Gatlin Education Services announced today that a new course focusing specifically on medical billing and coding is available for January 2007. The 240-hour course will be offered solely through Gatlin's partnership with major colleges and universities.
Medical billing and coding was a component of the administrative medical specialist course. The new course has removed the administration sections and will utilize multimedia and interactive elements to help students prepare for the CCA national certification exam.
"We are always listening to the students so that we can provide them the most relevant content," said Sarah Karr, vice president of academic affairs for Gatlin Education Services. "Overwhelmingly, students wanted a course that focused more on billing and coding and less on administration."
Upon completion, students will be able to register patient information, perform insurance verification, pre-authorization and referrals, code and bill insurance claims and perform collection activities.
"Skilled medical billing and coding technicians are in high demand since there is a lack of both formal training programs and sufficient resources to provide on-the-job training for coders" said Stephen Gatlin, founder of Fort Worth-based Gatlin Education Services. "Demand continues to grow as health insurance companies, regulators, courts and patients increasingly scrutinize medical tests, treatments and procedures. Federal legislation requiring use of electronic patient records will ensure that anyone with billing and coding skills is irresistible to perspective health care employers."
Students who wish to study administration along with medical billing and coding may take the Administrative Medical Specialist with Medical Billing and Coding course, also available through Gatlin's educational partners. The 300-hour course will also prepare students for a position as a medical receptionist or front desk position.
Established in 1989 by Stephen Gatlin, Gatlin Education Services is the largest provider of Web-based, instructor-supported training to community colleges and universities. Gatlin's courses are open enrollment, allowing interested students to start their desired training immediately. Gatlin's online career training courses are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations.
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