How much do medical billers get paid?

Medical Billers and Coders and Immigration from the USA?

• Because Australia has 'socialized mediciine' < I think ? Would there be a need for Medical Billers and Coders? I am studying Medical Billing and Coding here in Southern California. My family and I plan to move to Australia next year in the spring time....does anyone know if there is OR do they have a need for Medical Billers and Coders...even if they do have the socialized med., someone still has to be paid and someone has to maintain Medical Records. Part 2 of my question.....if I was to become certified here in the States for Medical Billing and Coding, would I be able to use my knowledge learned in Australia or would I have to do all my studies over again ? Besides the obvious difference between the two countries, I was always lead to think that Coding and Billing is a Universal language. I have asked this question to my Admins. Dept at the school in which I am studying Billing and Coding BUT still, I can never get a proper answer outside of "I don't know, good question" !!! So please, after reading this long question....if anyone knows more then "I don't know" or can lead me to a site regarding Medical Billing in Australia....any personal stories too would be great !!! I assume my being a Medical Biller and Coder will help with my migrating ? cheers ~

• Answer:

  We don't have Medical Billers and Coders in Australia, but nor do we have socialized medicine. We have a system of Universal Health Care which is nothing like Socialized Medicine - it is MUCH better! In any case, even if we did use MB&Cs, there is nothing even remotely like that on our lists of required occupations and in order to be eligible for skilled immigration, your occupation MUST be listed. If it isn't listed, you have zero chance of a work visa. The basic list is the Skilled Occupations List. The following includes everything on the SOL, but also includes job descriptions which will overcome any confusion due to differing terminology: http://www.immi.gov.au/asri/a-z.htm#a Many occupations on the SOL are only eligible for employer sponsored visas (the ones designated only as ENSOL) and visas for many of the rest will take years to be granted. Following are the current visa processing priorities - your occupation needs to be on the Critical Skills List (a small subset of the SOL) for a visa in under 2 years or longer: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/faq-priority-processing.pdf http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/booklets/books6.htm (A useful and easy to follow booklet about skilled migration)