October 1, 2006: International Day of Older Persons

• Why a "new power"?
• Studying and Planning
• Summary of Occupational Expectations
• Duties and Responsibilities
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

A demographic revolution is underway throughout the world. Today, world-wide, there are around 600 million persons aged 60 years and over; this total will double by 2025 and will reach virtually two billion by 2050 - the vast majority of them in the developing world.

In our fast ageing world, older people will increasingly play a critical role - through volunteer work, transmitting experience and knowledge, helping their families with caring responsibilities and increasing their participation in the paid labour force.

Already now, older persons make major contributions to society. For instance, throughout Africa –and elsewhere - millions of adult AIDS patients are cared for at home by their parents. On their death, orphaned children left behind (currently, 14 million under the age of 15 in African countries alone) are mainly looked after by their grandparents.

It is not only in developing countries that older persons' role in development is critical. In Spain for example, caring for dependent and sick individuals (of all ages) is mostly done by older people (particularly older women); the average number of minutes per day spent in providing such care increases exponentially with the carers' age: 201 minutes if the carer is in the age group 65-74 and 318 minutes if aged 75-84 - compared to only 50 minutes if the carer is in the age group 30-49 (Durán H, Fundación BBVA, 2002).

Such contributions to development can only be ensured if older persons enjoy adequate levels of health, for which appropriate policies need to be in place. In line with the Madrid International Plan of Action, the World Health Organization launched in 2002 a document "Active Ageing - A Policy Framework", outlining its approaches and perspectives for healthy ageing throughout the life course.

That article is an example of how seriously international governments, social welfare systems, and health care providers are studying and planning for this revolution. The impact will obviously impact health care, its cost, availability, manpower, providers and facilities, all of which will affect the delivery of health care as it compares to current standards.

If you are thinking about a career change or enhancement, now is the time to analyze the possibilities and make some decisions. Any of the courses that Meditec provides are closely related to the expanded need and looming manpower shortages. In this issue, we will focus on medical billing and describe the various duties and responsibilities.

[The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.]

A Medical Biller performs a variety of fairly simple to very complex clerical and accounting functions for patient billing, including verification of invoice information, maintenance of third party billing records, and resolution of a variety of problems. Follows up on submitted claims and patient billing; resubmits claims or resolves problems. May handle cash items and accounts receivable posting. May prepare accounting reports for a practice.

• Processes billings to patients and third party reimbursement claims; maintains supporting documentation files and current patient addresses.
• Processes patient statements, keys data, posts transactions, and verifies accuracy of input to reports generated.
• Researches and responds by telephone and in writing to patient inquiries regarding billing issues and problems.
• Follows up on submitted claims; monitors unpaid claims, initiates tracers; resubmits claims as necessary.
• May receive and receipt cash items and third party reimbursements; posts and reconciles payments to patient ledgers.
• Balances daily batches and reports; prepares income reports and statistics; distributes reports. Maintains patient demographic information and data collection systems.
• Participates in development of organization procedures and update of forms and manuals.
• Performs a variety of general clerical duties, including telephone reception, mail distribution, and other routine functions.
• May assist in preparing documentation and responses for legal inquiries, litigation, and court appearances.
• Ensures strict confidentiality of financial records.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Records maintenance skills.
• Knowledge of medical insurance claims procedures and documentation.
• Knowledge of medical billing procedures.
• Basic data entry and/or word processing skills.
• Ability to verify data input and correct errors.
• Ability to interact and communicate with people over the telephone, often in stressful situations.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.
  
  For an overview of what is required, other skill sets in medical transcription, coding, health insurance specialization, please read Meditec’s website for ideas.