Status as a certified medical billing and coding specialist can enhance one’s career. Students prepare certification through medical billing courses, either on-campus or online. Courses are available in every state. In addition to on-campus offerings, there are hundreds of online medical billing and coding programs for the student to choose from. If students contemplating certification in the medical billing and coding field have job or family obligations, online training is a good option.
Certified Medical Billing and Coding Certification Type Details
Certified medical billing and coding options are plentiful. AACP (the American Academy of Professional Coders) offers three primary levels of medical records coding certification. The first is the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), which requires successful completion of a test. Test topics include the CPT, HCPCS and the CD-9-CM diagnosis codes. The second certification is the Certified Professional Coder-Payer (CPC-P). CPC-C’s understand how to adjudicate provider claims effectively. The certification test requires demonstration of aptitude, knowledge, proficiency and expertise within the payer environment. In addition, two years of coding experience are required. The third certification is the Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H), which is comprised of questions that probe understanding of the application of CPT, ICD-9-CM diagnostics and all procedure codes used in billing services and insurance companies. Specialty AAPC credentials may also be obtained in Anesthesia, Cardiology, Evaluation and Management Auditor, Family Practice, General Surgery, Dermatology, Emergency Department, Pediatrics and Gastroenterology. Certified medical billing and coding specialists gain career advantages over those who do not pursue certification.
Medical Billing and Coding Training Online Standard Course Tools and Requirements
Medical billing and coding training online offers the student significantly more convenience than an on-campus program. However, that does not necessarily mean that online schools are easier. Standard course requirements are found in online medical coding classes, including lectures, papers, assignments and exams. While the work can generally be completed at times that are convenient for the student – that is to say, at any time of the day or night – and virtually anywhere – as long as internet connectivity is available – discipline is still necessary to meet course deadlines. Communication can be better in medical billing and coding training online classes than in those offered on campus. The profusion of available tools – e-mail, chat rooms, message boards, shared files, etc. – allow multiple ways to interact with faculty and other students.
Medical Billing and Coding Jobs: 1/5 of Overall Healthcare Workforce
Employees in medical billing and coding jobs comprise about one fifth of the overall healthcare workforce, and the field is projected to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts rapid growth (20 percent by 2018) for coding and billing clerks in the healthcare industry because of the complicated nature of medical billing. Medical billing and coding technicians work at a number of healthcare providers such as offices of physicians, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, and home healthcare services. Technicians also may be employed outside of healthcare facilities, such as in Federal Government agencies. Those who choose medical billing and coding jobs become important cogs in the healthcare machine for a number of reasons. After gaining medical billing certification, the technician is charged with handling high volumes of data, following strict guidelines from government regulatory agencies and ensuring patient privacy in accordance with HIPPA. The medical coder must strive for one hundred per cent accuracy, always filing the right claim for the right patient and the correct medical service. A coding mistake in respect to medical diagnosis, treatment, procedures or patient information could result in costly litigation. Errors can be costly to patients, healthcare providers and insurance companies.
About our expert. Jan Jacobs has worked in medical offices since the early 1980's. Ms. Jacobs has worked for M.D.'s and D.O.'s in primary care and specialty care. She is employed as a senior medical biller and has been at her current job for nearly 10 years, where she uses three different billing systems.
