Towards the end of medical billing and coding training, students usually go through an internship or externship. This is a period during which the student uses the skills they’ve gained in class to work in a real-life medical environment, under the direct supervision of a medical billing manager or other supervisor.
What are Medical Billing Internships Like?
Medical billing and coding internships typically last several weeks. They are usually unpaid, though paid ones may be offered as well. During the course of the internship, the student performs medical billing duties as a regular employee would, working out of an office alongside other employees. The managing supervisor reports back to the course instructor with the student’s progress, which is counted toward the final grade in the class. Often, the site of the internship or externship becomes the medical billing student’s place of employment upon graduation, though this may not always be the case.
How Do I Find a Medical Billing and Coding Internship?
Internship and externship sites depend on what is available near your school, but normally they are either at a hospital, physician’s office or other healthcare provider in the area. Speaking to school reps in your area should provide you with detailed information about what internships and externships are available near you.