Healthcare Billing & Coding

The Healthcare Billing & Coding Program is designed for entry-level billing & coding positions in a series of 3 separate online courses in Diagnosis Coding, Procedure Coding and Revenue Cycle Management. Students will be prepared

Class I: Diagnosis Coding

Class II: Procedure Coding

Class III: Revenue Cycle Management

This course prepares an individual for entry-level healthcare billing and coding positions. Course topics include but are not limited to the roles and responsibilities of this position, managed health care, life cycle of an insurance claim, legal and regulatory considerations, coding regulations, reimbursement issues, and claim instructions, medical terminology, filing commercial claims, insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, and Workers Compensation. Upon Completion, Students should also be able to utilize MS Windows and the Internet to effectively retrieve billing-related information and updates.

Employment Data

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow faster than average. Automated and electronic processes have streamlined billing departments, but job growth is expected due to an increasing number of transactions, especially in the rapidly growing healthcare industry.

Median Annual Wage

The median annual wage for medical records and health information technicians is $38,040, approximately $16.00 per hour, depending on the geographic location.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Must be a high school graduate or have a GED. Please provide high school/GED transcripts or copy of high school diploma. Proof of an advanced degree is acceptable. High School Seniors graduating within 6 months of the course start date are eligible with the approval of the Program Director.
2. Completion of College level English (must provide transcript) or fulfill reading level requirement.
3. Must be at least 18 years of age or will turn 18 within 6 months of course start date.
4. Payment of fees at time of pre-registration, prior to mandatory orientation.

This program does not require a clinical or professional practice component.

Certification Opportunities

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the Board of Medical Specialty Coding and Professional Association of Professional Coders offer credentialing and certification in coding. Eligibility requirements may be found on each organizations website and the certification testing is not a part of this course.