Medical Office Specialist And Cosmetologist
Career review from a person working in the job
How I Got The Job
My Education: Essex Agricultural Technical Institute for Cosmetology
My Prior Experience: Pediatrics: started in the practice as receptionist and worked up to referral management. Cosmetology: after receiving license I went on to own my own business until family obligations made it difficult. Now work primarily out of my home in my "non-working" hours.
My Job Profile
My Company: Pediatric medicine
Job/Career Overview: At the pediatrics office I am responsible for generating all insurance referrals for the patients that we send to specialists for follow up care. This includes researching what types of insurances cover what services and notifying families if there are any problems with the requests. Unfortunately many patients today do not take the time to review their insurance policies and they believe that their family physician will know their plan. This can lead to all sorts of problems so it is my job to make sure the patient is going where they are allowed to go, and if they aren't then I need to redirect them to in network physicians.
I do occasionally have to fight on the patient's behalf to get coverage for services that are not allowed by the patient's plan, if the doctor so warrants it. I also do all the prescription medication overrides or prior authorizations for patients whose insurance company will not cover medication without further review. Those two aspects are what make up the bulk of my occupation.
As for cosmetology I am responsible for coloring, perming, cutting, styling and repairing my clients hair. I have been licensed for 31 years now and I love this profession. Cosmetology is a fun and rewarding career, but it has it's downside as well. It is primarily commission based, long hours on your feet, meals eaten on the fly, and working weekends are a must. The flip side is the creative process: everything is constantly changing and it is very rewarding to see your expertise culminate in a beautiful look for your client.
Love It? Hate It?
I rate this career 10 out of 10.
What I Love or Hate
The best part of pediatrics referral management would be getting coverage for patients who warrant coverage of a particular specialist or medication. The worst part is when the patient actually went somewhere that was not authorized by the insurance company and now needs our help to get the visit covered so they aren't responsible for the huge bill they just received. The same is true for dealing with the patients themselves (or family). It's wonderful when you can accommodate their requests, but disheartening when something does not produce a positive outcome and you have to be the bearer of bad news.
Cosmetology is easy: the best part is when a service brings joy to your client, and the worst is when it does not! Corrective colors can be a nightmare!
My Career Tips
Any medical experience is helpful in doing what I do, but not altogether necessary.I've learned much of what I know by trial and error. It helps to have a pleasant telephone demeanor and patient rapport as you spend many hours on the phone each day.
Cosmetology requires lifelong learning. I would advocate any seminars, technical classes, expos that are offered in the area you are interested in to be taken. This career is always evolving so it is important to keep up with the knowledge that is out there.
