To become a health insurance specialist, completing a two-year college program or certificate program is required. Internships and certification programs are available, and a bachelor’s degree can lead to advancement. Employment prospects are favorable, with those with a finance, accounting, or business administration degree having the best chances.
Entry-level employment as a health insurance specialist usually requires completion of a minimum two-year college program. These programs often offer courses in anatomy, medical terminology, medical coding, and insurance procedures. There are also certificate programs offered by junior colleges and private programs that can help you prepare for this career.
An individual who would like to become a health insurance specialist can work for a large insurance company, hospital, or boutique company that offers specialized medical billing services. Health insurance specialists are also called medical insurance specialists, medical billing specialists, or insurance coders. Obtaining an associate degree or certificate will provide an opportunity for entry-level employment. Completion of a bachelor’s degree can lead to advancement in position and salary.
Some educational programs that help prepare a person who would like to become a health insurance specialist require completing an internship at a doctor’s office or hospital. In many cases, students work under the supervision of the leading health insurance specialist and gain hands-on experience completing insurance claims, specifying charges, and assigning diagnostic and procedure codes. Students also learn how to answer health insurance related questions and identify errors in claims.
Health insurance specialists have the option of becoming certified as professional coders. There are private programs that award professional coder credentials to health insurance specialists and other medical support staff who want to work in the billing department of a hospital or physician’s office. Certification is typically earned after an individual passes a multiple-choice exam. To maintain the credential, continuing education units must be completed and the certification must be renewed every two years.
Certification is a voluntary process that can be used to demonstrate to prospective employers that an individual has advanced skills and knowledge. The additional training provided by a certification program can often lead to an increase in annual salary. Someone who would like to become a health insurance specialist should check the certification program’s credibility before applying. To get an idea of how the program is viewed in the health insurance industry, you can contact potential employers or talk to recruiters and get information about their views on the program.
Employment prospects for health insurance specialists were favorable as of 2011. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or business administration may have the best chances for employment and promotion. Some employers allow education to replace experience.
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