Medical Billing and Coding Classes
Doctors and nurses who provide direct patient care are the most visible professionals in medicine. But there are thousands more whose behind-the-scenes efforts help keep everything running smoothly. These include medical billing and coding specialists who communicate with physicians, patients, and insurance companies. They ensure that information is documented and processed correctly. This article examines how students can find educational opportunities that prepare them for jobs in medical billing and coding .
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Medical Billing and Coding Core Curriculum
The best medical billing and coding courses cover clinical and clerical topics. Students learn the basics of anatomy, pharmacology, and medical terminology. They then combine those with business essentials such as records management. Professionals must stay up-to-date on changes within the healthcare system, particularly insurance billing procedures and privacy laws. Below are examples of classes that a medical billing and coding program may offer:
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Medical Terminology -
Medical Office Procedures -
Body Systems I and II -
Pharmacology -
Medical Billing and Health Insurance -
Medical Contracts, Ethics, and HIPAA -
Coding for Hospital Applications/Hospital Medical Billing -
Coding for Medical Office Applications/Physician Medical Billing -
Basic Coding Using ICD-9 and ICD-10 -
Intermediate Medical Coding -
Advanced Medical Coding Scenarios
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Medical Billing and Coding Education Options
While the nature of medical billing and coding itself depends on precision, the ways to learn it are more flexible. Some students acquire their skills through an on-site program offered at a community college . Others prefer studying online at their own pace. After schooling is complete, graduates can gain certification to demonstrate their skills and knowledge.
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Community Colleges
The best medical billing and coding programs usually last two semesters for full-time students. Classes cover computer basics, medical office terminology, and coding classes. They also include an internship for students to gain practical experience. The amount of credits needed to graduate varies according to the program — between 11 and 19 credits is standard. The cost of classes can be nominal — less than $1,000 — but students should be prepared that course materials may cost more than tuition. Students who live near a college with a medical billing and coding education program, and who want to work in their community, get the added benefit of having access to local experts within an easy commute. -
电竞赚钱决赛积分(电竞赚钱详情登录) Colleges
Students taking online medical billing and coding courses can complete a program in ten months for under $800. Program participants need a computer and internet access. They may also need to purchase other electronic course materials. In addition to instruction from faculty members, classes can include videos, virtual labs, and simulated work experiences. 电竞赚钱决赛积分(电竞赚钱详情登录) education programs also prepare students to take coding certification exams. -
Certifying Bodies
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers several certifications in coding and billing specialties, including the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) designation. This certification is widely recognized in physician's office settings, and proves a specialist's knowledge and experience with medical coding. Other certifications specialize in areas such as in-patient and out-patient coding procedures and risk adjustment.
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) likewise offers various credentials that demonstrate coding proficiency. The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) designation is awarded to individuals qualified to work across settings, including hospitals and private practices. Other certifications are offered to those who specialize in one setting.
MOOCs, Resources and More
Before investing time and money in a medical billing and coding certificate or degree, it's worth exploring the basics online, through articles, videos, or MOOCs (Massive Open 电竞赚钱决赛积分(电竞赚钱详情登录) Courses). These introduce students to what's involved with medical billing and coding jobs. They also give them a firm foundation in the subject material before starting a formal educational program. This approach requires much less of a time commitment, and is also cheaper — some MOOC lessons are even free. Below is a list of MOOCs and other resources that can ease a potential student into medical billing and coding.
MOOCs
Typically lasting from several weeks to a couple of months, many MOOCs are comprehensive lectures or courses taught by professors from prestigious universities such as Harvard, Carnegie Mellon, and Georgetown. Here are examples of available MOOCs relevant to medical billing and coding or related subjects:
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Anatomy and Physiology
Carnegie Mellon University offers a course on the human body that covers topics such as structure and functions, homeostasis, and the organization and integration of bodily systems. -
Becoming a Resilient Person – The Science of Stress Management
Optimistic thought and relaxation strategies are among the many techniques effective in reducing stress and illness. This Edx course from the University of Washington explains how stress exacerbates many health problems. -
Healthcare Information Technology Foundations
As an overview of healthcare, health information technology, and health information systems , this course from Carnegie Mellon University covers details of the medical office environment. Students learn about IT applications in the healthcare industry and the roles of medical professionals, examining topics like governmental regulations and medical record keeping. -
Innovating in Healthcare
Healthcare and the medical industry often conflict with private and public companies over quality, access, and cost. This free, nine-week EdX course from Harvard takes a look at how to improve healthcare structure, policy, and financing. -
Positive Behavior Support for Young Children
Many medical office personnel have trouble working with young children and infants. This EdX course from the University of Washington teaches supportive techniques for physical, social, and emotional development in children. -
Principles of Human Disease
This course from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology provides a modern understanding of disease and how the healthcare industry approaches illnesses like genetic disorders to cancer. -
Regenerative Medicine: from Bench to Bedside
Students taking this Massachusetts Institute of Technology course learn about the theory and practice of healing patients with degenerative diseases. -
Take Your Medicine – The Impact of Drug Development
As an introduction to pharmacology, this EdX course from the University of Texas looks at how drugs and medications influence modern illnesses and modern society. -
Understanding HIPAA for the Medical Office
This comprehensive video from Udemy explains HIPPA and how it aims to reform the healthcare industry by protecting patient information. -
United States Health Policy
Most Americans do not fully understand the shifting landscape of medical insurance and how it is connected to the government. This free Harvard EdX course prepares students to educate patients and other laypersons about the current state of medical insurance. -
The U.S. Healthcare Industry: Changes and Opportunities
The healthcare industry is constantly changing. This half-hour course from Udemy looks into the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, and the pressure to lower medical industry costs.
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Other Resources
Aside from online degree and certificate programs and MOOCs, there are a number of other resources for medical billing and coding education, including recorded lectures or articles. Be sure to check out these other educational materials: