Medical billing and coding schools can be found through vocational schools, technical schools, online universities and community colleges. These medical billing and coding schools will teach students how to organize and collect a patient’s medical information for billing purposes. Those that have graduated from a certificate or degree program will earn the education and training that will qualify them for entry level positions as a medical coder.
How to Get Started in this Field
Some medical facilities in the past have hired employees for the medical billing position and offered on the job training. These days an employer will not even look at an applicant’s resume unless they have completed a certificate or degree program. The certificate or diploma programs that are available can take four to eighteen months to complete and will teach coursework in general education, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, ICD9 coding basics, advanced coding, medical law and ethics, encoding procedures, diagnostic procedure coding, coding software applications, information systems, pharmacology and medical coding.
To qualify for one of these programs the student will need to have their high school diploma or GED. Some medical billing and coding schools will require applicants to have basic computer experience and a background in medical terminology. A student may also be required to obtain liability insurance and undergo health testing before being accepted into a program.
The medical biller can work in private medical practices, hospitals, nursing homes and different types of out-patient facilities. Those that have graduated from a program can qualify for entry-level positions such as insurance specialist, medical transcriptionist, billing and scheduling coordinator, medical administrative assistant and patient account rep.
The Degree Programs Available in this Field
The medical coding specialist two year associate’s program includes an education in coding, medical topics and computers. Those that graduate from a degree program can meet eligibility requirements for professional certifications and advanced job opportunities. During this type of program you will also work clinical hours in a professional medical setting, learning hands on training.
To qualify for an associate’s program the applicant will need to have their high school diploma or equivalent and can also require the completion of specific courses such as medical terminology, keyboarding and business communications. These courses typically include courses in medical coding systems, medical diagnoses, medical treatments, pharmacology, information technology, office administration, medical leadership and advanced encoding.
Employers will require thirty six hours of continuing educational training and certification through the AAPC. Those medical billing specialists need to renew their licensure every two years. These health care professionals need to apply for re-certification six weeks prior to license expiration.
The cost for certificate programs can range from 2,500$ to 4,000$, while the associate’s degree program can range from 3,500 to 5,000 each year.
