Running Head Health Insurance Specialist

Abstract

A health insurance specialist is a connotative term used to describe professionals in the health insurance field who are tasked with the responsibility of processing medical claims, keeping patients records as well as medical coding. They can also be known as medical coders, claims reimbursement specialists, medical assistants, and medical technicians and even claim examiners. One of their main responsibilities is to ensure that the correct premiums are paid but also the coinsurance, copayment by the ensured patient while also monitoring and tracking the payments.

This review shows the different career paths but also the lucrativeness that may peak my interest in future endeavors.

The Career Paths

The health insurance specialist field is vast pool of branches. From a health insurance technician whom maintains the patient’s medical record, to a medical assistant who is responsible for the clinical and administrative tasks, to revenue cycle management which deals in the financial processing whom utilizes medical billing software within the healthcare facility. This ensures the tracking of the patients care records from registration, to scheduling of appointments to the final payments of bills. One can even be employed as an independent contractor whom is engaged in an a very specific agreement with the facility to perform certain tasks. In all these career paths one must be able to critically think, have great communication skills, be able to handle changes, be tech-savvy and work with the utmost professionalism and code of ethics.

Education and Certification

As with any job there are always certain criteria that is required for the specific career path. You cannot expect be a health care specialist and to perform or diagnose as if you were a physician. That would be ludicrous. You should however have a certain degree such as an associate degree in Health Care Information technology or at the least be certified in your field. You can align yourself and seek membership in certain professional organizations to help you keep up with the changes in your field and seek certification from the organization. However, you should be cognizant to the fact that some employers will require different certifications within there organization.

Field of Interest. After an extensive evaluation of career paths that are available to a health insurance specialist, I have found that this field has a vibrant sector full of opportunities. I have been in the health care field for over 14 years. Starting as a customer service agent, to a customer service specialist, a lead specialist and now a supervisor that encompasses a variety of areas. I am fortunate to be part of a growing and thriving organization that affords me the opportunity to continue to grow. My organization is the reason behind my seeking higher education. They continue to encourage me and stand behind me in this journey. As I continue forward on this path in the health care industry, I would like to branch to revenue cycle management. It is a huge jump from where I am now. However, I am confident in my ability to change and lead with professionalism and a strict code of ethics. I have gained exceptional interpersonal communication skills along the way which can only continue to help me as I propel forward in my career.

References

1. Career Paths in Health Information Technology | UIC. (2018, October 29). Retrieved from https://healthinformatics.uic.edu/blog/career-paths-in-health-information-technology/
2. Green, M.A. (2018). Understanding Health Insurance: A Guide to Billing and Reimbursement. Cengage learning
3. What is a Health Insurance Specialist? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.masters-in-health-administration.com/faq/what-is-a-health-insurance-specialist/

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