How Do I Become a Health System Specialist?

Once you become a health system specialist, you will process medical insurance claims. You will also be responsible for solving billing issues and investigating problem claims. Possible work environments for you include hospitals, insurance companies, and health care facilities. In most cases, you will work normal business hours during the week, with weekends off. In working as a health system specialist, you should be comfortable sitting in a chair, working at a desk, and talking on the telephone.

This is a field in which experience may outweigh formal education; however, there are education requirements at many companies. A high school education is the minimum requirement to become a health system specialist. In many cases, the hiring company also requires a two- or four-year college degree. Your degree should be in health systems or business, with an emphasis on health systems. Courses that make you proficient in computer use are also important, as much of your work will be done on a computer.

If unable to obtain a college degree, you should graduate from a vocational school with a certificate in health care systems. Research regionally accepted health system certifications and pass the exams. In your quest to become a health system specialist, you should develop skill sets that will strengthen your ability to do the job. Such skill sets include strong communication, organizational, and mathematical abilities. In addition, keyboarding skills will serve you well. Because some health system specialists work from home, the ability to do the job without supervision is important.

Develop a work history that will showcase your ability to excel once you become a health system specialist. Duties at past employers should include the need for good memory because as a health system specialist, you will be expected to memorize and work with revenue codes and procedures. Past employment should also include duties in analytical skills. Former employment that required time on the telephone shows your ability to communicate.

Contact health providers, insurance companies, and hospitals to discover health system openings. Company Web sites and facility job boards often list job openings. Send your resume to the appropriate department and include a one-page cover letter summarizing your interest and experience. Network through memberships to civic organizations and check online job boards that specialize in the health care field. When called for an interview, dress professionally, research the company in question, and go in armed with knowledge to show the interviewer how much you want to become a health system specialist.