Selecting medical billing and coding schools is an important aspect to consider if you are planning to pursue a certificate or degree in the field. Applicants who have certificates or degrees from accredited programs are the current industry standard set by employers. This short guide will help with considerations as you start this new career.
Facts on Medical Billing Careers
$26,210 to $ 42,760 is the annual salary range for medical billers and coders listed in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The field is expected to by 20 percent by the year 2018. As of 2008 172, 500 jobs were available in medical coding and billing.
Training Requirements and Qualifications
The current standard for medical billers and coders is an Associate Degree in the field. Although these are typical education requirements, if a person has the professional skills and experience, a degree may not be necessary.
The Council of Medical Specialty Coding (BMSC), the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the Professional Association of Specialists in Health Care Coding (CHAP), the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the Council of Medical Specialty Coding (BMSC), and the Professional Association of Specialists in Health Care Coding (CHAP) are the credentialing bodies responsible for certifying individuals in the industry. Associate’s degree from a Commission on Accreditation of Medical Computer Science and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)-accredited school is required for certification consideration.
Selecting a School for Medical Billing Courses
There are an immense number of medical billing and coding schools. Among these are community colleges and online programs. It is important to ensure that the diploma or certificate will translate to a greater value than the tuition cost. This means that you should determine whether obtaining the certificate or degree will offer enough of a return (in terms of increased income) to justify taking the course. Remember to check out whether the school is accredited, because accreditation organizations do not accept people who have degrees from non-accredited programs have.
In addition, be sure to review the employer requirements for medical billing positions. A good place to start is by reading job postings made by employers. Doing so will help you to understand the skill sets that are most desired.
Kinds of Schools Offering Medical Billing Classes
Medical Billing Classes are available at both community colleges and universities. In many cases, these courses are offered as part of a complete degree program. The formats for these courses vary form in person to online.
Financing the Classes
An advantage of taking courses at a community college or university is that loans and other types of tuition financing are available via financial aid. If you take classes via a private medical billing school, these options may not be available. Be aware that private student loans are also another option for financing the courses. The interest rates on these leans are typically much higher.
Source:
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical Billing and Coding (Accessed 8/31/2010)
Cheri Pearson - Cheri Pearson is a seasoned freelance journalist who holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of ...
