The Big Picture
It’s hard to miss the advertisements that pop up on our computer or appear on late-night television — the ones that tout online billing courses as a quick road to a lucrative career in the medical billing and coding field. During an economic downswing, health care is often touted as a safe industry and it’s easy to understand why.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, employment for medical records and health information technicians is expected to grow much faster than average. But before you enroll in online courses to kickoff a career in medical billing, be sure to do some research to avoid any unpleasant, unexpected expenditures along the way.
Tuition and Fees
Make sure to get an accurate invoice of all applicable tuition and fees. Don’t be blindsided by any unforeseen costs that could significantly increase the cost of online billing courses. Take into account lab fees and supplies not included in the tuition quote. Also ask about the cost of taking any courses not listed on the regular course syllabus. Upon completion, you’ll also need to pass a certification exam, which may not be covered by the standard tuition and may be assessed as an additional expense.
A Textbook Case
Although many online billing courses may include textbooks and printed materials in their cost of tuition, some don’t. Find out what textbooks are required and how much they cost. Books are expensive and just like your standard brick-and-mortar college, books for online billing courses could tack several hundred dollars onto your total cost.
Not Worth the Paper it’s Printed On
Look into the online medical billing school’s accreditation before paying anything. A reputable online medical billing school will be accredited, meaning that it has been reviewed by an independent source. The American Health Information Management Association is an accrediting organization. It provides lists of accredited programs on its website.
Some schools and programs promote certifications in less than six or nine months; such programs may not be properly certified. You may have to pay a bit more and it could take longer to receive your credentialed degree, but if you’re going to make the investment, make sure that your diploma means something.
It’s a Scam, Baby!
Of course, losing your money to a scam could be the biggest hidden expense you may encounter. Just like the old saying notes, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. In order to work in the medical billing and coding field, you have to be properly trained and educated. You can’t simply pay a third party, take a few online billing courses and expect to set up a lucrative home business as a medical biller or coder.
In fact, the Federal Trade Commission repeatedly lists fraudulent business opportunities and work-at-home schemes — often found in the medical billing and coding field — in its top 10 categories of consumer complaints. Simply put, there is no short cut, and no way to make easy money in the medical billing and coding field.
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.
