NOTICE: Due to Covid-19 concerns, all 2022 start dates from Auburn University have been delayed indefinitely by Career Choice leadership. Please reach out directly to your Career Choice contact for more information.
The Medical Billing & Coding Profession
Medical billing and coding is one of the fastest-growing careers in the healthcare industry today! The need for professionals who understand how to code healthcare services and procedures for third-party insurance reimbursement is growing substantially. Physician practices, hospitals, pharmacies, long-term care facilities, chiropractic practices, physical therapy practices, and other healthcare providers all depend on medical billing and coding for insurance carrier reimbursement. These professionals often perform a number of administrative tasks in the medical office in addition to their primary function. The medical industry will have almost 50% more jobs available by 2028; therefore, a surplus of medical facilities will continue to hire candidates who specialize in medical billing and coding.
The Medical Billing & Coding Program
This billing and coding program delivers the skills students need to solve insurance billing and coding problems and perform complex coding and billing procedures. It details proper assignment of codes and the process to file claims for reimbursement.
This program covers the following key areas and topics:
- An overview of healthcare & insurance industry
- The organization and use of the ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS manuals to identify correct codes
- Detailed review and practice using the alphabetic index and tabular list of the ICD-10-CM, and practice coding examples within the CPT
- Basic claims processes for medical insurance and third-party reimbursements
- Completing common insurance forms, tracing delinquent claims, and appealing denied claims
National/Industry Certification Opportunities
After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity challenge the leading national/industry-recognized certification exams essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.
- American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS)
Career Outlook
- Starting Wage: $21.20 / hour
- Job Growth Expectations: 8%
- Full-Time Opportunities Available
Target Job: Medical Billing & Coding
The main role of medical billing and coding specialists is to ensure health providers are paid for medical services rendered. They are responsible for the accurate flow of medical information and patient data between physicians, patients and third-party payers. Without them, healthcare businesses could not function efficiently. In general, medical billing and coding professionals perform a variety of duties including reviewing medical procedures as documented by doctors, translating medical procedures into codes that can be translated by payers, other medical coders, and other medical facilities, transmitting coded patient treatment information to payers and other recipients, coordinating insurance reimbursement of care providers, and handling patient billing.
Is this the Right Job for You?
Positive Aspects
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Many entry-level jobs for candidates with introductory skills
- Work is typically in a physician’s office environment, hospital or medical facility
- Contribute to overall patient well-being by ensuring their procedures and visits are covered by insurance
- Opportunity to interact with patients
- Opportunity to work as a team
- Jobs are becoming more and more available as healthcare expands
Negative Aspects
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Clerical position that may require a significant amount of screen/desk time
- Requires working in a sterile environment and constant universal precaution procedures
- Requires significant attention to detail to ensure proper coding
- Working closely with patients and a great “customer/patient-care” attitude is essential
- May require continuing education
Download Program Information
