What to Look for in a Medical Billing and Coding Program
Did you know that healthcare is expected to add more jobs in the coming years than any other industry? In addition to a demand for frontline workers and healthcare managers, support staff is needed to keep hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and doctors’ offices running smoothly. Among the professionals in demand are Medical Billers and Coders. If you’re looking to pursue this rewarding career, you’ll need to know what matters in a good medical billing and coding program.
Learn Medical Billing and Coding from Home
Since so much of what you will do as a Medical Biller and Coder will be on a computer, it makes sense that you can learn the skills of the trade on your computer—online, at home. Look for a program in a university that has a long track record of providing online instruction. Especially when so many Americans are spending more time at home, now may be the perfect time to acquire skills that will serve you far into the future.
Take Comprehensive Courses for Medical Billing and Coding
In addition to learning about billing and coding and electronic health records (EHR), you’ll need to understand the big picture of healthcare delivery systems to effectively do your future job. Make sure that any program you enter teaches you about medical terminology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and medical law and ethics.
You’ll need to learn how to:
- Complete insurance claims
- Use the latest software and EHRs
- Assign codes for a patient’s diagnosis and treatment
- Communicate with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients
- Stay current with medical rules and regulations
Finish Your Medical Billing and Coding Program Quickly
Find out how long will it take to complete your program. Whether you attend full- or part-time, you’ll want to finish in the shortest amount of time so you can start working after earning your diploma and becoming certified.
Access Support Throughout Your Medical Billing and Coding Program
Ask about the credentials of the faculty and how they support students during the program. You’ll also want assurances that there will be available tech support, library services with access to eBooks, and electronic reference materials available. And when it comes time to look for that first job in your new career, you’ll want support from a career development team with advisors who serve both students and graduates.
Get Experience in the Medical Billing and Coding Field
A supervised practicum will ensure that you know how to apply the principles and concepts you’ve learned during your program. It will reinforce skills such as healthcare coding, billing, reimbursement, compliance, and data quality. It will help increase your knowledge, boost your confidence, and show future employers that you have actual experience.
Prepare for Medical Billing and Coding Certification
Upon completion of the program, you will need the knowledge and background to become certified through professional organizations such as the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association. Will your program set you up for success?
At National American University, we offer a Medical Billing and Coding Diploma program that can be completed in as little as two years. If you already have some experience or a certificate in a medical, business or insurance field, you may be able to transfer those credits to your degree program. That means you can finish your diploma faster and more affordably. Call 800-209-0182 to speak to a counselor or fill out the form to request more information.
