A billing coordinator has many duties that must be completed from day to day, most of them involving the recording and negotiating of client bills. This job can include checking bills for accuracy, preparing invoices, calculating totals, discussing billing questions and arrangements with clients, and in the case of a medical office, negotiating insurance reimbursement with providers. The billing coordinator must be organized, efficient, and able to speak with customers who may be under stress due to unpaid debts.
When a client or patient receives a service, the billing coordinator must prepare an invoice to send to them. Clients can be individuals or businesses, and invoices must be written and printed using a specific format. This involves keeping accurate records of what services a client has received, the price of those services, and the mailing of the invoice itself.
The billing coordinator may also make payment arrangements with clients who can't pay in one lump sum. This service is generally offered for things like medical treatment, and not for services that are considered discretionary. Payment arrangement details will depend on the company and the client's ability to pay.
Billing coordinators may also be required to negotiate payments with insurance providers. This involves contacting the company and discussing the services a client receives and figuring out if those services are included within the client's coverage. If there is a problem, the billing coordinator may negotiate an agreement with the company or contact the client for further details or instructions.
In order for to become a billing coordinator, it is important to be organized, good with numbers, and comfortable working in a high stress environment. Making collection calls to clients who have not paid can be hard for many people to do, and it takes someone with thick skin to make such calls without becoming offended. Customers who can't pay their bills are more likely to be stressed, rude, and unresponsive.
Schooling may be required for many billing coordinator positions. Medical billing requires knowledge of specific medical terminology as well as the ability to work well with numbers. Accounting is another field of study that can help students enter this career field.
Most companies that offer services or products to consumers have a need for skilled billing coordinators. Needs may vary based on industry and location, but there will likely always be work available for most qualified candidates who wish to enter this career field. Some coordinators may also wish to become self-employed and work with several companies at once. This may help to increase income potential and industry experience in multiple arenas.