Description

Medical reimbursement specialists are medical billing professionals who work alongside healthcare providers to assist customers in scheduling and processing payments and insurance. Important skills include the ability to use a computer to perform administrative duties and communication skills to interact with patients, and these specialists must also be well-versed in medicaid and commercial insurance policies and able to plan their own work-days for maximum efficiency.Workplaces include private doctors' offices, hospitals, and emergency centers, as these specialists typically work in an administrative setting at the entrance of the medical facility. They generally work with other specialists and usually report directly to a doctor or to senior administrative personnel. Their clients will include patients of all ages and types of health conditions.National certification is provided by the American Medical Billing Association which requires applicants to pass an exam that covers terminology, anatomy, information technology, insurance, and more; however, this is not always a strict requirement. Some medical reimbursement positions focus solely on cash recovery and account collections.Medical reimbursement specialists work during regular business hours, but may also be required to work late nights or weekends depending on their office's hours. Typically, much of their day is spent at a desk and computer entering information, receiving patients, and making phone calls; other tasks include changing printer paper and ink, responding to e-mails, and handling cash payments.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Medical Reimbursement Specialist with 3-6 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Reviewing and verifying medical claims for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with insurance policies. Ensure that medical claims are properly documented and meet the requirements of insurance providers.
  • Investigating and resolving claim discrepancies or denials by communicating with healthcare providers, patients, and insurance companies. Proactively address any issues or concerns regarding claim submissions and work towards resolution.
  • Coding and billing medical procedures and services using current industry standards and regulations. Accurately assign appropriate codes to medical procedures to ensure proper reimbursement.
  • Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of insurance policies, regulations, and billing guidelines to ensure compliance and maximize reimbursement.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Medical Reimbursement Specialist, the following qualifications are required:

  • In-depth knowledge of medical coding and billing procedures, including understanding of ICD-10 and CPT coding systems.
  • Proficiency in using medical billing software and electronic health record (EHR) systems to accurately process and submit claims.
  • Strong attention to detail to review and verify patient information, insurance coverage, and medical documentation for accurate reimbursement.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills to resolve claim denials, appeals, and insurance discrepancies, ensuring maximum reimbursement for medical services provided.

Essential Skills For Medical Reimbursement Specialist

1

Cash Flow

2

Healthcare Analytics

3

Customer Billing

4

Patient Management

Career Prospects

The role of a Medical Reimbursement Specialist is crucial in ensuring accurate and timely reimbursement processes. For professionals with 3-6 years of experience in Canada's healthcare industry, here are four alternative roles worth considering:

  • Claims Processor: A position that involves reviewing and processing insurance claims, ensuring compliance with billing guidelines and regulations.
  • Medical Billing Specialist: A role focused on coding and billing medical procedures and services, ensuring accurate reimbursement from insurance providers.
  • Healthcare Auditor: A position that involves conducting audits to ensure compliance with billing and coding regulations, identifying potential areas of risk or fraud.
  • Revenue Cycle Analyst: A role focused on analyzing and optimizing the revenue cycle process, identifying opportunities for improvement and maximizing reimbursement efficiency.

How to Learn

The role of Medical Reimbursement Specialist in Canada is projected to experience significant growth in the market. Over the past decade, the demand for professionals in this field has increased steadily. According to recent data from Google, the job outlook for Medical Reimbursement Specialists is favorable, with a projected employment growth rate of 9.2% over the next ten years. This growth indicates a promising increase in job opportunities for individuals in this role. As the healthcare industry continues to expand, the need for skilled Medical Reimbursement Specialists is expected to rise, making it an attractive career path for those interested in the healthcare sector.