The scope of career in the medical billing and coding profession is increasingly booming. According to a research conducted by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, this profession will see up to 25% growth within the next couple of years. The main responsibility of a medical biller or coder is to organize and manage all the data and information of a patient related to billing, and also to secure reimbursement from the insurance companies. The opportunities are vast; a billing and coding technician can work with a doctor in his private clinic, at a hospital, in government agencies or in residential care and nursing facilities. In order to be qualified, a person requires a degree, a certificate or equivalent diploma in medical billing and coding. The type of course you wish to pursue completely depends on you and your personal goals. Generally, a diploma or certificate course is completed in much less time, usually within 6 months to one year. These courses focus on the main training required to obtain qualification in the field as a professional, whereas an associate degree takes up 2 years to complete and also includes the general educational courses like humanities, mathematics etc. in the program.
There are many online schools which offer a certification or degree programs in medical billing
and coding. However, it is essential to select a school which offers accredited programs, along
with valuable internships to prepare you for the real job experience. You should also ensure
that the online school that you are opting for is accredited to the ‘commission on accreditation
for health and information management-education: CAHIIM’. CAHIIM is responsible for
reviewing the programs and courses offered by these online schools.
The following is a list of the best online medical billing and coding schools:
American Academy of Professional Coders
The ‘American Academy of professional coders’ is the most reputable and trusted academy in the medical billing and coding profession. The course fee is very affordable and you will be prepared extensively for the AAPC’s CPC-H, CPC and CIC- medical coding exams. The students are also provided a discount on the AAPC membership and examination fees.
Allied school is definitely one of the best and most reputed schools online. The school offers 100% reimbursement for the students who are on active duty in military, and also provides financial aid to other students. The fee structure is flexible so that students do not feel burdened. There is a list of payment plans to choose from, with a list of installment amounts for each plan. The courses offered include medical billing/ coding, ICD 10-PCS and ICD 10-CM. On successful completion of the chosen course, the students become members in the ‘American Academy of Professional coders’.
Keiser University offers an associate of science degree in medical billing and coding. The students learn both administrative as well as clerical roles related to the job that deals with insurance reimbursement, claims and compliance. Students are also given an extensive training to prepare for the apprenticeship examination in the ‘American Academy of professional coders’.
Herzing University is a completely online institution, accredited by the ‘higher learning commission’. It offers 30 courses ranging from associate’s degree to master’s degree. Students who take up the medical billing and coding course are offered an associate’s degree. Since, the institution is completely online, the students can choose flexible hours to study and schedule classes according to the time which suits them best.
Ultimate medical academy is a member of the’ National Health care Association’ and the ‘Association of Private sector colleges & Universities’. It is accredited by the ‘Accrediting Bureau of health and education schools’. The medical billing and coding courses are offered both with a diploma and associate’s degree. The time required to complete a diploma course is up to 52 weeks and for the associate’s degree, the course takes up to 74 weeks. The institute also has a placement cell which provides assistance in searching suitable jobs for students.
The University of Phoenix offers an associate’s degree of Arts which also develops a basic knowledge in the medical bills and record management practices. Students can opt for a bachelor’s degree in healthcare after successfully completing the associate’s program online.
Kaplan University is a member of ‘North Central Association of schools and colleges’. It is also accredited by the ‘Higher learning commission’. This students studying online in Kaplan University have an added benefit of regular interaction with reputed physicians, other health care service providers and patients. The study environment is equivalent to any on-campus institute. The students are provided onsite training along with the regular traditional course matter. The program prepares the students for a real world job.
Penn foster career school is one of the oldest online education portals. The programs offered include associates, bachelor’s degree and certificates as well. This institute is accredited by the ‘Council for higher education accreditation’, the accrediting commission of the ‘distance education and training council’ and four more accrediting organizations. The course offered in the medical billing and coding prepares the student in both ICD-9 as well as ICD-10 coding structures. The time table is flexible and can be scheduled by the students, according to their own priorities. The students are extensively prepared for the AHIMA certification.
The online course offered by San Joaquin College prepares the students to have a quick start in the clerical and administration department of a medical or health care facility. A student graduating from this institute can easily find a position in the front office roles of a medical or insurance company.
The course offered in medical billing and coding by Grantham University comes under the Associate of Applied Science program. The students are offered a real time exposure to the job responsibilities. The students can take the AHIMA’s certified coding exam after successful completion of the online course to obtain the certification in medical billing and coding field.
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