Depending on the organization or company you work for as a billing clerk, you will need to know the nature of the business. If your job is to send out bills for medical services, you will need to be knowledgeable about the various services that are covered by a patient’s insurance. If you work for a law firm, you will need to have a careful record of the fees for different types of work or the hourly rate charged by each lawyer. The preparation of an itemized statement is essential so that the customer is aware of all the charges he/she has to pay in some cases, while in others you may just have to send out a statement of the date of the services and the amount owing.
If you work from home as a billing clerk, you will need to have your own computer and the appropriate software for generating invoices and statement forms. This software allows you to calculate the costs at the same time as you complete the invoice, although you may have a handwritten invoice prepared so that you won’t make any mistakes. If the customer of patient decides that he/she would like these bills sent electronically, the software can enable you to complete the billing process by sending the bill when you are finished.
When you start a job as a billing clerk, the employer will provide the on the job training do that you have all the information you need to prepare specific invoices and bills using the appropriate rates and the proper terminology associated with the business. It may be necessary to have training in the use of the software or to take a course in basic computer and keyboarding skills. For medical and legal billing there are courses in this field offered at many technical and vocational colleges. For medical billing, you will have to take courses in anatomy, physiology and biology so that you can understand the terminology used for the billing process.
In addition to knowing the specifics of the job, you must be very organized as a billing clerk. Since much of the information you will use fort the invoicing is of a confidential nature, you must be trustworthy and protect the privacy of the customers. If you intend to be involved in medical billing, you will need to be quite familiar with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Whether you work from home or on location in this type of job, you have many opportunities for advancement. You can take on more clients at home and work for several employers or you can use this job as a stepping stone to other professions, such as an accountant, a buyer or a sales representative.
