• Medical billing is an essential part of a medical practice.Accounting and finances image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  Without the medical biller, doctors and medical facilities might not get paid. The biller is an essential part of a medical office. Medical billers create coded billing statements, collect fees from individuals and insurance companies, and must be knowledgeable and proficient about all aspects of the job. The same person often does both medical coding and medical billing. According to Health Care Jobs, there are no actual educational requirements for becoming a medical biller.
  
  

On-the-Job Training

• On the job training is one option for becoming a medical biller.job image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
  
  Although there are no educational requirements for performing the job, medical facilities may require coursework prior to hiring. Because certification or coursework is not required, medical billing is still a field that a quick learner can break into. Many medical billers learned on the job. However, it is always better to take classes and pursue certification to ensure skills are competitive in the job market. For medical office personnel who are already working in a medical office, this might be a way to learn and become qualified for the position. However, for an individual searching for a job, it may be best to look at other educational options.
  
  

Suggested Courses

• Graduating from a medical billing program is the idea approach.graduate girl image by Maria Bell from Fotolia.com
  
  Medical billers create bills to send to both individuals and to insurance companies. The biller needs to learn the codes that identify diagnoses and procedures for insurance claims. The biller also must know the nuances of dealing with each insurance company. Courses designed to teach ICD-9-CM and CPT manuals (manuals of current procedural terminology of diagnoses and dieases) should be part of the mix when choosing coursework. Add to that basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, confidentiality issues, laws and ethics, and insurance form preparation.
  
  

Suggested Program Formats

• There are many program formats to choose from, including online training.computer image by Ewe Degiampietro from Fotolia.com
  
  Choose one of the many options available for becoming educated as a medical biller that best fits your personality, budget and needs. These include traditional and online programs; certificate or diploma programs at community colleges or adult vocational schools. Consider combining a medical billing education with an associate's degree in business administration.
  
  

Certifications

• Consider a professional medical billing certification.Blank award certificate form image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
  
  The American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) certifies medical billers as Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialists (CMRS). AMBA developed this certification 10 years ago to encourage professionalism, competency, ethical practice and credibility for medical billers. Taking the CMRS exam is voluntary, but this designation adds credibility for job candidates.
  
  The exam is divided into 16 sections. The section topics can be found in medical billing programs. Some of the sections include: medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, information technology, ICD-9-CM Coding, CPT-4 Coding, CMS 1500, Insurance and Insurance Carriers.