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Medical claims specialist vs medical collector

The differences between medical claims specialists and medical collectors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a medical claims specialist and a medical collector. Additionally, a medical collector has an average salary of $36,235, which is higher than the $35,706 average annual salary of a medical claims specialist.

The top three skills for a medical claims specialist include customer service, patients and medicaid. The most important skills for a medical collector are patients, healthcare, and customer service.

Medical claims specialist vs medical collector overview

Medical Claims SpecialistMedical Collector
Yearly salary$35,706$36,235
Hourly rate$17.17$17.42
Growth rate11%-8%
Number of jobs82,89773,797
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 38%Bachelor's Degree, 24%
Average age4546
Years of experience1212

What does a medical claims specialist do?

A medical claims specialist is responsible for gathering and processing the information required to complete the medical insurance claims process. Typical duties include determining covered medical insurance losses, documenting medical claims actions, and resolving claims through approval or denial of documentation. In addition, you will be responsible for maintaining excellent customer service by responding to customer inquiries and following best practices. You will also be responsible for protecting company operations by maintaining the confidentiality of information.

What does a medical collector do?

A medical collector deals with collection of bills related to medical services. They handle healthcare-related debt, collect patient insurance information, and develop repayment plans to accommodate debtors that are unable to settle their accounts. Qualifications for this position include knowledge of accounting and training in insurance, business or finance.

Medical claims specialist vs medical collector salary

Medical claims specialists and medical collectors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Medical Claims SpecialistMedical Collector
Average salary$35,706$36,235
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $43,000Between $30,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CityAttleboro, MAArlington Heights, IL
Highest paying stateConnecticutIllinois
Best paying companyTotal Medical Personnel StaffingAddison Group
Best paying industryGovernmentFinance

Differences between medical claims specialist and medical collector education

There are a few differences between a medical claims specialist and a medical collector in terms of educational background:

Medical Claims SpecialistMedical Collector
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 38%Bachelor's Degree, 24%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Pennsylvania-

Medical claims specialist vs medical collector demographics

Here are the differences between medical claims specialists' and medical collectors' demographics:

Medical Claims SpecialistMedical Collector
Average age4546
Gender ratioMale, 16.7% Female, 83.3%Male, 18.0% Female, 82.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 8.3% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%Black or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 3.3% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage9%8%

Differences between medical claims specialist and medical collector duties and responsibilities

Medical claims specialist example responsibilities.

  • Apply Medicare, Medicaid billing guidelines to achieve maximum reimbursement.
  • Detail knowledge of medical coding; ICD-9, CPT and HCPCS codes.
  • Confirm coverage and work with private payers, commercial payers, Medicaid, and Medicare for reimbursement of provide medical services.
  • Research medical records, compliance requirements and explanations of benefits to resolve accounts payable for Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality/privacy of patients' protect health information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Assist in educating new hires in HIPPA laws and training.
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Medical collector example responsibilities.

  • Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic.
  • Perform as a mediator between insurance companies and patients collecting nationwide extensive medical bills.
  • Utilize A/R reports and identify accounts that are past payments.
  • Maintain a filing system of clients' medical records and disclosure following HIPPA guidelines.
  • Post appropriate adjustment types and carrier payments to accounts for true A/R account balance reflection.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality; adhering to all HIPAA guidelines/regulations.
  • Show more

Medical claims specialist vs medical collector skills

Common medical claims specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patients, 9%
  • Medicaid, 7%
  • Medical Billing, 6%
  • Phone Calls, 6%
  • Medical Terminology, 5%
Common medical collector skills
  • Patients, 22%
  • Healthcare, 9%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Medical Collections, 5%
  • Appeals, 5%
  • Medicaid, 4%

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