Medical Billing and Coding Schools and Courses
You can train for a medical billing and coding career in the classroom or online. Keep reading for more information on schools that offering training programs and the types of courses that you could take. Online training options are also addressed.
<h3 id="section---WhatYouNeedToKnow">What You Need to Know</h3>
<p>Medical billing and coding professionals deal with problems regarding insurance claims and billing for healthcare. Schools offer undergraduate programs for prospective students in either on-campus or online formats to provide flexible scheduling.
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<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree Options</b> </td><td> Certificate, diploma, or associate degree in medical billing and coding</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Online</b> </td><td> Fully online programs are available</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Schools</b> </td><td> Look for schools that offer preparation for coding exams and credentials, as well as programs taught by nationally certified medical coders</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnAtAMedicalBillingAndCodingSchool">What Will I Learn at a Medical Billing and Coding School?</h3>
<p>As a medical billing and coding student, you'll learn how to solve insurance problems, process claims and third-party reimbursements, file claims manually, trace delinquent claims, appeal denied claims, streamline billing processes, complete insurance forms and use CPT and ICD-9 manuals. Some general course topics may include:
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<ul><li>Anatomy
</li><li>State and Federal Healthcare Regulation
</li><li>Medical Laws and Ethics
</li><li>Physiology and Medical Terminology
</li><li>Diagnosis Coding
</li><li>HIPAA and Electronic Data Interchange
</li></ul><h3 id="section---SchoolsForMedicalBillingAndCoding">Schools for Medical Billing and Coding</h3>
<p>Here is a list of schools that offer training in medical billing and coding, as well as some course examples from their curriculum:
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<ul><li>Penn Foster Career School (online): Certificate Program: Law, Ethics, and Confidentiality, Medical Billing and Health Insurance, Pathology and Pharmacology
</li><li>Cal State East Bay (Oakland, California): Certificate Program: Evaluation and Management Services, Introduction to the CPT Manual, Managed Care Systems
</li><li>Grantham University (online): Associate of Applied Science: Medical Terminology, Medical Assisting, Algebra, Introduction to Health Information Management
</li><li>Rasmussen College (online): Certificate Program: Coding Foundations, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Health Information
</li><li>Remington College (various locations): Diploma Program: Career Development Fundamentals, Anatomy and Physiology for Visceral Structures, Medical Records Management
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatTechnicalRequirementsWillIHaveToMeet">What Technical Requirements Will I Have to Meet?</h3>
<p>You'll need a computer with Internet access. You'll also need an e-mail address and the necessary software to view course content and interact with classmates or instructors. Depending on the course, you may need to purchase Microsoft Office. Some software might be available for free download, including Adobe Flash Player, Acrobat Reader, and Windows Media Player.
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<p>Some schools may require you to log in to an online course management system where you can submit assignments, quizzes, and tests, and participate in online discussions. In the online program, you can also view slideshows and video clips, listen to audio lectures, participate in chat sessions, and view live demonstrations given by your professors. Phone support and an online library may be available when you need assistance.
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<h3 id="section---HowDoIChooseTheSchoolThatSRightForMe">How Do I Choose the School That's Right for Me?</h3>
<p>Decide whether you'd like to enroll in an on-campus or online program. Look for programs that offer courses taught by nationally-certified medical coders. These individuals can bring industry insight into the classroom and give you an up-close and personal view of the subject matter. You might want to look for programs that prepare you to sit for certification exams such as the Certified Professional Coder exam (CPC or CPC-H Apprentice), the American Health Information Management Association's Certified Coding Associate (CCA), or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) exam. Many employers prefer to hire credentialed medical billers and coders.</p>