Medical Coder/Biller - ATD H170528 (Full-Time)
Classes
 | March 29, 2011 |
MTWRF (8 am - 2 pm)
|
$2,981.78 / $1,368.00
| Tuition: |
$2,270.00
|
| Startup Costs: |
$1,368.00 |
| Fees: |
$18.00 |
| Insurance: |
$128.78 |
| Books/Supplies: |
$565.00 |
|
|
More Info |
| TBA |
MTWR (4:30 pm - 10 pm)
|
$3,006.78 / $1,189.00
| Tuition: |
$2,270.00
|
| Startup Costs: |
$1,189.00 |
| Fees: |
$18.00 |
| Insurance: |
$153.78 |
| Books/Supplies: |
$565.00 |
|
|
More Info |
Course Info
DAY
Length: 11 Months (1000 Clock Hours)
Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8 am-2 pm
(This program begins twice a year.)
EVENING (Not Available During the 2010-11 School Year)Length: 13 Months (1000 Clock Hours)
Schedule: Monday-Thursday; 4:30 pm-9:30 pm
(When available, this program begins once a year.)
This program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Basic Skills Exit Requirements
TABE Test Scores: 11th Grade Reading & Language, 10th Grade Math
(In lieu of the TABE test, degreed applicants may submit proof of a U.S. college degree from a regionally accredited institution and complete the Application for Admission. Please click here to view a list of approved regional accrediting agencies.)
Other Requirements
Possess a GED or standard U.S. high school diploma from a school accredited by an approved accrediting association
OR
Possess a college degree from an approved regionally accredited institution
Physical examination/immunizations
A Criminal Background Check and random drug screenings
PLEASE NOTE:
A history of felony convictions or substance abuse may adversely affect your ability to gain employment or take licensing exams in the medical professions. We encourage you to consider your personal history when making appropriate career choices.
Students entering all health programs with a clinical study requirement are subject to a Criminal Background Check and/or random drug screenings at their own expense.
If problems arise with the results of either the Criminal Background Check or the drug screening, students will not be permitted to attend the clinical portion of the program which then results in program non-completion.
Refunds for the costs of the Criminal Background Check and drug screenings are NOT granted for these circumstances.
Program Description
Medical Coder/Biller is a 1000-hour program designed to prepare students for employment as an entry-level coder, medical record coder or medical biller/coder in a variety of health care settings.
This program is part of the Health Information Management or Office System Technology A.S. degree programs at community colleges offering that two-year degree and guarantees transfer of credit of 26 college credit hours toward the A.S. Degree. Students are part of a comprehensive competency based/individualized type of instruction.
The program includes a 120 hour externship in community physician offices, hospitals, insurance/billing companies and outpatient facilities.
Book and Supply Information
The following books and supplies are required for this program. All items listed on the fee sheet (see link below) are available at the Erwin Technical Center Bookstore. The ISBN number is located after each textbook. For the most current fee sheet, please contact the Student Services Office, Financial Aid Office or our Bookstore.
Medical Billing and Coding Books and Supplies
Employment/Career Opportunities
Besides working in medical records departments of acute care hospitals, coders work in walk-in clinics, outpatient centers, specialty hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, insurance companies, and review agencies.
Salaries
Salaries for graduates range from $10.00 - $13.00 per hour (billing), and $16.00-$18.00 per hour (coding).
Placement Rates
2006-07…………100%
2007-08….………74%
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Medical Biller the same as a Medical Coder?
Medical Billers/Coders usually work in a physician's office. They code diagnoses/procedures and bill the insurance company for reimbursement of services. Coding is somewhat limited in this setting. A Medical Coder usually works in a hospital medical records department and performs coding on a much more complex level than that of a physician's office. Billing in a hospital setting is done in the business office.
How do salaries of Billers vs. Coders differ?
Physicians' offices generally pay $10.00-$13.00 per hour for Medical Billers/Coders while hospitals generally pay $16.00-$18.00 per hour for Coding Specialists.
What are the local job opportunities in this field?
There are always ads in the local newspapers for biller/coder positions with physician's offices, billing services, insurance offices and hospitals. Hospital coding positions are also advertised in local newspapers. There is a high demand for skilled coders.
What career opportunities exist beyond medical billing/coding in a medical facility?
Experienced medical billers/coders become self-employed after gaining experience in the field. Also, medical coders in hospital settings can enter management positions after earning an A.S. Degree in Medical Record Science.
How do students benefit from the externship?
The externship provides students with a hands-on approach to the billing/coding processes in hospital medical records departments, physician's offices, insurance companies and billing services.
Are computer skills essential in this program?
Most billing/coding, in physicians' offices and coding in hospitals, is done with software courses, therefore, general keyboarding skills are helpful. A computer literacy class is included in this program.
Can the national certification exam be taken at the end of the Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program?
Yes, the national certification examination is offered by two national organizations.
Is job placement available upon graduation?
Advisory committee representatives and teachers provide students with guidance and recommendations.
How can I learn more about this career field?
Click here for more information.