A two-year associate degree college program is often required for entry-level employment as a health insurance specialist. Anatomy, medical terminology, medical coding, and insurance procedures are typically covered in these programs. Certification programs are also available through junior colleges and private programs to help you prepare for this career.
A person who wants to work as a health insurance specialist could work for a large insurance company, a hospital, or a small firm that specializes in medical billing. Medical insurance specialists, medical billing specialists, and insurance coders are all terms used to describe health insurance specialists. Obtaining an associate’s degree or certificate will allow you to work in an entry-level position. A bachelor’s degree can help you advance in your career and earn more money.
Some educational programs that prepare people to work as health insurance specialists require them to complete an internship at a doctor’s office or a hospital. Students often work under the supervision of a lead health insurance specialist and gain experience filling out insurance claims, itemizing charges, and assigning diagnostic and procedural codes. Students also learn how to answer questions about health insurance and spot claim errors.
Professional certification as a coder is an option for health insurance specialists. Private programs award professional coding credentials to health insurance specialists and other medical support staff members who want to work in a hospital or physician’s office billing department. After passing a multiple-choice exam, the individual is usually certified. Continuing education units must be completed to maintain the credential, and the certification must be renewed every two years.
Certification is a voluntary process that can be used to show potential employers that a person has advanced skills and knowledge. A certification program’s additional training can often result in an increase in annual salary. Before enrolling in a certification program to become a health insurance specialist, prospective students should research the program’s credibility. To get a sense of how the program is perceived in the health insurance industry, contact potential employers or recruiters and ask about their thoughts on the program.
As of 2011, the job outlook for health insurance specialists was promising. Bachelor’s degree holders in finance, accounting, or business administration may have the best opportunities for employment and advancement. Some employers will accept education in lieu of experience.