Medical billing and coding is one field in which an
associate’s degree will go far. Medical billers and coders translate medcial
procedures, patient conditions, and other medical information into universal
codes, which are used to communicate treatment and reimbursement information to
insurance providers and other third-party payers. Medical billing and coding
specialists are needed constantly by healthcare facilities and insurance
agencies.
These organizations prefer that medical billing and coding
school graduates have a clinical background similar to that of a medical
assistant, but the information intelligence of a paralegal.
Medical Billing & Coding
Curriculum
An associate’s degree in medical billing and coding takes
about two years. Programs usually cover the clinical foundation courses
necessary to understand medical conditions, diagnoses and treatments, as well
as the medical coding and billing practices you will be using while on the job.
Courses may also cover the computer skills needed to perform the role of a
medical biller or coder.
The course curriculum in a good medical billing and coding
associate’s degree program will include courses like:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Records Management
- healthcare Management
- Diagnosis of Diseases
- Pharmacology
In addition, students must complete courses in coding,
communications, and interpersonal skills. You may also choose to advance your
certification by taking courses in biology, chemistry, medical care and general
sciences.
Career Options in Medical Billing
& Coding
Medical billing and coding associate’s degree programs
prepare you to become a medical billing and coding specialist. Usually this
education is all that is needed to enter the job market.
Medical coders assign specific, unique codes to each
disease, medical condition and treatment. Medical billers then use these codes
to arrange reimbursement for the facility and its physicians. Doctor’s offices
and healthcare organizations utilize these codes in order to collect internal
data for planning purposes, while public and insurance agencies need them to
pay the doctors who treat patients. This system is used throughout the
healthcare industry, allowing medical organizations to communicate without
losing information accuracy.
Medical billers and coders may find work in:
- Hospitals
- Physicians’ Offices
- Insurance Providers
- Outpatient Centers
- Specialty Practices
If the business side of the medical field holds an interest
for you, an associate degree in medical insurance coding and billing is
tailored for you. Coding and billing specialists play key roles in the medical
and health industries, specifically working in business and financial
operations to help hospitals and medical offices provide smooth, no-hassle
patient care. A Westwood College medical insurance coding and billing degree
prepares you for your career through industry-focused courses and hands-on
experience.
Program training features include:
- preliminary preparation for a number of medical billing & coding certifications* administered by the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- course focus on healthcare terminology, procedures and administration
- components of health information management, including health records, data sets, confidentiality and security, plus Health Information Portability and Accountability Act requirements
