
Choosing the Best Online Medical Billing & Coding Program
Prepare for a career in medical billing and coding. Learn how to choose the best online medical billing and coding program for you with this guide from DeVry.
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If you’ve been treated by a hospital, physician’s office or medical center, chances are you’re familiar with the concept of medical billing and coding. But exactly what is medical coding and what does a professional in this field do?
To start, medical coding is the practice that transforms healthcare diagnoses, procedures, services and equipment into universal alphanumeric codes for medical billing purposes. Medical coders analyze information about diagnoses and procedures within medical records and other documentation – such as physician's notes, laboratory and radiologic results – then assign the appropriate codes and create a claim for submission to insurance carriers.
Medical coding also supports the operation of the healthcare system. Practitioners and facilities rely on the documentation of what's diagnosed, treated and learned about a patient's condition in order to streamline their processes and ultimately generate revenue. Proper documentation of patient diagnoses, testing and treatment allows healthcare providers to be reimbursed quickly and sustain a healthy cash flow.
Medical coding also helps practitioners quickly understand a patient's conditions and treatments during subsequent visits. This helps providers achieve better patient outcomes, especially in large medical practices or hospitals that serve large patient populations.
High ethical standards
Strong organizational skills
Patience
Effective time management skills
Robust oral and written communication skills
As you get started on your career path, you might find that many medical coding jobs may require you to obtain a Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification, in addition to earning an undergraduate certificate or degree in this field. Here are some key steps to help you pursue the medical coding training, education and credentials you need for a future in medical billing and coding:
This can be a quick path toward preparing to pursue a medical coding career. You can earn the certificate in as little as one year, as you look for employment and prepare to pursue industry recognized exams. The coursework focuses on health insurance and reimbursement, medical data classification, information processing and current procedural terminologies.
This program not only covers procedural and regulatory knowledge related to the field but also helps you obtain technical skills in coding and chart management software, health data content and structure, health services and information systems, as well as insurance and reimbursement procedures.
You'll learn how to implement new technologies and control costs in healthcare settings with coursework in advanced classification systems, data security, privacy management and more. You'll also be prepared to work in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and doctor’s groups.
This program details the political, social, cultural, economic and technical influences that shape today’s healthcare system. Topics covered in this program include healthcare management, including health rights and responsibilities, healthcare policy, records management, insurance claims billing and healthcare financing.
You'll learn how to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services while controlling costs. This degree program prepares you to pursue a career in healthcare policy, managed care, insurance, information systems and finance.
A nationally-recognized standard of achievement in health information management. While not required, AHIMA recommends six months of medical coding job experience before taking this exam.
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT):
Although no work experience is needed, you'll need at least an associate-level education in health information management to pursue this credential.
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS):
This credential is for medical coders who want to pursue work in hospital settings. The exam tests for knowledge in terminology, disease processes and pharmacology, as well as expertise in the ICD-10-CM and CPT/HCPCS coding systems.
This is for medical coders specializing in physician-based settings. The exam tests for mastery-level understanding and competency in the ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II and CPT coding systems.
Credentials such as CCA, RHIT, CCS and CCS-P need to be rectified every two years by completing continuing education units through activities such as attending AHIMA meetings, taking formal educational programs, attending teleseminars, delivering presentations, publishing academic work and conducting an independent study.
It can be easier than you may think. While medical coding may sound complicated at first, with the right skillset, education and certifications you can pursue various roles across this dynamic field. At DeVry, you can earn a Medical Billing and Coding Undergraduate Certificate in just 10 courses. Better yet, our Career Services team is here to help you pursue medical coding jobs with one-on-one resume support, interview tips and job leads.
At DeVry, you can earn your undergraduate certificate in Medical Billing and Coding in as little as one year when you're enrolled full-time and taking courses year-round without a break. You can obtain your certificate even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits.
You can choose from two programs – our Medical Billing and Coding certificate program consists of 10 courses, totaling 34 credit hours and our Medical Billing and Coding – Health Information Coding certificate program consists of 13 courses, totaling 42 credit hours.
Medical coders work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, physician's offices, surgery centers, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, dental offices, home healthcare agencies and mental health facilities. While many coders work on-site, some employers may also support remote working options.
Earning a certification – such as the CCA or CCS – can help you to pursue a career in medical coding and billing, a fast-growing field according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 In fact, some medical coding jobs require employees to be certified prior to being hired. Being certified is yet another way that you can demonstrate to employers that you are proficient in medical coding and all that it entails. If you are interested in taking an industry certification exam, consider starting by earning an undergraduate certificate in Medical Billing and Coding that includes exam preparation courses.
Prepare for a career in medical billing and coding. Learn how to choose the best online medical billing and coding program for you with this guide from DeVry.
Read PostWhether you’re new or experienced in medical billing and coding, learn about new medical billing and coding trends and changes in medical billing industry statistics.
Read PostConsidering a medical billing career or medical coding career? Learn about job tasks, processes & education with this medical billing & coding career infographic.
Read Post1Growth on a national level. Local growth will vary by location. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm
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In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. The University’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Arlington Campus: 1400 Crystal Dr., Ste. 120, Arlington, VA 22202. DeVry University is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, www.tn.gov/thec. Naperville Campus: 1200 E. Diehl Rd., Naperville, IL 60563. Unresolved complaints may be reported to the Illinois Board of Higher Education through the online compliant system http://complaints.ibhe.org/. View DeVry University’s complaint process https://www.devry.edu/compliance/student-complaint-procedure.html Program availability varies by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program.
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