Recent Q&A Posts
February 15, 2013 by Holly Cassano
Which Online Medical Coding Program Is Best — a Certificate, Diploma, or Associate degree?
Question: (From Jona) I am looking into a medical coding online school. There are so many! Some offer certificates, some diplomas, and some offer associate degrees. Which online program would be the best? Thanks! Dear Jona, Deciding whether to obtain a certificate/diploma or pursue a degree in medical billing and coding is a personal decision
January 22, 2013 by Holly Cassano
Could I Pass the CPC or CCS Exams without a Two- or Four-Year Degree?
Question: (From Tara) I see a lot of postings for careers in coding and billing. I was wondering if I bought and studied the appropriate books, could I possibly pass the CPC and CCS exams without a two- or four-year degree? Dear Tara, I applaud your decision to potentially pursue a career in medical coding,
January 16, 2013 by Holly Cassano
Is Medical Billing and Coding a Career Where I Can Work from Home?
Question: (From Carol) What if I travel south in the winter? Can I still do the job? Is this a job where I can send the billing I’ve completed via online? Dear Carol, Thank you for your question on remote coding. I would like to say that remote coding offers a key component for many
December 28, 2012 by Holly Cassano
Should I Wait until ICD-10 Rolls out to Start Medical Billing/Coding Classes, or Should I Start Now?
Question: (From Susan) Hi Holly, I’m 65 and in good shape and want to continue working for a long while. I thought medical billing/coding would be good because age discrimination would be less likely. I have years of experience as a college graduate who worked for high-level attorneys, and I was detail-oriented and made very few
December 27, 2012 by Holly Cassano
How Do I Study for the CPC Exam?
Question: (from Gabrielle) I completed my medical and billing program about a year ago. I never ended up taking my test to be certified because I ended up getting a job with the doctors office I had done my internship with as a receptionist. I really want to pursue a career in billing and coding,
December 7, 2012 by Holly Cassano
Is Medical Coding a Risky Job?
Dear Reader, Medical coding is not a risky profession overall. There are no actual patient interventions that would involve exposure to bodily fluids and the only physical exertion involves reviewing medical records, which if not done at a proper office setting either at practice or home office can bring about a few potential concerns, such as
December 7, 2012 by Holly Cassano
How Can Coders and Billers Work More Effectively?
Dear Reader, That is a great question and one that I have discussed often. There is a fine line between medical billers and medical coders when it comes to workflow and responsibilities. Sometimes, you can have an experienced medical biller who is certified and does a great job, yet they may occasionally feel that they
December 6, 2012 by Holly Cassano
My School May Lose Their Accreditation. Can I Transfer My Credits Before This Happens?
Dear Reader, Yes, it is absolutely possible to transfer your credits as long as you keep a few things in mind when you do so. The caveat to this, which you must remember, is that each school has its own policy for transference of credits. If you earned credits at a school that is nationally accredited (career/technical types),
December 3, 2012 by Holly Cassano
How Long Does It Take to Complete Training to Become a Medical Biller or Coder?
The length of time it takes for your training depends on a number of factors, including if you are going to do online classes or actual classroom learning, whether or not you are looking for a certification or a degree, and if you want physician-based coding or facility-based coding. Each mode of learning has its own separate
November 30, 2012 by Holly Cassano
What Are the Main Medical Billing and Coding Associations?
There are numerous professional medical billing and coding associations you should be aware of if you’re going to work within this industry. Some organizations, such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), offer training programs and certification tests in medical coding, medical billing, auditing, and practice management. Read on to find out about some
November 30, 2012 by Holly Cassano
What Are A Medical Billers and Coder’s Daily Responsibilities?
Medical billers and coders assist with the business side of medicine by performing various data management tasks, either in a facility or outpatient/office setting. Coders translate diagnosis and procedures from patient encounters extracted from the medical record into correlating codes used in databases, for insurance reimbursement, and maintain a patient’s medical history. A medical billing
November 30, 2012 by Holly Cassano
How Do I Find Medical Billing and Coding Jobs?
Finding a job in medical billing and coding when you are newly certified in either or both can prove to be a daunting task if you enter the job search unprepared. Entry-level positions are available, but you must know how to market yourself and where to look. The entry-level positions in this field allow many
November 19, 2012 by Staff Writers
Is Medical Billing and Coding a Good Career?
A career in medical billing and coding can be a great option due to an anticipated growth of employment in the industry and low educational requirements. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates employment of medical records and health information technicians, which includes medical billers and coders, to increase 21% from 2010 to 2020,
November 16, 2012 by Staff Writers
What Industries Pay MBAC Specialists the Most?
Employment of medical billing and coding specialists is expected to increase across numerous industries, including health care, as medical organizations transition to electronic records. Although the majority of billing and coding specialists are employed at hospitals and physician’s offices, the healthcare industry isn’t among the top paying industries for the occupation. That distinction belongs to
November 16, 2012 by Staff Writers
What Courses Are Common in Medical Billing and Coding Programs?
Although certain classes may vary by institution, there are some universal courses that all future medical billers and coders need to take. Since medical billing and coding specialists need to understand the language and ethical guidelines associated with health care, they are required to take courses in medical terminology, health care ethics, and HIPAA compliance.
November 9, 2012 by Staff Writers
What Skills do Medical Billers and Coders Need?
There’s a lot more to being a successful medical biller and coder than being certified or having the technical skills and knowledge of the trade. Medical billers and coders need to have strong analytical skills to assist with assigning diagnoses and/or procedure codes to a patient encounter. They should also have strong communication skills in
November 7, 2012 by Staff Writers
How Can I Get a Medical Billing and Coding Internship?
Completing an internship while attending courses in medical billing and/or coding is paramount for students simply because it allows them to gain inside knowledge and glean professional experience in preparation for that new job once certification is achieved. Students must understand that the majority of internships are unpaid. The experience acquired on the job is
November 5, 2012 by Staff Writers
What Schools in Texas Offer Medical Billing and Coding Programs?
Medical billing and coding, also known as medical records and health information technology, is a popular profession in Texas. Organizations within the state employed an estimated 16,520 billers and coders in May 2011, making Texas the second largest employer in the country, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Since medical billing and
November 2, 2012 by Staff Writers
What Can I Do to Improve My Chances of Getting a Job After I Graduate?
Employers prefer relevant experience, even for entry-level positions. Unfortunately that can leave many recent graduates who are struggling to find work to ask: how can I get experience if no one will hire me? Luck always factors into whether you find a job or not, but there are some things you should consider doing while
November 2, 2012 by Staff Writers
How Do I Find an AHIMA Approved Coding Certificate Program in My State?
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is a professional organization focused on medical records management that has more than 64,000 members. It provides seminars, continuing education opportunities, a code of ethics for its members, and it’s involved in advocacy and public policy. AHIMA also approves medical coding certificate programs that meet a certain standard
November 2, 2012 by Staff Writers
What Are the Admissions Requirements of a Medical Billing and Coding Program?
Admissions requirements may vary by the school and the level of the program. For example, a medical billing and coding certificate program may require you to complete an application form and supply your high school transcripts. If you have some college credit then you need to submit official transcripts from your other schools as well. An
October 25, 2012 by Staff Writers
What States Employ the Most Medical Billers and Coders?
Before I give you any specifics, I will say that the number of medical billers and coders in a particular state is largely tied to the size of the medical industry. Regardless of location, demand for medical billers and coders will increase as the use of electronic health records becomes more prominent. Healthcare organizations in
October 25, 2012 by Staff Writers
What Are the Different Types of Medical Coding Classification Systems?
Two common medical coding classification systems are in use — the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). ICD is the standard international system of classifying mortality and morbidity statistics, and it’s used by more than 100 countries. The system is used by health care facilities to define diseases and allocate resources
June 28, 2012 by Staff Writers
Do I Need a Course or Coding Certification?
Queston: I need to get a degree for medical billing online. Which online course is the best and cheapest route to go? I have been doing medical billing and coding for 7 years now without a degree, but I will never get the money I desire without the degree. I have a question for you
June 28, 2012 by Staff Writers
Is an Associate of Science Enough?
Question: Can I get a job in medical billing if I have obtained an Associate of Science degree in medical billing and insurance coding with a cumulative GPA of 2.83, but am not certified? Dear Reader, Yes, you can obtain a position in this field without certification, but the caveat for you will be that
June 28, 2012 by Staff Writers
Coding Programs in Washington, D.C.?
Question: What are some great programs in the Maryland, Washington, D.C. area? Thank you for your inquiry. Below is a link to some schools in that area and I have also given you some salary information as well. Happy Coding! Holly Schools in Washington, D.C. Everest College Tyson’s Corner Medical Insurance Billing and Coding American
June 28, 2012 by Staff Writers
Demand for Medical Billers and Coders?
Question: Is there a large demand for medical biller and coders? Dear Reader, Yes, there is high demand for medical billers and coders in today’s job market, but first let me speak concerning the profession, as many are under the impression that these two careers are one and the same. Medical billing is one profession
June 28, 2012 by Staff Writers
Is It Hard to Work from Home?
Today is question and answer time on Coding Notes. The first question — posted anonymously — is one that many readers might be anxious about: Question: Is it very hard to work at home? Dear Reader, Working from home in medical billing and coding is perhaps the most appealing aspect of the profession as a
May 8, 2012 by Staff Writers
Which Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs Are the Most Valuable?
Finding the most valuable online medical billing and coding program for you depends on a number of factors, including your previous education, your needs as a student, and your career goals. You can either choose an associate degree program that incorporates medical billing and coding or enroll in specific certificate courses for the topics you
May 8, 2012 by Staff Writers
Where Do Medical Coders Work?
An essential part of the modern healthcare corps, medical coders are employed across the country, from quiet towns situated off the beaten path to the heart of busy metropolitan areas. Few occupations can boast the diversity of environmental options provided by the medical coding field. Across the country, large and small health-related companies require coders,