According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. healthcare industry is projected to grow 16% in employment from 2020 to 2030. This rate will add about 2.6 million new jobs for American workers. The healthcare industry is a vital force in our economy and in our personal well-being. We find many people working behind the scenes to deliver the services needed to keep us healthy. Among these employees are office administrators and their staff.
The role of office administration includes three groups and their services we want to highlight:
- Office Administrators
- Medical Coders
- Medical Billers
These professionals keep the offices running efficiently, statements coded correctly, and patient bills sent out and paid.
Office Administration Coordinates the Work of the Medical Staff
Doctors, nurses, and medical assistants provide the medical services and treatment of patients in clinics, hospitals, and physician’s offices. They need the assistance of office administrators and their staff to perform other necessary services for their patients, including:
- Greet patients and send them to the right departments
- Answer phones and make appointments
- Keep accurate and timely office records
- Perform human resource activities
- Code reports and treatments provided to patients
- Bill insurance companies for payment of patient claims
Office administrators and office assistants take the lead in organizing all office activities and coordinating them with the appropriate physicians and nurses. They are well-trained in medical terminology, law, ethics, and patient confidentiality. The staff is skilled in computer and medical software use. Their work is indispensable in any healthcare provider setting, and we all can be thankful for their service.
Medical Coders Convert Reports to Coded Statements for Billing
Medical coders are found in doctor and dental offices as well as in clinics, hospitals, and health departments. Their role is reading notes and reports from physicians and convert them into standard medical coding for the billing department.
The coding is based on:
- Medical history
- Diagnoses
- Procedures
- Services
- Medications
- Equipment used
The alphanumeric coding system is based on current CPT and ICD-10 languages that insurance companies and government agencies understand.
Many patient cases are simple to code while others require collaboration with doctors and experienced peers. On-going training is provided by employers to keep up with the latest changes in the industry.
Keeping accurate and timely medical records protects patients and their health from incorrect treatments and medications.
| “The healthcare industry is a vital force in our economy and for our personal well-being. We find many people working behind the scenes to deliver the services needed to keep us healthy. Among these employees are office administrators and their staff.” |
Medical Billers Send Patient Claims to Insurance Companies
The next step after coders finishes medical statements is sending them to the billing office. The medical billers examine the statements for accuracy and:
- Make corrections if needed
- Change them into patient claim statements
- Send them to insurance companies for payment
Billing statements are also forwarded to Medicare, Medicaid, other third parties, and patients for payment. Billers also maintain accurate financial records for keeping balances current.
In the event patients fail to pay their balances, medical billers make monthly payment arrangements or turn them over to a collection agency.
Their Contributions Can’t Be Overlooked
Office administrators, medical coders, and medical billers work closely with all office staff to ensure professionalism, patient confidentiality, and patient safety.
Their contributions are vital to the success of their healthcare facility and the patients’ well-being. Employment opportunities are present in a wide range of facilities such as:
- Doctor and dentist offices
- Clinics and hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Health departments
- Ambulatory surgical centers
- Mental health clinics
The best way to obtain an entry-level position in healthcare office administration is by earning an Associate degree. Explore these positions in more depth with REV Cycle Intelligence.
Train for This Career with an Associate Degree
Train for a healthcare office administration job by earning an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree from ITI Technical College. Our program offers excellence in healthcare training to prepare students for gainful work and a better life. Learn more about all our technical training programs.
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at:
