Since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010 to provide Americans with access to high-quality affordable insurance and reduce growing healthcare spending nationwide, there has been a sharp increase in the demand for jobs in insurance with a healthcare degree. According to Medicare News Group, there are currently 1,300 health insurance companies that provide medical insurance to over 200 million Americans and are taking steps toward expanding access to coverage for all. Earning a degree in health information technology, health information management, health informatics, or even health administration can be an excellent method for unlocking the following career opportunities at health insurance carriers to facilitate the smooth processing of coverage claims.
Medical Insurance Specialist
Hospitals, medical group practices, government agencies, insurance companies, and patients depend on medical insurance specialists to process accurate health insurance claims to facilitate payments to appropriate medical providers or institutions. Medical insurance specialists often work closely with patients to ensure that all matters regarding charges, claims, and payments are dealt with in an efficient manner. Specialists utilize their proficiency in health plans to assess insurance coverage currently held by patients, reviewing charges, and submitting claims to insurance providers. Becoming a medical insurance specialist often requires earning at least an associate's degree in health information technology and obtaining six or more months of work experience in the medical insurance industry.
Medical Coding Specialist
As essential professionals for the efficient function of the health insurance industry, medical coding specialists are responsible for assigning alphanumeric codes to convey critical health information about illnesses, diagnostic results, and treatment procedures on insurance claims. Medical coders translate complex medical terminology into standardized codes to ensure that patient information is accurately communicated to insurance providers for appropriate services to be paid. In choosing the most appropriate codes, medical coding specialists often will need to review patients' medical history, check over test results, and possibly speak with the physician to unearth any missing information. Becoming a medical coding specialist usually requires an associate's healthcare degree in health information technology with RHIT certification.
Health Informatics Data Analyst
Often having an associate's or bachelor's degree in healthcare informatics, health informatics data analysts have a strong background in health information management to develop, analyze, model, and document important patient information related to insurance claims or costs. Health informatics data analysts typically use high-tech software to offer data support, perform research, improve information quality, solve accuracy issues, and enhance system efficiencies. Data analysts can find plentiful job opportunities in health informatics to work in the data interfaces of hospitals, physician practices, government healthcare providers, clinics, medical research companies, or health insurance carriers, according to US News and World Report. Most analysts provide proof of their competency by becoming Certified Health Data Analysts through the AHIMA.
Related Resource: Practice Manager in Healthcare
Overall, as the nation shifts its focus to the use of electronic health records and brings about healthcare reform to provide medical insurance coverage to all Americans, there is a strong demand for qualified healthcare professionals to work with insurance reimbursements. Medical insurance specialist, medical coding specialist, and health informatics data analyst are just three of the jobs in insurance with a healthcare degree that will help you stand on the forefront of improving the quality and monetary coverage of patient health services.