Did You Know: Medical Billing and Coding Blog is part of a network of blogs that discuss careers in the allied healthcare field. Check out our friends over at Medical Administrative Assisting Blog.
President Obama won a hard-fought battle last week. After months of stalled progress and fiercely partisan debate, the House passed a sweeping health care reform bill with a vote of 219-212. The $940 billion plan will completely reorganize the American medical system, extending coverage to roughly 32 million additional Americans.
There is coverage of this bill from every major news organization: CNN, NPR, and New York Times to name a few. The topic is also being discussed across Twitter and the blogosphere.
So how exactly does the bill affect people working in the allied healthcare field? Whether you agree or disagree with Obama’s policies, it is important to know how they affect you as a medical biller and coder.
- The bill increases coverage to 32 million additional Americans by requiring most Americans and businesses to have some kind of insurance plan or pay a fine.
- Parents will be allowed to keep their children on their health care plans until they are 26.
- Reform will eliminate discrimination based on pre-existing conditions or medical history. If an individual hasn’t been able to get coverage because of a pre-existing condition, a ban on discrimination for adults will take effect in 2014. Additionally, a pool will be set up for high risk adults to get coverage until 2014. For those of you who have a child with a pre-existing condition, a ban on discrimination for children will take effect immediately.
External sources: HealthReform.gov, New York Times Health Care Reform Overview
Prediction: All of these provisions, combined with the billions going to electronic health records, predict an increased need for billing and coding specialists in doctors’ offices. The sudden spike in the number of patients seeking care combined with rapidly changing electronic health records systems could mean more jobs in the allied healthcare field.
I think the information provided was useful thank you
Posted by Cathy Wassink | October 14, 2010, 3:37 pmThank-you this is some useful information, great article
Posted by Kimberly | November 21, 2010, 11:30 amthe rising cost of healthcare will affect not only today’s society during this diffucult time but also the people that stand behind making sure that the physican’s offices, hospitals, and insurance companies are equipped with personnel that will be able to accurately code and bill the third party to make sure they are reimbursed for their services.
Posted by Pamala Williams | November 28, 2010, 1:22 pmI think this was informative. It reinforces that when we are done with school there will be plenty of work available out there.
Posted by Lori Vicari | December 4, 2010, 4:17 pmGeneral Electric is one of several major corporations who have invested in creating the best and most efficient system of electronic medical records (EMR).
It affct the biller and coder by having more to code and more work for them. For they must make sure they are using the right codes, for what services the doctors did for the patient. It does mean that without them biller and coders claims will not be process and sent out to thid party payers, so that everyone can and will be paid for services done.
Posted by Mary Cruz | December 5, 2010, 11:47 amThis most certainly effects us MB&C’ers. Any type of medical reform is going to make the third-party payers carefully look over those claim forms; it is our job to make sure they are coded correctly so that the maximum amount of reimbursement is received. I feel we will see a surge in the market for MB&Cer’s.
Posted by Stephanie Marlow | December 6, 2010, 1:23 amThis most certainly affects medcial billers and coders. They have to make every effort to get every claim form correct. In today’s fast paced world, we must make every effort to a good and error free job.
Posted by FREDNA SEARCY | December 7, 2010, 5:36 amI see this as making medical coders and billers a lot busier(a good thing). It’s going to give more people easier access to health care, not sure how affordable it will be, but will have easier access. The medical coder and biller will definately have to keep on their toes to stay abreast of any changes that come along. They will most certainly be changing almost daily.
Posted by Frances Bishop | December 7, 2010, 6:05 pmI think because of the new healthcare reform President Obama put in place there is sure to be an uprise in many Americans needing medical assistance they couldn’t get in the past, especially children and young adults. This will most likely effect medical billing and coding because there will be a greater need for the profession due to the increase of more Americans being covered by healthcare insurance.
Posted by VANESSA OGLESBY | December 8, 2010, 8:19 pmThe new laws for health care are going to be enacted over a period of time. We,as coders, will have to stay on our toes to keep up with the changes. Having a good customer service attitude will be an asset in the coming years, due to the fact more Americans will have insurance.
Posted by Gail Dishman | December 9, 2010, 7:39 pmVery informative information.
Posted by Dawn Edwards | December 10, 2010, 6:38 amI think this is going to solidify our jobs out there in the work force now that it is giving people more access to insurance and taking away pre-esisting condition discrimmination.
Posted by Suzette Moore | December 10, 2010, 7:17 amIt seems with the changes they will be a biggeer need for coders and billers. There are some good changes and some bad. One of the good is parents will be able to insure their children longer. One of the bad is to make business carry some kind of insurance or be fined. It is good and bad because there are alot of jobs out there that don’t have insurance.
Posted by Barbara NcCue | December 10, 2010, 3:48 pmThe new laws are one of the reasons I started in this field. The future for MB&C is secure and even more wide open due to the new healthcare law. This is the market trend I was looking to get ahead of.
Posted by Shawn Bethay | December 11, 2010, 3:27 pmBeing very new to the field of medical billers and coders I realize how important these positions are. Still in school and knowing there is still a lot to learn. I’m looking forward to doing this very important work.
Posted by Vivian Arrington | December 12, 2010, 12:20 amVery Informative. I think it will be a slow gradual process, but within the next couple of years doctors and medical professions will see an increase in work and a need for more experienced healthcare professionals.
Posted by Pat Schettle | December 12, 2010, 9:18 amThe article on 2010 Healthcare Reform will impact medical billing and coders greatly. The need for more coders will come into play because the new law will give health insurance to at least 32 more million Americans as well as to those who had preexisting conditions that denied them of health care. Also parents keeping there kids on their coverage until they are 26 will also bring in an influx of people into the physicans offices. That means the medical billing and coding positions will become more in demand.
Posted by Jo Washington | December 12, 2010, 12:50 pmI think this is very helpful to each and every one of us, because if it wasn’t for the health care reform bill or health care period their wouldn’t be any jobs for the biller and coders. This motivate me to do my best and get out there and get my feet wet.
Posted by Christy Wiggins | December 12, 2010, 5:01 pmThe huge increase of insured Americans will mean that Billers/ Coders will be in great demand. We will need to stay diligent in keeping up with the changes that will take effect so we will be effective in our jobs.
Posted by Kathie Cawthon | December 12, 2010, 6:03 pmvery informative.
Posted by vangie hyde | December 13, 2010, 11:14 pmI feel this is a great plan, more jobs and people getting the help they need. Enough with just looking at someone sick and can’t do anything for them, this way they will get the help with or without insurance. It’s about time someone tries to think about the people who are sick and also there will be more positions for coders and billing. This statement very well put thank you!
Posted by Carrie Brown | December 18, 2010, 1:50 pmWow. This is good news for us that are going into the medical billing and coding field like me. This article is very informative and up-to-date.
Posted by Janice Austin | December 18, 2010, 7:47 pmThis article was helpful in answering some of my questions about the healthcare reform. It’s good to know that there will no longer be any discrimination in getting health care based on the patients medical history or pre-existing conditions.I wasn’t aware of the fine which could be imposed on those who still don’t obtain some type of coverage. I plan to research that.I knew it was a wise decision to seek training for employment in the healthcare field. Now I see that there will be a greater need for medical billers and coders with more patients in the system, and more services to be reimbursed. Glad I’m learning this!
Posted by DeLores Way | December 23, 2010, 8:46 amThe article answered some of my questions about health care reform. I also think there will be a bigger demand for Medical Billers and coders.
Posted by carla dailey | December 26, 2010, 7:44 amVery informative. Gives people like us in school a future to look forward to.
Posted by Michelle Michael-Smith | December 27, 2010, 1:28 pmThis was an interesting article. I didn’t get into wanting to know much about anything political. This has taught me that I need to pay a little more attention and that the field I am going into was a good choice. There was very good information.
Posted by Rebecca Gray | January 1, 2011, 6:24 pmWith the new heath care bill and all the new regulations, this will put a big strain on not only the receptionists but the physicians. If they do not do their jobs correctly, then as a medical biller and coder we can not do our job right. All pre-existing conditions will have to be listed in the patients charts, and if it is a new patient this is especially important. Simple reason being if a current medical condition is a result of this pre-existing condition it will have to be coded.
If there are 32 million Americans without healthcare coverage, and by the year of 2014 they are all going to be eligible for coverage, my question is do we have enough physicians? Getting 32 million medical bills billed and coded will be a strain not only on the medical biller and coder, but also on the third party payer.
This is where the new IBM system will come into play. The electronic medical records system will benefit all involved. It is going to make work much easier and faster for the medical biller and coder as it can retrieve stored information much faster, and it will increase performance as data entry is much more efficient.
From a cost factor for physicians and medical field, it will be less per transaction to file, it helps to provide better services to the patients, it will help to lower operating costs, and it should improve amount of productivity.
So even though there maybe 32 million more Americans that will be getting health insurance and will want to be seen by a physician or have medical attention; with the improvement of electronic medical records by IBM this will help process the increased medical records. As the proverb goes one hand washes the other. One good turn deserves another? This is where the new IBM system will come into play.
Posted by teresa wolcott | January 1, 2011, 8:22 pmVery informative information.
Posted by lacy lee | January 2, 2011, 9:35 amThe article has answered my questions about healthcare reform and Medical Billing and Coding. It looks like the health professionals has told me right saying more jobs for Medical Billers and Coders. It looks like I picked the right field to study.
Posted by Sharon Hill | January 3, 2011, 1:30 amAs a student of Medical Coding we need to be inform in the changes in the healthcare reform. This is a great tool to be inform.
Posted by Agnes Mendez | January 5, 2011, 7:16 pmThis article opened my eyes to the rising need for a good, qualified billing and coder. I also was informed that it will eventually become manditory for every American to obtain health insurance, yet what happens to those who work and still cannot afford it?
Posted by Kim Gold | January 14, 2011, 3:07 pmWell this is certainly all good news for all the people who will benefit from ins. coverage. Also for all of us who are students, breaking into this field.
Posted by Catherine Alfiche | January 16, 2011, 11:11 pmAfter reading this article, it makes me feel comfortable in the fact that I chose the Health care industry as a new career choice. As most Americans hope for a better healthcare system, most are unaware of the new changes.
Posted by Anita Crisman | January 17, 2011, 10:43 amThe information is most encourageing. Hpwever, I can’t wait for 2014 to get a job. Let’s hope the medical community is more forward thinking.
Posted by Janell BeVier | January 17, 2011, 12:27 pmThis article really showed me how the medical community will have increased patient volume with more people able to have insurance so there will be more demand for medical billers and coders. I am so glad I am ahead of it by taking this online course so I will be prepared to do the job.
Posted by Elizabeth Mihalo | January 17, 2011, 2:43 pmI had insurance till I was laid off last June. Unemployment covers my house payment & groceries – how do we get insurance when companies want so much to cover us, but they can afford to donate millions to political campaigns?
Posted by Mary Jinkins | January 18, 2011, 1:35 pmThere are a lot of people out there that have pre-exiting illnesses and can not get coverage. I think this will help them so much. I know that it will help increase the medical coder and billers job tremendously. This is good, job security. No one person or child should be descrimated against because of an illness. With codes being electronically filed, the increase of coding or billing should not be that much of a struggle to get accomplished.
Posted by Gesila Hargrove | January 18, 2011, 2:25 pmGreat information. As we finish school and start working as in this field, we need to understand the health care reform and what the imapct is going to be.
Posted by Ada Sisseck | January 20, 2011, 10:35 amThis was very good information. The need for medical billers looks like it will be on the rise. Great job security’
Posted by Tina Reed | January 20, 2011, 7:13 pmThe information contained in this was very informative. Glad that I have chosen Med Billing & Coding for future employment options.
Posted by Kim Price | January 21, 2011, 12:53 amVery good article. Hope whatever happens everyone will be able to understand it.
Posted by Bonnie Adkins | January 22, 2011, 11:41 amThe new Healthcare Reform will put more patients into the medical/insurance mix. This will probably want to make insurance companies reimburse for less procedures and pay closer attention to improper coding techniques. This will open more doors to people who can Bill/Code and enforce compliance issues with medical practices and hospitals.
Posted by Linda Bradley | January 23, 2011, 6:35 pmOnce you take away the pre-existing conditions hurdle and everyone may qualify for medical coverage there will be some very important changes. Not only will a lot of people that really need medical care be able to obtain that care now, but due to more patients in the world there will have to be more medical coverage available. Basically it would be more patients, more job openings for people in the medical field, especially for MB&C. I’ll have a stable career. And thats awesome!
Posted by Lisa Shapiro | January 23, 2011, 8:07 pmThis article was interesting. I have heard of it of course, just not as much information.
Great for Billers and Coders as long as nothing happens with the bill after the next Presidental Election.
Posted by Kathryn Spring | January 23, 2011, 9:05 pmIt is important to read the news to realize about all the benefits that President Obama is doing for our country.
Posted by e.ramirez | February 1, 2011, 4:15 amWell, yesterday a judge in FL ruled the Health care bill Unconstitutional, stating that no American citizen should be forced to buy a product that they don’t want. How many of the “32″ million people wanted health insurance? If they can’t afford the premiums, who is going to pay it for them? If a 50 year old woman with a hysterectomy doesn’t want coverage for maternity leave and new born care, why should be have to have coverage for this condition? Or a single 55 yr old man have to have maternity coverage? These coverages would increase the cost of their insurance premiums substantially. Covering Pre-existing conditions is a good idea, but it still comes with a cost. For a individual male in FL coverage costs 400.00 a month. (Based on the new Gov pool for pre-existing conditions) The fantasy of everyone having health insurance is a noble cause, but in the real world, nothing is free and not everyone can afford the cost.
Posted by Carol Carr | February 1, 2011, 5:51 amThis is a Positive Change
A child with a pre-existing condition, a ban on discrimination for children will take effect immediately.
Reform will eliminate discrimination based on pre-existing conditions or medical history. If an individual hasn’t been able to get coverage because of a pre-existing condition, a ban on discrimination for adults will take effect in 2014. I too feel everyone should have insurance however can employers and employees afford the high premiums insurance companies will be charging?
Medical Billing Coders will be in demand and that is nice to know after all our hard work to get through this course !
Posted by Denise Brown | February 2, 2011, 12:59 pmThis is a very informative article. I don’t really agree with American individuals being fined for not having insurance, unless it means that our unemployment in this country will be resolved and be a thing of the past. How can someone unemployed pay for insurance, or for that matter, how can someone unemployed pay the fine for not having insurance ?!
Posted by Sharon Fawver | February 6, 2011, 11:09 amIt sounds as if Medical Coding and Billing will be a flooded field with this new bill.
Posted by Vicki Tyler | February 6, 2011, 8:47 pmAs a commentator on new laws in my country I was drawn to the post on new laws in the health sector in the USA. The isue of pre existing conditions is one which is a worldwide dilemma. It is nigh on impossible to obtain cover for pre existing conditions in New Zealand either which is in one respect understandable but often applied in too much of a blanket fashion. By that I mean that if a person has had one type of cancer, why should all types be denied cover for the rest of that person’s life?
Posted by Ash Stevenson | February 15, 2011, 2:32 am