A Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program teaches entry-level skills essential for employment in a variety of medical offices. It usually takes three months to complete the certificate program. Obtaining a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate enables students to gain work as a medical biller or coder and take on responsibilities required to work in hospitals, medical clinics, physician's offices, and insurance companies.
What is a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate?
Definition of the Certificate:
A Certificate Program in Medical Billing and Coding is intended to train individuals for a career in healthcare. The program offers the theory, practical knowledge and skill development essential for employment in the healthcare field as a medical billing and coding professional.
Required Courses:
Some of the more general courses mandatory in a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program include:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Insurance
- Legal & Ethical Issues & Health Professions
- Information Literacy & Report Writing
Skills Obtained:
After obtaining a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate students will have an overview of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT ) and an overview of International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Medical billing students will also have computerized medical billing and hospital billing knowledge, along with worker's comp guidelines and necessary preparation to start a medical billing service.
Reasons for Earning this Degree:
According to Medical Billing and Coding, www.medicalandcoding.net, medical billing is the practice of submitting claims to insurance companies or the United States government, to receive payment for services provided to the patient by a medical doctor or other licensed healthcare provider. Medical billing and coding as a career provides challenges, rewarding experiences and good pay. Medical billers and coders are important jobs that are in high demand.
Career Related Information
Economic Outlook and Growth of the Industry:
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, due to the complicated nature of medical billing, strong growth in medical billing and coding will generate more jobs in the healthcare industry. Employment growth will occur in the expanding healthcare industries, but will be limited to hospitals and physicians' offices.
Salary Information:
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, www.bls.gov.oco, median hourly earnings of medical billing and coding professionals are typically between $10.76 and $15.86, with the lowest percent earning $9.12 and the highest percent earning more than $18.88 per hour.
- Subject Category: Medical and Health Professions
- Subject Subcategory: Medical Administrative Services
- Specific Program: Medical Insurance Billing and Coding
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