Medical billing and coding specialists use their knowledge of human anatomy, medical terminology and diagnosis recognition to properly complete and file medical insurance forms for private health providers and public hospitals. While the majority of medical billing and coding schools are on-campus, several online billing and coding schools offer courses, certification programs and degree programs.
American Health Information Management Association
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is one of the largest health information training networks in the United States, and offers an online medical billing and coding 12-course program that takes approximately 15 months to complete. In this program, students learn the following skills: utilize ICD-9-CM, CPT and HCPCS medical codes, accurately interpret diagnoses and properly fill out insurance forms using coding assessments. Online courses are self-directed, and AHIMA provides students with both physical learning materials and online lectures which give students the flexibility to learn whenever and wherever they choose. The AHIMA program prepares students to take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) national examination.
American Academy of Professional Coders
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the largest medical coding training organization in the United States, offers an online medical billing and coding program that prepares students to become certified professional coders. AAPC offers online courses in both medical billing and coding, which train students to accurately utilize medical coding languages, interpret coded diagnoses and properly administer outpatient insurance forms. Courses are delivered via both physical learning materials, including textbooks and audio lectures, and archived learning resources online. At the time of writing, students who complete AAPC medical billing and coding courses can earn credit for University of Phoenix health-care degrees for those who wish to extend their studies to an associate's or bachelor's degree in medical management.
Everest University
Everest University, a for-profit institution based in Florida and accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers an online associate's degree in medical billing and coding. The degree program, which takes approximately two years to complete for those with no prior college credits, trains students for careers as medical receptionists and medical insurance billing specialists by offering courses in medical terminology, human anatomy, diagnostic coding and procedural coding. Online courses are offered on an asynchronous schedule, allowing students to log in and learn whenever it is most convenient for them. Online students have access to assignment schedules, learning materials, archived lectures and student support services via Everest University's centralized online platform.
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