrieve information from databases or other computer information systems.
  
  

Data Entry

• Since medical claims processors must work with a large amount of information to ensure accuracy, at times they may need to make necessary changes to that information when it is inaccurate. This may require a certain amount of data entry on their part. They may enter information electronically or even by hand in paper files.
  
  

Reporting and Communication

• Medical insurance claims processors also prepare reports regarding specific claims. Reports may include information as to why a claim was either paid or denied. They may communicate this information to physicians, insurance companies and even to patients from time to time. Medical claims processors may have to answer questions from medical professionals and patients who are calling to inquire about the claims process.