Telecommuting positions can be a great way for people taking care of young children or aging parents to continue working on either a part- or full-time basis or for someone unemployed to break into a new field. The healthcare industry is one field that offers many opportunities to telecommute. According to Inc. Magazine, the number of telecommuting workers increased by 60 percent from 2005 to 2013. Over 2 million people are now enjoying such benefits as flexible hours and gas savings. But how does one acquire a telecommuting career in healthcare?
Look for the Companies Most Likely to Hire
If you think that telecommuting healthcare jobs are hard to come by, think again. FlexJobs’ 2014 list of the top 100 companies most likely to recruit remotely puts three healthcare companies in the top 10: UnitedHealth Group, Aetna and Humana, with nearly a dozen others making the cut. Check these companies’ websites often for current and future opportunities.
What Kinds of Telecommuting Healthcare Careers Are There?
Telecommuting healthcare jobs span a variety of clerical duties. Perhaps you’d like to be a virtual assistant for multiple companies. Or maybe you want to help the physician with their medical coding and billing. Data entry jobs suffer from a bad reputation due to scams, but legitimate work is available. Here’s a more detailed look at what each role entails:
Medical Coding and Billing Jobs
Private practices and large healthcare companies alike are often on the lookout for medical coding and billing professionals. In fact, according to Carrington College, employment in this field is expected to increase 22% by 2022. Make sure that you’re well versed in medical jargon and common coding practices. Some companies may require a period of onsite training before allowing you to work remotely and a post-secondary degree can help you stand out.
Data Entry Jobs
With fast fingers and familiarity with office applications, you can snag a remote data entry job for a healthcare company. The faster and more accurately you can type, the better. However, be wary. A search for “data entry jobs” on a job board brings up a minefield of listings. Instead, try looking directly on the websites of companies you’re targeting. Above all, never give into scams that require you to pay a fee before working.
Call Center Jobs
Remote call center work can be diverse and rewarding. You’ll likely undergo a period of training to learn the company’s policies and strategies for making sales and handling customer complaints. You may also contact potential customers to generate interest in the company’s product or service. Prior remote or in-house call center experience is a plus. Pay scales vary for this type of work, so be sure to check with your employer before you start answering the phone.
Whichever telecommuting healthcare path you choose, the freedom of a rewarding career from the comfort of your home is on the horizon.
Guest Author Bio:
Audrey Clark is a skilled freelance blogger covering a range of topics from careers and finance to travel and leisure, along with everything in-between. When not writing, she’s always on the lookout for her next adventure. Connect with Audrey on Twitter and Google+
