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Medical Coding and Billing Schools and Training Programs

Much of the work being done in healthcare IT today is with patient medical records.Every time a patient visits a hospital, clinic or physician’s office, a medical record of any observations, diagnoses or treatments is created and entered into a database.  Medical records and health information technicians assemble and organize patients’ health information, and ensure its quality, accuracy, accessibility and security.

One of the more important careers in this area is medical coding and billing. Medical coding and billing specialists are trained to use the latest healthcare IT software in order to facilitate the processing of medical insurance claims.

Insurers have to make sure that they’re only paying for medical treatments that fall within the terms of a patient’s policy. In order to cut down on mistakes, they create coding systems to identify certain medical treatments and procedures. Medical billing and coding specialists use these codes to categorize patients’ medical files and create medical bills.

Work Environments and Locations

Those that work in medical billing and coding usually enjoy pleasant working conditions and normal working hours. They generally work in the administrative offices of hospitals, clinics, or other types of medical facilities.

About 40% of all medical records technicians were employed in hospitals in 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov, 2010) reports, while the remainder worked in physicians’ offices, nursing homes or outpatient centers. However, in the future, most jobs will likely be in physicians’ offices as a result of the growing need for meticulous records.

Medical Coding and Billing Training Requirements

Medical coding and billing is important to the functioning of the larger health care industry. It is only by keeping accurate records that doctors, nurses, hospitals, and insurance companies can provide optimal treatment to patients and their families.

Coursework in Medical Coding and Billing

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), the majority of people who enter this field possess an associate degree from a two-year college or vocational school. Hospitals typically look for those who have completed coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical coding, data analysis, database management and computer science. Familiarity with insurance procedures is also an asset, since many medical coders handle the various insurance claims that come through hospitals and clinics.

Formal Training vs. On-the-Job Training

Although some workers receive on-the-job training in medical coding and handling insurance claims, advancing in this career typically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or a specialized certification, the bls.gov reports. Getting an education in this field could be an investment in your career in this growing professional field.

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Campus and Online Medical Coding and Billing Schools

 
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Ultimate Medical Academy Online

[Online]
Programs:
  • Diploma - Medical Office Billing Specialist
  • A.S. - Medical Billing & Coding
  • Diploma - Medical Billing & Coding
  • More
Quick Summary:

Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) offers industry-relevant knowledge and training for in demand careers in healthcare.


Everest College

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Diploma - Medical Insurance Billing and Coding
  • Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant
Quick Summary: Leave that dead-end job behind with training from Everest College.

Virginia College

[Campus]
Locations:
  • Birmingham
Programs:
  • AS - Healthcare Reimbursement
  • AS - Medical Office Administration
Quick Summary: Set your career in motion at Virginia College Online.

American Career College

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Medical Billing and Coding
Quick Summary:

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California.


Allied Schools

[Campus]
Locations:
  • Laguna Hills
Programs:
  • Medical Coding
Quick Summary: Whether you want to train for a new career, advance within your current company, or simply learn new skills to stay competitive in today's job market, Allied's distance education training can help!

Heald College

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Medical Insurance Billing and Coding
  • Medical Office Administration
Quick Summary:

Heald College provides hands-on educational programs that can help students prepare for careers in the healthcare, business, legal and technology fields.


Summit College

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Medical Billing & Coding
  • Electronic Health Records
  • Medical Assistant - Administrative & Clinical
Quick Summary: Get your career started with an education from Summit College.

Westwood College

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Medical Insurance Coding and Billing (A)
  • Medical Office Management (A)
Quick Summary: Westwood College is dedicated to preparing students with the knowledge, skills and training needed for meaningful employment. Through education, we create opportunities, change lives and impact futures.

Carrington College California

[Campus]
Programs:
  • AS in Medical Billing and Coding
  • Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding
Quick Summary: Ready for a rewarding career? Start with a certificate or degree from Carrington College California.

UEI College

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Medical Billing and Insurance Coding
Quick Summary: Get the real-world skills you need from UEI College.

American College of Healthcare

[Campus]
Locations:
  • Riverside
Programs:
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Medical Administrative Assistant
Quick Summary: Get hands-on training with American College of Healthcare.

WyoTech

[Campus]
Locations:
  • Long Beach
Programs:
  • Medical Insurance Billing and Coding
Quick Summary: Gear up for a better future at WyoTech.

Penn Foster Schools

[Campus]
Locations:
  • Scranton
Programs:
  • Medical Coding and Billing
  • Medical Administrative Assistant
Quick Summary: Advance your career with our affordable, self-paced, career-focused distance education programs.

Stratford Career Institute

[Online]
Programs:
  • Medical Billing Specialist
  • Medical Office Assistant
Quick Summary: Earn Your Diploma from Home!

Kaplan College - KHE

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Diploma: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
  • Diploma: Medical Office Specialist
Quick Summary: Get a professional education designed with your future in mind at Kaplan College.

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