Medical coding schools near you can be a great way to kickstart a rewarding career in healthcare. With the right training, you can become a medical coder and help healthcare providers get paid for the services they provide.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of medical records and health information technicians will grow 13% from 2020 to 2030. This growth is much faster than the average for all occupations.
You can choose from various types of medical coding schools near you, including online programs and vocational schools. Some programs may also offer specializations in areas like ICD-10 coding or medical billing.
Medical coding schools near you can be a great investment in your future, with many programs offering flexible scheduling and affordable tuition.
For more insights, see: Medical Coding and Billing Schools near Me
Admission and Requirements
To get into a medical coding program, you'll need to meet some basic requirements. You'll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
These programs usually require a foundation in medical terminology and anatomy. You'll need to have taken courses like Medical Terminology: An Anatomy and Physiology Approach (FPM-40632) and Anatomy & Physiology for Allied Health (MEDC-40008).
You'll also need to have a basic understanding of medical coding principles. This typically means taking a course like Introduction to Medical Coding (MEDC-40024).
Here are the specific requirements you'll need to meet:
- High-School graduation/GED
- Introduction to Medical Coding (MEDC-40024)
- Medical Terminology: An Anatomy and Physiology Approach (FPM-40632)
- Anatomy & Physiology for Allied Health (MEDC-40008)
Curriculum and Courses
Medical coding schools near you offer a range of courses and curriculum to help you get started in this field. The courses are designed to prepare you for certification exams, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Some courses, like OSC-3030C3, focus on providing coding practice, test-taking strategies, and review of anatomy, terminology, pathophysiology, reimbursement, and coding concepts. Others, like OST-3150B3, introduce the revenue cycle, including reimbursement methodologies, claim preparation, and payer plans and requirements.
You can choose from online courses like OST-3150B3, which has 3 open seats available, or online courses like OSC-3030C3, which has no open seats available. The price for these courses is $180.00.
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and physiology are essential for understanding medical terminology, which is a key part of healthcare work environments.
This course, FPM-40320, uses an anatomy and physiology systems approach to review common terms associated with medical practice, research, and different healthcare settings.
Students complete this structured asynchronous course within a 4-week section, allowing them to become productive in healthcare work environments.
By the end of the course, students should be able to decipher medical chart or record entries and approach unfamiliar terms with confidence.
Reimbursement Methodologies & Compliance
The reimbursement methodologies and compliance strategies are crucial for medical billers and coders to understand. This course, Reimbursement Methodologies & Compliance, provides an in-depth understanding of the US Healthcare Reimbursement system.
Students will learn about the various types of payors, including commercial, federal, and managed care insurance plans. They will also learn about payment methodologies associated with each type of payor.
The course covers the entire insurance billing process, from claims submission to payment determination. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the reimbursement system and compliance strategies.
For more insights, see: Code Compliance Certificate Application
By the end of this course, students will be able to define commercial, federal, and managed care insurance plans and describe the differences between the three types of payors. They will also be able to describe payment methodologies associated with each type of payor.
Here's a breakdown of the course structure:
- Commercial, federal, and managed care insurance plans
- Payment methodologies associated with each type of payor
- Claims submission to payment determination process
This course is designed to equip medical billers and coders with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex reimbursement system and ensure compliance with regulations.
Learning Opportunities
Students at Arizona College's Medical Billing and Coding program can receive job search support and employment placement assistance from the Career Services team. This support is available to all students and graduates of the program.
The Career Services team offers job search support and employment placement assistance to all students and graduates. This means you'll have a team behind you to help you find a job in the medical coding field.
Students starting on November 21, 2022, or later will receive a preloaded iPad included in their tuition. This iPad can be used throughout school and kept upon graduation, providing you with a valuable tool for your future career.
Employment Opportunities
If you're looking for a career in medical coding, you're in luck! Students who complete this course can expect to earn a starting salary of $16+ per hour.
Here are some of the industries you can expect to work in with a medical coding background:
- Medical Coder
- Remote Coder
- Insurance Verification
- Payment Poster
- Insurance Specialist
As a medical coder, you'll have the opportunity to work with a variety of patients and medical records, and you'll be able to classify medical and healthcare concepts into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system.
Industry Certifications
If you're looking to break into the field of medical coding, earning industry certifications can be a game-changer.
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers several certifications that are highly valued in the industry.
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification is a top credential for medical coders, demonstrating expertise in coding and reimbursement systems.
CPC-A, or Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice, is a great option for those new to the field, providing a solid foundation in coding principles.
Certified Professional Biller (CPB) certification is also offered by the AAPC, showcasing expertise in medical billing and insurance claims processing.
Here are some of the key certifications offered by the AAPC:
- AAPC
- CPC Certified Professional Coder
- CPC-A Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice
- CPB Certified Professional Biller
Choosing a School
Choosing a school for medical billing and coding can be a crucial step in your career. Our Medical Billing & Coding program can provide you the education and up-to-date training needed to reach your goal of becoming a medical biller and coder.
You can pursue medical billing and coding certification through reputable organizations such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), or the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA).
Getting Started
You can start your journey in medical billing and coding today by submitting a request for information form to connect with the admissions team at Arizona College.
Arizona College has a Medical Billing and Coding program that can help you become a medical coding specialist.
Submit a request for information form today to start on the path to fulfilling your dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to become a certified medical coder in Missouri?
To become a certified medical coder in Missouri, you can enroll in a 25-credit Medical Coding & Billing Certificate program, which can be completed in a classroom or online setting. This program prepares students to work in the healthcare field as a liaison between medical offices and insurance companies.
Which degree is best for medical coding?
For a career in medical coding, a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration or health information management is recommended, providing a more comprehensive foundation. This degree path can lead to more advanced and specialized roles in medical coding.
How do you become a medical coder in Minnesota?
To become a medical coder in Minnesota, you typically need to complete a certificate or associate degree program in medical billing and coding and pass a certification exam. Understanding HIPAA regulations is also a requirement for medical coders in the state.
Sources
- https://extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/courses-and-programs/medical-coding-certificate
- https://fortmyerstech.edu/course/medical-coder-biller-online-program/
- https://cwi.edu/program/medical-coding-and-billing-professional
- https://www.waketech.edu/programs-courses/non-credit/workforce-training/healthcare-wellness/billing-coding
- https://www.arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/medical-billing-coding/
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