Someone has just posted a new coment in our Medical Assistant NET forum about joining Regional Occupation Program (ROP) for vocational training in California, where high school students are eligible to take appropriate ROP classes, including medical assisting. The discussion thread in our forum is rather extensive with lots of feedback, discussion and advice. The latest message was posted by Kat (from the ip address 66.27.143.33).
Message: Health Care Student
Hi everyone, I appreciate reading the post by "Teach" and providing her insight since I am looking into an ROP MA program (CA) to start medical assistant training in the next six weeks and will help me and my family tremendously. I need to work, have children and I know how to make sure I get the medication labels straight. I understand Lori's concerns in that discussion thread and they are valid yet, RNs are sued, doctors are sued, and MAs need to be competent too. This comes with common sense, an ablility prior to walking into the classroom. I had to pass an exam prior to my registration date. EMT's have less training than MAs. I have an MBA, and taken my RN prerequisites yet, moving to California where the clinicals are at 6:00 AM, I can not do that with children who start school at 8:00 AM. MA is my plan B to actually work in my field, and thanks again Lori for your post, and helping me understand the benefits about the MA ROP program. Affordable, fast, and efficient (for those who work hard and want to pass the exams) :). ~ Kat, SMA
ROP typically offers classes on a trimester basis, with many new courses starting throughout the year for California high school graduates and eligible adults. Job training opportunities offered are phlebotomy courses, clinical and administrative medical assisting, dental assisting, various other medical career programs, citizenship courses, High School diploma and GED courses, and more, depending on available resources and faculty at various institutions across California.
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Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
Every day thousands are faced with making career decisions and looking for a better job. As you are planning your future and exploring careers that match your interests and talents you should take into consideration your local job market (what is available? Who is hiring? How many are applying for the same jobs?) and understand the standards and expectations of employers in your area. In other words, your decision will very likely not only depend on your interests and what you want alone, but also what is available and what employers expect.
An employer wants someone who is dependable, a team player and problem solver and has achieved good grades, or recognized designations and credentials that match the position, such as certified medical assistant, or certified medical coder and biller. Although every occupation has different values, prerequisites, expectations, skills and requirements there are also many factors and qualities that are the same, no matter what you chose or where you go.
The difference is that one is a job, and the other is a career in which one can grow as a person and professional; for instance, while a Burger King team member receives orders, processes payment and responds to customer issues they are not expected to have the same level of education as, let's say, a medical assistant who in essence, similarly deals with patient concerns, processes payments, and maintains a clean and safe environment. This is not to say that a Burger King, or similar restaurant team member's job is worth or counts less. They too, are expected to be professional, courteous, dependable and able to maintain a clean and safe work environment, yet, their turnover rate is high, whereas a medical assistant usually stays in the profession for many, many years.
The bottom line for those considering a career in the health care industry is a positive outlook, problem solver, team player with and caring attitude and very likely some form of formal training, especially for positions in nursing, patient diagnostics and other highly technical areas, such as phlebotomy and laboratory technician. Medical office positions on an administrative level, or medical assistant positions that involve basic patient care procedures can be trained directly on the job.
THE FOLLOWING RULES & ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL PUBLISHED COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
Phlebotomists are worthy of our continual never ending thanks, respect and admiration. Not only do they perform dozens of venipunctures per day with great exactness, they are also required to juggle many other jobs.
The Phlebotomist work under the direct supervision of a physician, a medical laboratory scientist, or a lead phlebotomy technician in the clinical areas of a small annexed medical office laboratory, or in a hospital, hospital laboratory, freestanding diagnostic lab, or in a blood bank and donation center.
In our lab they perform so many jobs in fact that their official title in our organization is "Patient Service Rep". I wonder how many phlebotomists among us think that this is an appropriate title?
Some phlebotomists travel to given locations to collect blood samples; for example, they may travel from house to house to collect specimens from homebound persons. After the specimen has been collected the phlebotomist labels the collection tubes and gets them ready for transport to the lab. The samples will be analyzed to help diagnose, or monitor illness and deficiencies.
Most blood tests are performed on anticoagulants whole blood, plasma, or serum. Blood specimens must be collected in the proper collection tubes and containers and in the right order of draw. The collection tubes must also be correctly labeled and promptly transported to the laboratory. Needless to say, blood specimens should be refrigerated until placed in the courier box for transport to the laboratory.
Phlebotomists in California are heavily monitored by the state and must be licensed with the California State Medical Board in order to work as part of the allied healthcare professional team.
Phlebotomists in California have several levels of licensing. Those wishing to work in phlebotomy in California must first complete an unpaid 40-hour internship where 50 successful blood draws on patients via venipuncture and 10 finger/heelsticks must be properly performed and logged. All this must be done before entering the phlebotomy career, because California regulation mandates that you cannot work as a phlebotomist without a license. This rule also applies to medical assistants and other allied health professionals with blood drawing responsibilities in the state of California.
THE FOLLOWING RULES & ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL PUBLISHED COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
We often receive posts and questions in our medical assistant forum from experienced medical assistants who want to continue their education and become a nurse.
They know that there will be millions of new jobs in the medical and healthcare professions and the bulk of those jobs will be for nurses. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of jobs available for registered nurses will rise by 27% by 2014 – along with increased opportunities for licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants and those in medical technical fields like radiologic imaging, phlebotomy, and pulmonology.
These medical assistants, of which many are certified, want to know whether it is possible to work and go to nursing school at the same time, what the benefits are, and how to come up with the money to fund their education.
Medical Assistants Getting a Nursing Degree
Due to the continuous demand for qualified trained professionals in the area of medical, health and nursing care, most medical facilities support their staff members in their efforts to further their education. Employers in the medical field, especially teaching hospitals, are willing to adjust the employee's work schedule and provide tuition assistance as part of their benefits package while under their employ, which covers a percentage, or up to a particular dollar amount of the tuition. Most employers stipulate that the employee must work for them for a particular length of time after they have earned the desired diploma or degree, or else, they might have to reimburse them. Others offer tuition reimbursement upon completion of the degree (not while in school).
Unusual Jobs With A Nursing Degree
Pediatric Home Health Care is one of the growing fields for those with nursing degrees. Just about every state in the USA now has some sort of early intervention program that identifies children under the age of three years with special needs. Pediatric home health care gives you the opportunity to work with children and parents and make a real difference in their lives.
Elder Home Health Care is the other end of the spectrum. An ever increasing number of people, the “Aging of America” require some help, even if it is just a few hours a day or week, to remain in their homes. Certified home health aides (CHHA) and nursing assistants (CNA), registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) can provide that extra help that will allow a senior citizen to remain independent, comforatable and safe at home.
Working in a blood donation or hemodialysis center is other attractive option for RNs and LPNs. There’s more to blood donation and kidney dialysis than just starting IVs. Nurses who specialize in various apheresis techniques, phlebotomy, and hemodialysis can command high salaries.
A Critical Care Transport (CCT) nurse and flight nurse takes the nursing profession to an even higher level and requires multiple nursing degrees, but it can be one of the most interesting and fascinating nursing jobs. A CCT nurse accompanies patients being transported from home or a nursing facility to another nursing facility. The nurse is responsible for maintaining continuity of care for every patient – in the back of an ambulance. The flight nurse provides comprehensive emergency and critical care to all types of patients during aeromedical evacuation or rescue operations aboard a helicopter and propeller and jet aircraft on their way to a medical facility or hospital.
Other interesting and unusual fields for those with a nursing degree are working at an amusement park or zoo, or in the ambulatory emergency and 1st aid medical clinic at a state or national park, or provide medical backup for the emergency workers at a beach or other recreational setting, or become an allied health and medical school vocational training instructor, medical illustrator, or earn their doctor's degree. The possibilities are endless.
Each of these nursing professions are challenging, interesting, rewarding and command salaries that are much higher than average.
Educational Requirements
To become a qualified nurse there are specific requirements which includes a college education. Each state has a Board of Nursing/State Nursing Board which has an approved list of nursing schools you must attend in order to be eligible for the NCLEX (licensure exam). To get licensed you must pass a background check and, of course, the NCLEX. Nursing degrees range from associates, to bachelor’s, to masters, of which some can be achieved through online programs offered by reputable schools such as University of Phoenix, or Excelsior College, to name just a couple. We recommend getting as much information as you can on medical and healthcare programs offered online before diving right and signing up for anything.
One significant advantage of working as a medical assistant, home health aide, or nuse assistant, or phlebotomist prior to obtaining a nursing degree is the experience with doctors, clinicians, other allied health professionals and patients. You will already be familiar with a typical medical office setting and understand daily operating routines of a health care facility, thus having direct work experience in combination with your degree. Having hand-on experience gives you an edge when applying for better jobs in the medical field.
We often receive posts and questions in our medical assistant forum from experienced medical assistants who want to continue their education and become a nurse.
They know that there will be millions of new jobs in the medical and healthcare professions and the bulk of those jobs will be for nurses. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of jobs available for registered nurses will rise by 27% by 2014 – along with increased opportunities for licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants and those in medical technical fields like radiologic imaging, phlebotomy, and pulmonology.
These medical assistants, of which many are certified, want to know whether it is possible to work and go to nursing school at the same time, what the benefits are, and how to come up with the money to fund their education.
Medical Assistants Getting a Nursing Degree
Due to the continuous demand for qualified trained professionals in the area of medical, health and nursing care, most medical facilities support their staff members in their efforts to further their education. Employers in the medical field, especially teaching hospitals, are willing to adjust the employee's work schedule and provide tuition assistance as part of their benefits package while under their employ, which covers a percentage, or up to a particular dollar amount of the tuition. Most employers stipulate that the employee must work for them for a particular length of time after they have earned the desired diploma or degree, or else, they might have to reimburse them. Others offer tuition reimbursement upon completion of the degree (not while in school).
Unusual Jobs With A Nursing Degree
Pediatric Home Health Care is one of the growing fields for those with nursing degrees. Just about every state in the USA now has some sort of early intervention program that identifies children under the age of three years with special needs. Pediatric home health care gives you the opportunity to work with children and parents and make a real difference in their lives.
Elder Home Health Care is the other end of the spectrum. An ever increasing number of people, the “Aging of America” require some help, even if it is just a few hours a day or week, to remain in their homes. Certified home health aides (CHHA) and nursing assistants (CNA), registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) can provide that extra help that will allow a senior citizen to remain independent, comforatable and safe at home.
Working in a blood donation or hemodialysis center is other attractive option for RNs and LPNs. There’s more to blood donation and kidney dialysis than just starting IVs. Nurses who specialize in various apheresis techniques, phlebotomy, and hemodialysis can command high salaries.
A Critical Care Transport (CCT) nurse and flight nurse takes the nursing profession to an even higher level and requires multiple nursing degrees, but it can be one of the most interesting and fascinating nursing jobs. A CCT nurse accompanies patients being transported from home or a nursing facility to another nursing facility. The nurse is responsible for maintaining continuity of care for every patient – in the back of an ambulance. The flight nurse provides comprehensive emergency and critical care to all types of patients during aeromedical evacuation or rescue operations aboard a helicopter and propeller and jet aircraft on their way to a medical facility or hospital.
Other interesting and unusual fields for those with a nursing degree are working at an amusement park or zoo, or in the ambulatory emergency and 1st aid medical clinic at a state or national park, or provide medical backup for the emergency workers at a beach or other recreational setting, or become an allied health and medical school vocational training instructor, medical illustrator, or earn their doctor's degree. The possibilities are endless.
Each of these nursing professions are challenging, interesting, rewarding and command salaries that are much higher than average.
Educational Requirements
To become a qualified nurse there are specific requirements which includes a college education. Each state has a Board of Nursing/State Nursing Board which has an approved list of nursing schools you must attend in order to be eligible for the NCLEX (licensure exam). To get licensed you must pass a background check and, of course, the NCLEX. Nursing degrees range from associates, to bachelor’s, to masters, of which some can be achieved through online programs offered by reputable schools such as University of Phoenix, or Excelsior College, to name just a couple. We recommend getting as much information as you can on medical and healthcare programs offered online before diving right and signing up for anything.
One significant advantage of working as a medical assistant, home health aide, or nuse assistant, or phlebotomist prior to obtaining a nursing degree is the experience with doctors, clinicians, other allied health professionals and patients. You will already be familiar with a typical medical office setting and understand daily operating routines of a health care facility, thus having direct work experience in combination with your degree. Having hand-on experience gives you an edge when applying for better jobs in the medical field.
THE FOLLOWING RULES & ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL PUBLISHED COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
All too often we receive questions regarding specific medical billing issues and matching medical codes in our forum; but that's not just our Medical Billing Forum alone, that's ANY medical coding and billing forum on the Internet is packed with questions regarding specific (CPT) codes and urgent requests for help. That way, if something goes wrong they have someone else to blame.
Medical Coding Questions Posted in a Forum
Unfortunately, this tells us that there are medical coders (and medical billers) who, quite frankly, have no clue; they are inadeqately trained, or self-trained, and when they hit a wall, they post their question in a forum in hopes to get answers or find someone (anyone!!!) to give them approval of codes they have somehow come up with themselves. This could be a student with a test question, or homework assignment, or a medical coder, or biller already working but that is in over his or her head. One example of such requests posted to our medical billing forum is asking for help with a specific CPT code. It reads:
"I bill for a rheumatologist. I am familiar with most codes that he uses but last week he gave XYZ-medication (*brand name removed - not relevant for this example) to one of his patients who had a severe drug reaction. There was considerable disruption in the office and the direct observation lasted 2 hours. The doctor wants me to bill for his observation services but I am not sure which code to use. I was thinking may be 99058 will fit the bill, but the doctor insists that the code should be time specific since he spent two hours on the patient's care. Can someone please help?"
Medical coding must never be performed without first looking at the original documentation and the final decisions regarding coding issues rest with the provider. It must be clearly understood that a forum is not an official organization, agency, or anything else that provides a final decision regarding coding or billing issues. A forum is not here to code visits, to train a visitor how to code, or to recommend which codes to select. All a forum, its members and/or guests do is provide limited guidance. Guidance is limited to what is presented by a poster, however, what is presented may, or may not be true, accurate or correct.
"Providers are responsible for the correct submission of claims and response to any remittance advice in accordance with current laws, regulations and standards."
The patient's medical record must show detailed entries as to time, who did what, when, for how long, was it the doctor who monitored the patient directly, or was it delegated to a nurse or a medical assistant, what directives were given, was emergency intervention provided, and if so, how much total direct hands on and face-to-face time from the doctor was involved? When it comes to accurate medical coding, any code selected must be:
medically necessary
documented as being rendered
the proper code for the documented services rendered.
Telling a patient to sit in the waiting room for 30 minutes before they can leave after an injection and direct face-to-face attention after an acute reaction can both be described as monitoring, but it doesn't always mean it can be billed it at a higher level.
The Doctor Makes the Final Decision
The provider knows what was done and everything must be coded as it was documented in the patient's records. A medical coder can research a subject, provide suggestions and present supporting documentation from the proper sources to make a point, however, the final decision rests with the doctor.
Documentation is the key.
THE FOLLOWING RULES & ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL PUBLISHED COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
"Is there Really Such a Thing as a Worthless Medical Assistant Certificate, or Diploma?" Many might not know that marketing fake and worthless diplomas, certificates and degrees is a billion dollar industry - at least 800 million a year in the U.S. alone. So big is this market that various state offices, consumer protection agencies and educational websites warn people to use caution when it comes to new schools and distance education programs.
Understand the definition of certified medical assistant and the medical assistant certification process and advantages, know how to locate qualified training to earn medical assistant credentials, and the difference and benefits of various programs offered, otherwise you might wind up with a piece of paper that is not worth your money and time. Realize that fake schools and diploma mills do exist and therefore, do your research.
TSS, a medical assistant school graduate, shared with us:
I'm a real go getter and everyone in my class was really hurt when we found out we were not getting certified
Many community colleges now offer medical assistant classes that are strictly web based and hybrid courses where all, or most of the required course work and instruction is done online. Our local community college, for example, offers 3-4 credit online courses in accounting, biology, algebra, medical computer applications, word processing, computer sciences, economics, English composition, pharmacology, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, certification exam prep for Health Information Technology and many more online.
The only time you see enrolled distance education students show up on campus is when they take their mid-term and final exams on paper (if required, because even that can be done online). Some schools make provisions for their students to come in once a week for an hour, or two, to review certain skills, especially if they require hands on supervision under the guidance of an instructor, such as, for example a credit hour course in phlebotomy technology, or biology lab.
Do Online Studends Fare As Well As Students Who Received Traditional Classroom Instruction?
Whether students in online or hybrid courses fare better than those in a traditional classroom is debatable. Surely, there can be certain challenges and pitfalls in both; for example, self-discipline, commitment and extra motivation to make sure you learn and understand the material is important in either setting, however, a hidden pitfall could be that you might forget to turn in all of your assignments on time without the face-to-face reminder from the instructor and without their classroom peers and face-to-face interaction with faculty some students might not have the extra motivation needed to do the independently study as necessary to excel.
Since online programs utilize the Internet and email students must have access to the Internet (which includes a computer, keyboard, browser, mouse, Internet service and electricity), and have a solid understanding of the computer to access the courses.
Possible Pitfalls When Utilizing Online Program Technologies
One form of technology distance education schools use to facilitate their programs online is the Blackboard e-education platform, to name just one of many, a technology where registered students log in with their assigned user name and password.
When taking a quiz or exam online there are a number of factors to consider, such as using a reliable computer and compatible browser, a reliable connection and having plug in programs installed such as Java(tm) software, Adobe Reader(tm), and often, running some sort of word processing program, such as Microsoft Office Word(tm). If the computer is not operating properly, or the connection is suddenly interrupted, all work could be instantly lost without being submitted and the student is locked out of the test. Often, there are time limits imposed and if a student stays on a page too long the session will time out and renders the student unable to submit the exam.
In addition, there could be an issue with accidentally hitting the Enter button, instead of the space bar or tab. This could lead to having an answer being locked in and submitted with no way to go back. Often, the Back button is disabled or causes work to be lost when utilized. When completing the test be sure to click the SUBMIT button to ensure the test is sent to your instructor. Yes, online students often even forget this.
How to Choose the Right Vocational Training Program for You
Being a smart consumer pays off when choosing vocational training programs especially online. Warning signs and program quality check points do exist
Medical assistant, phlebotomy and laboratory technician, medical billing and coding certifications are reaching a new level of recognition with employers. While taking an allied health professional certification exam remains largely voluntary here in the USA, there is definitely a big trend among employers who specifically stipulate in their job ads that a medical office position which needs to be filled requires certified credentials.
Rarely do you see medical assistants being hired without experience and trained directly on the job anymore. Doctors these days expect more. These doctors and medical facilities clearly see the benefits of hiring someone with certified credentials; they want someone who has the knowledge necessary to work side by side with health and medical staff to run their medical office or health care facility efficiently and safely. Hiring competent and well trained medical assisting staff gives them a certain amount of confidence and assurance.
An example of such a job advertisement is this one randomly picked from the Indeed.com jobs bank today:
XYZ Physician Associates, LLC currently has a full time medical assistant position available working in a very fast paced environment. Requirements: Candidates must have six months to one year related experience in a medical office or similar clinical setting. Candidates must also be highly organized, pay attention to detail and be able to multi-task. Computer skills required. Phlebotomy experience preferred. Graduate of a Medical Assisting Program. Certification preferred.
Medical assistant training institutions and community colleges know this and are heeding the call by offering medical assistant training programs that lead to desired diplomas and qualifies their graduates to sit for recognized medical assistant certification exams. Funding and financial assistance for such training programs is readily available for those who qualify, much of it completely free and must never be paid back if you are, for example, presently unemployed and qualify for educational grants and employment rehab programs.
There are a number of different medical assistant and other allied health occupations certification sponsors, each having their own unique certification requirements. Their certification exams serve as a valid means of assessing an individual’s specific knowledge and competence in the medical assistant occupation. Passing any one of the various offered certification exams adds credibility and credentials to your name by having earned recognized designations in a specific discipline. Once you have earned your credentials they are portable to all places you may work now and in the future. This is important because in today’s economy people may have to move to a different location or across boarders to a different state to go where the jobs, or better jobs are.
THE FOLLOWING RULES & ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL PUBLISHED COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
If you are an entry level medical coder in the United States your pay usually starts at $11 to $13 per hour, an individual with experience of 2-5 years can earn $15-$18 per hour, highly experienced medical coders with specialty certifications can earn as much as $23 per hour, or more. Here is a breakdown of typical factors that can strongly affect the medical coder's take home pay:
Training – Industry specific training and credentials are probably the biggest factors influencing take home pay right along with years of experience.
Experience – Your work experience plays another important role. High recommendations from a former employer who attests to your experience and value to the company speaks louder than anything else in the healthcare industry. This could be your strongest negotiation point when discussing pay.
Company Size & Setting – Large companies may be able to offer higher wages than small businesses. The local job market situation also influences pay rates and the value you bring to the businesses.
Geographic Location – The location of the job can have a big influence on salary. Jobs in a metropolitan area is usually higher compared to small cities and urban areas.
Specialization – A specialty also affects wages. Some medical coders are highly specializes, or consultants in specific areas of the medical and healthcare coding and billing industry. Others are mentors at workshops, professional speakers at seminars, or authors of textbooks and teaching materials.
Self-Employed – Your employment type also affects how much money you can make. While as an employee you are likely on a per hour compensation with incremental wage increases over time, you will set your own rates as a self-employed individual.
A few years ago AAPC published a detailed article and charts on their website that shows how much medical coders typically earn along with a separate list of salaries by specialty and salaries by title. You can probably still find the article if you use a search engine and query: "AAPC wage study and comparison for medical coders".
THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
Where so many are looking for a better job to build a better life, money for education and training can quickly become part of the concerns. While everybody would like to pave the way for a better future, not everybody can afford to go back to school unless they have the necessary funding for vocational training institutions or community college; however money for vocational education IS readily available for those who qualify. US Department of Labor and Workforce Development Career Centers offer services free of charge to help people develop the skills needed to succeed in a meaningful work environment, either at an approved job training site, or in a qualified medical assistant job training program.
Completely FREE Job Training Opportunities
Even better, many can get their medical assistant training COMPLETELY free by getting trained right on the job under the direction of a doctor, or almost free by enrolling into completely free state and government sponsored vocational training programs such as Job Corps, regional programs such as ROP, or vocational rehab programs for the unemployed.
Medical Assistant Work Environment
Most medical assistants work as part of a patient-service team in close contact with doctors, dentists, nurses, and physical therapists, others specialize in providing emergency medical treatment, operating diagnostic tools such as x-ray and ultrasound equipment, laboratory testing of tissue and blood samples, maintaining pharmacy supplies or patients' records, constructing and repairing medical or office equipment and many other clinical and administrative healthcare tasks.
THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
I just read an amazing article about someone finding a humongous 10 pound gold nugget with a simple metal detector while hiking in the Sierra Nevada. When I read how this person stumbled upon a hunk of gold in the desert, I immediately thought, oh, wow! What are the chances of that? To find around $130,000.00 in gold under some rocks. While I realize that this is a once in a lifetime discovery, I am keenly aware that golden opportunities exist for each and every one of us if we put our mind to it.
The Gold Nugget is Within You!
While you may not own a metal detector, nor hike in the Sierra Nevada, you too can find a hunk of gold, right where you are—within yourself. Just like a piece of gold, which is beautiful, has value and never wears out, so are your talents and skills. Your gold nugget is you, your family, your talents, compassion and skills. Your metal detector is a golden opportunity that comes along, especially for those with a solid education and the strong desire to build a career path where one can grow as a person and professional. Do this, and you will have golden days ahead.
Jobs in the Healthcare Industry
In today's tough economy, many are gravitating toward a career in the medical and healthcare field to find their own gold nuggets. The healthcare and medical industry is booming and holds countless job opportunities, of which many require as "little as" a high school diploma and the will to succeed. Kindness, caring and being well organized with a keen eye for details are your best traits to do well in an allied health career.
Healthcare workers are well educated, highly trained and well compentsated for normal work hours and hours outside their normal schedule, which includes for pre- and post shift duties, travel time during scheduled work hours from site to site and work related travel to meetings and training. They are also well protected by labor laws.
Healthcare Worker's Wages, Pay, Bonuses and Exemptions
Non-exempt employees receive time and one-half the regular rate of pay after 40 hours of work in a 7-day workweek. Regular rate includes all compensation, such as non-discretionary bonuses and shift differentials. In nursing homes and residential living facilities, employers may pay overtime after 8 hours in any one day and 80 hours in a 14-day pay period.
Anyone wishing to find out details about healthcare personnel employment rules, regulations and pay, such as, for example whether salaried managerial and professional employees in healthcare facilities are exempt from the minimum wage and overtime regulations in their state, should contact their state's Labor Department. Often it depends on whether they have met specific salary, duty, or educational requirements.
Examples of a healthcare facility constantly in need of healthcare staff and personnel include hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics and group medical practices, comprehensive rehabilitation hospitals, residential health care facilities, residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities, adult day health care facilities, assisted living residences, comprehensive personal care homes, home health care agencies, hospice care agencies, maternal and child health consortia and health care service firms. They also often seek
volunteers to work overtime
on-call employees
per diem staff to compensate for short-falls
personnel from a contracted temporary agency
My golden rule is to make the best out of the day, every day. Do something every day that you like. It is your choice! Every morning you are handed 24 golden hours. They are one of the few things in this world that you get free of charge. If you had all the money in the world, you couldn't buy an extra hour. What will you do with this priceless treasure?
I if you want to get some more golden Career Path Development tips, click the link. This website has some really down to earth, common sense tips and extper insights for people who have to make career choices and the tough decisions that go hand in hand with the process. If you just want to read more about the story about the person who found a gold nugget, go here.
THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
I just read an amazing article about someone finding a humongous 10 pound gold nugget with a simple metal detector while hiking in the Sierra Nevada. When I read how this person stumbled upon a hunk of gold in the desert, I immediately thought, oh, wow! What are the chances of that? To find around $130,000.00 in gold under some rocks. While I realize that this is a once in a lifetime discovery, I am keenly aware that golden opportunities exist for each and every one of us if we put our mind to it.
The Gold Nugget is Within You!
While you may not own a metal detector, nor hike in the Sierra Nevada, you too can find a hunk of gold, right where you are—within yourself. Just like a piece of gold, which is beautiful, has value and never wears out, so are your talents and skills. Your gold nugget is you, your family, your talents, compassion and skills. Your metal detector is a golden opportunity that comes along, especially for those with a solid education and the strong desire to build a career path where one can grow as a person and professional. Do this, and you will have golden days ahead.
Jobs in the Healthcare Industry
In today's tough economy, many are gravitating toward a career in the medical and healthcare field to find their own gold nuggets. The healthcare and medical industry is booming and holds countless job opportunities, of which many require as "little as" a high school diploma and the will to succeed. Kindness, caring and being well organized with a keen eye for details are your best traits to do well in an allied health career.
Healthcare workers are well educated, highly trained and well compentsated for normal work hours and hours outside their normal schedule, which includes for pre- and post shift duties, travel time during scheduled work hours from site to site and work related travel to meetings and training. They are also well protected by labor laws.
Healthcare Worker's Wages, Pay, Bonuses and Exemptions
Non-exempt employees receive time and one-half the regular rate of pay after 40 hours of work in a 7-day workweek. Regular rate includes all compensation, such as non-discretionary bonuses and shift differentials. In nursing homes and residential living facilities, employers may pay overtime after 8 hours in any one day and 80 hours in a 14-day pay period.
Anyone wishing to find out details about healthcare personnel employment rules, regulations and pay, such as, for example whether salaried managerial and professional employees in healthcare facilities are exempt from the minimum wage and overtime regulations in their state, should contact their state's Labor Department. Often it depends on whether they have met specific salary, duty, or educational requirements.
Examples of a healthcare facility constantly in need of healthcare staff and personnel include hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics and group medical practices, comprehensive rehabilitation hospitals, residential health care facilities, residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities, adult day health care facilities, assisted living residences, comprehensive personal care homes, home health care agencies, hospice care agencies, maternal and child health consortia and health care service firms. They also often seek
volunteers to work overtime
on-call employees
per diem staff to compensate for short-falls
personnel from a contracted temporary agency
My golden rule is to make the best out of the day, every day. Do something every day that you like. It is your choice! Every morning you are handed 24 golden hours. They are one of the few things in this world that you get free of charge. If you had all the money in the world, you couldn't buy an extra hour. What will you do with this priceless treasure?
I if you want to get some more golden Career Path Development tips, click the link. This website has some really down to earth, common sense tips and extper insights for people who have to make career choices and the tough decisions that go hand in hand with the process. If you just want to read more about the story about the person who found a gold nugget, go here.
THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
"I Just Graduated from a Medical Assistant Program—Am I Certified Now?"
No, just graduating from a medical assistant school, or medical assistant distance education program doesn't make you a certified professional! Certification is NOT automatic just because you graduated. You may have your medical assisting diploma, but to get certified you must apply to sit for a medical assistant certification exam and pass it. Only then will you receive your designation and can call yourself a certified professional.
Some well respected professional certification sponsors also make their exams available to those who did NOT receive formal vocational training from a medical assistant school, but instead have several years of continuous experience working in the discipline, or have received their medical and healthcare training in the Military.
THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
"I Just Graduated from a Medical Assistant Program—Am I Certified Now?"
No, just graduating from a medical assistant school, or medical assistant distance education program doesn't make you a certified professional! Certification is NOT automatic just because you graduated. You may have your medical assisting diploma, but to get certified you must apply to sit for a medical assistant certification exam and pass it. Only then will you receive your designation and can call yourself a certified professional.
Some well respected professional certification sponsors also make their exams available to those who did NOT receive formal vocational training from a medical assistant school, but instead have several years of continuous experience working in the discipline, or have received their medical and healthcare training in the Military.
THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
The phlebotomist, the person who draws blood samples from patients, is a highly specialized, valuable member of the medical and healthcare team as a whole. Without the phlebotomist's skills and services many diagnoses and health assessments could not be as easily and reliably performed.
Most phlebotomists have a high school education, others have an academic degree in medical technology, some received their training directly on the job under the supervision of a doctor, nurse or experienced phlebotomist, others took a phlebotomy course offered through the American Red Cross, or a community college, others while serving in the military as a combat medic or hospital corpsman role.
THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
No one can tell you which type of medical assistant program is right for you. Ultimately, you are the one who must choose which path to take to learn your medical assistant skills. Part of your decision will be based on how FAST you want to be done and finished with your training, the cost and how quickly you hope to land your first real medical assistant job.
Rule of thumb is that self-paced online medical assistant courses can be finished the fastest if you apply yourself, however, on the flip side, doctors may not be easily persuaded or convinced to hire you without having direct experience and hands on practice which you would have gotten in a campus based training program. All too many former medical assistant online students have learned a painful lesson.
Things You MUST Ask Before Signing Up for Anything
The phlebotomist, the person who draws blood samples from patient's arms or finger tips, is a highly specialized, valuable member of the medical and healthcare team as a whole. Without the phlebotomist's skills and services many diagnoses and health assessments could not be as reliably performed.
Most phlebotomists have a high school education, others have an academic degree in medical technology, some received their training directly on the job under the supervision of a doctor, nurse or experienced phlebotomist, others took a phlebotomy course offered through the American Red Cross, or a community college, others while serving in the military as a combat medic or hospital corpsman role.A skilled phlebotomist deserves high praise, yet, they are usually paid the least amount of wages on the allied health professional's pay scale, probably because their training is not as extensive as, let's say, an EKG and x-ray technician, or medical assistant. In a way, that is unfair, because there is tremendous value in their services that can never be repaid in money. Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research and explain the procedure to patients who ask.
They must know the circulatory system anatomy and composition of blood along with the medical terminology that goes with it, be able to access a vein, or artery, or capillary blood bed of all kinds of people from young, to old, to obese, to emaciated, to those with veins that roll, to those who easily faint, or are deadly afraid of needles.
They need to understand different venipuncture techniques and the equipment to be used to draw and preserve the blood sample. Additionally, they must know how to read laboratory requisition slips, follow doctor's orders, work safely with patients, handle blood and other potentially hazardous body fluids and know how to clean up blood spills safely and dispose them in accordance with OSHA regulations. If any of this is not approached with great care and handled properly, it can result in severe injury, if not death.
THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Photos: Lt. Col. Max Moss, Oklahoma National Guard Office of Public Affairs
Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
Successful medical coders and coding consultants pride themselves in being personally involved and connected with each and every client and exceeding clients expectations. Wherever there are doctors you find medical coders, some work in house as employees of the facility, others are independent consultants, some specialize in areas such as billing and collection, others become medical coding instructors, or speakers at conferences and seminars; some work long hours, others work part-time telecommuting from home, others start their own business. There are so many variations, opportunities and specialty fields.
Physicians, Medical Office Managers and Hospital Administration Relies on Medical Coders and Billers
CODING SPECIALTIES:
Medical coding professionals can specialize in focus areas such as:
• Family Practice & Internal Medicine
• Ambulatory & General Surgery
• Anesthesia & Pain Management
• Emergency Medicine
• Dermatology
• Gastroenterology
• Neurology & Neurosurgery
• Oncology & Hematology
• Mental Health
• Podiatry
• Ophthalmology
• Dentistry
• Physical rehab
… to name just a few. There are many more.
THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
The allied healthcare industry employs expertly educated professionals that often require many years of training beyond high and graduate school. One estimate by the U.S. Labor Department reported allied health professionals make up 60 percent of the total health workforce and healthcare experts anticipate that health services employment will continue to grow. Jobs in the healthcare industry virtually open and close daily
While the newspaper classifieds usually feature local medical assistant job postings we feel strongly that the Internet is the better place for doing your job market research to identify potential employers and explore their expectations. Actually, only a very small fraction of available jobs are listed in the newspaper's wanted ads; the vast majority of jobs are usually listed on the Web.
Best Places to Find a Job Fast
Places to find job openings in various fields include major job sites and job banks on the Internet:
major job & career sites
Indeed
Monster Jobs
Careerbuilder
Jobster
JobServe
Craigslist
social network sites
FaceBook
LinkedIn
Plaxo
Simply Hired
company & corporate websites
medical center & hospital websites
Major job banks, as mentioned above, also offer great articles, message forums and advice for job seekers and online application and resume submission platforms to contact potential employers directly about their advertised jobs.
Advantages of Searching Jobs on the Internet
Researching jobs on the Internet can tell you a lot about the present job market in your or any other area and by reading various ads you get volumes of information on what you need to successfully apply for the job you want.
who is hiring whom
employer's expectations (type of certifications or credentials, experience)
prerequisites and qualifications
minimum educational level
typical salary ranges
fringe benefits
Networking with Your Peers Online
Furthermore, exploring employment opportunities involves networking with you peers. You have the world at your fingertips if you use the Web as a networking tool. Mailing lists are great places to start. Newsgroups and chat forums are fantastic vehicles for getting in touch with people who can help you on your way to finding your first or a better medical assistant job.
Some potential employers and recruiters prefer a draft of the resume sent as an attachment while others want the document sent in the body of an email. Make sure you find out the preference. Some employers will automatically delete all emails that contain attachments.
Oh, And Speaking of Your Resume…
Your resume is one of the most important tools for getting an interview. When seeking employment opportunities you really want to have a couple drafts of your medical assistant resume on hand. One should be a high-quality, printed version, another should be saved in plain text, and another should be saved on our computer in a Word document format so it can be updated and changed if needed. The printable resume is perfect for sending to potential employers and the plain text document is ideal for contacting online employment opportunities through email.
And Your Online Profile
Last but not least, a word of caution about social networks. According to an article on Mashable.com titled Job Search Secrets, your profile and home pages on social network sites such as Facebook, or MySpace are starting to become part of the criteria that hiring managers are using to weed out applicants. One in five hiring managers conduct background checks using social networks (primarily Facebook), while one in ten college admissions officers do the same. So, be careful what you post and how you present yourself online.
THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
Are you looking for vocational training providers or on the job training to become a medical assistant, or get a job, a better job, or improve your position in your current workplace?
Finding the right medical assistant program remains difficult if you do not have a clear goal and don't know where to look. The vocational and post-secondary education system for high school graduates and working adults consists of countless campuses across the United States and Canada. Additionally there is a plethora of vocational self-study online programs to choose from online. Without a certain amount of help, finding the right school, or program can quickly become a daunting task.
The quickest and easiest way to find medical assistant schools and explore medical assistant programs near you is via our medical assistant schools by ZIP code search on Medical Assistant Net
If you are a medical assistant preparing for the "Big Day" of taking the medical assistant certificationexam here are some insights and tips:
Most medical assistants with formal training and recognized medical assistant credentials behind their name wind up doing quite well upon graduation. Many land jobs that they would probably not have gotten otherwise. The competition on today's job market is high
"Only few realize that many of the allied health professionals they encounter in medical offices and healthcare institutions, from medical assistants to phlebotomy technicians and physician assistants to nurse practitioners, have learned their skill while serving in the Armed Forces and have a strong military background."
Spc. Justin Shry (seated, right), of Gore, and Sgt. Ron Barnett (left), of Coweta, receive training at K’ima:w Medical Center in Hoopa, Calif., on the use of a backboard system for use on patients who are seated. Shry is a medic with the 120th Medical Company, 120th Engineer Battalion, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard. Shry has been a member of the Oklahoma Army National Guard for more than three years and also attends Tulsa Community College tuition free through the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s tuition fee waiver program. At TCC, Shry is studying to become a paramedic. In his civilian occupation, Shry is an emergency medical technician with EMS Plus. The 120th Med. is currently conducting their annual training period in Hoopa at the K’ima:w Medical Center.
On August 8th 2011, Bob Blumm of the American College of Clinicians (ACC) sent out a public statement regarding medical personnel returning home from combat duty wishing to further their education to join the allied health professional work force. Many of these war veterans will face a rough economy and tough job market when they return home and seek employment as civilians.
It served as a reminder that the ACC did in fact publish a white paper to honor and make a special pathway for those who served in the miltary and upon returning to the USA desire to further their education and become either nurse practitioners (NP) or physician assistants (PA). ACC feels strongly that those who have given a part of their lives to serving in a time of war deserve special consideration when applying to programs of advanced practice clinicians. The college asks all PA and NP programs to look favorably on these veterans if they apply to their training programs.
"ACC serves nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA) as an advocate for the professions scope of practice. The following is a joint effort of the executive committee 2-3 years ago demonstrating what we feel would best serve both professions as a thank you for a job well done.”
In another white paper published just one day later, Lisa P. Shock, MHS, PA-C President/CEO of Utilization Solutions in Healthcare, Inc. emphazises the value physician assistants (PAs) add to the medical office as a business. In the paper she explains:
"As healthcare reform is implemented, the expansion of healthcare industries will require an emphasis on cost containment. Here are five ways a PA can make your business more profitable."
Physicians and healthcare institutions are expected to employ more PAs to provide primary care and to assist with medical and surgical procedures because PAs are cost-effective and productive members of the healthcare team.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physician assistants is expected to grow 27 percent from 2006 to 2016. According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, median income for physician assistants in full-time clinical practice was $80,356 in 2006; median income for first-year graduates was $69,517. Income varies by specialty, practice setting, geographical location, and years of experience.
Oklahoma Army National Guard, Batt B, 158 (249); Members of Battery B, 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery, 45th FiRES Brigade returned to Duncan, Okla., on August 12, 2009 after a year long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Photos: Lt. Col. Max Moss, Oklahoma National Guard Office of Public Affairs
Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
Although the current unemployment rate in the United States remains high, the demand for phlebotomists continues to rise.
The job market in medicine and healthcare seems to be relatively immune to economic downturns primarily due to significant changes of rules and regulations, new discoveries and advances and the demographics of a growing and aging population.
Best Time to Become a Phlebotomist
A strong desire on the part of health insurers to focus more on preventive care and regular early medical screening has also significantly contributed to the increased need for drawing blood, which places phlebotomists in very high demand. The phlebotomist collects most of the ordered blood samples and also often performs simple blood screening tests as requested by physicians or other healthcare practitioners.
What is a Phlebotomist?
The phlebotomist is a specialized healthcare professional in the area of handling certain laboratory specimens, specifically blood and urine samples for diagnostic purposes.
Assembles equipment, such as tourniquet, needles, blood collection devices, gauze, cotton, and alcohol on work tray, according to requirements for specified tests or procedures.
Verifies or records identity of patient or donor and converses with patient or donor to allay fear of procedure.
Applies tourniquet to arm, locates accessible vein, swabs puncture area with disinfectant, and inserts needle into vein to draw blood into collection tube or bag.
Withdraws needle, applies treatment to puncture site, and labels and stores blood container for subsequent processing.
May prick finger to draw blood. May conduct interview, take vital signs, and draw and test blood samples to screen donors at blood bank.
This is a good time to become a medical biller, a career in which you can be trained quickly and where you can grow professionally and as a person. This site is designed to help you find information you need to become a medical biller, find local schools for medical billing training and quickly locate job opportunities in your state for medical billing and coding employment.
What Medical Billers Do:
Medical billing is versatile and rewarding. To understand medical billing you must know what medical billers are and aren't, e.g. medical billers are not coders.
Medical Billers have one goal: billing for medical and healthcare services, medications, equipment, supplies and consultations. It is a systematic procedure of billing and collecting professional fees for medical and healthcare services provided to patients. That means we send a claim to an insurance company, we post payments, we respond to outside information requests that relate to the claim, we follow up on a claim with no response, we communicate with the patient or their insurance company about a claim that is denied, in review or pended. We send statements to the patient and we turn over delinquent accounts to the providers debt collection agency. Doing it right requires a broad range of knowledge and understanding of the medical billing process and health insurance company rules.
THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
During tough economic times the job market is down and many are out of work. Not only that, for most who enroll in a vocational training or vocational rehab program to learn a skill that will get them back into the workforce it often means making a choice between work, or school. It is hard to do both. Although most vocational training institutions offer their programs in morning, afternoon and evening sessions, they demand time and focus to achieve good grades.
It is almost impossible to maintain a full time job and earn excellent grades, especially in an accelerated program, such as the typical 9 -11 month long medical assistant training courses. These medical assistant vocational training programs often require an externship to earn the desired diploma or degree, so where full time work is nearly impossible there is an answer to this dilemma: temp or part time work.
Temp positions are available in many fields, including healthcare, especially in medical offices for medical assistants, business and computers. Taking into consideration the pros and cons, temping can be the difference between getting by and not.
Typical Requirements for a Medical Assistant Part Time Job:
Strong aptitude for detail, and ability to work independently
Strong organizational and problem solving skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Computer skills (Word Perfect, Microsoft Windows, EMR and billing software, etc.)
Graduation from an accredited Medical Assistant training program
Knowledge of third party payer requirements
Certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), or American Medical Technologists (AMT) is preferred
Pros & Cons of Temp Work Assignments
PROS
Making a major difference to needy offices
Learning and seeing new things
Gaining varied experiences from different places
Earning more, getting better hourly pay
Meeting new people and making connections
Flexibility and freedom to say no
Work as much or as little as needed to get by
A foot in the door for a future position
CONS
Working in an unfamiliar work environment
Not knowing what is expected
Not being part of the established group
Adjusting to a new setting and people
Stressing out to do things right
Having to perform tasks right off the bat
Not receiving additional training
Possibility to be taken off of the assignment any moment
According to the American Staffing Association, temp workers can earn at least $12 or more per hour, in most instances even considerably more than their permanent counterparts; however, they do not always qualify for benefit packages full time employees might enjoy.
THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL COPIES: Author grants permission to copy and post this article on other blogs, websites, or social sites as long as proper authorship references and credits are given. All links in the original text to websites must remain in tact and must be included along with proper authorship references as posted — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
Author Name: Danni R. Company: Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC Website:www.amacustomwebdesign.com Permissions: Creative Commons License Attribution No Derivatives
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