Welcome to the Medical Coder/Billing Website

Medical Information Coder/Biller (CCC) - Core courses begin Fall 2009

Our program is transitioning from an Applied Technology Diploma (ATD) to a College Credit Certificate (CCC).

IMPORTANT!!!!!

If a student does not complete the current ATD program by the end of the 2010 Spring semester they may be required to repeat content in college credit courses in order to obtain the Medical Information Coder/Biller College Credit Certificate.

The following chart shows the proposed course offerings for the ATD program:

Course dates, days, and times have yet to be determined. This doesn't guarantee courses will be offered. Please refer to the course schedule for more information.

WHAT IS A MEDICAL CODER/BILLER?
The Medical Coder Certificate is designed to provide a student with the skills necessary to transform medical diagnoses, procedures, and injuries into designated numerical codes. There are many demands for accurately coded data from the medical records in hospitals, physician's offices, as well as other healthcare institutions. Codes are provided on claim forms and on numerous medical record abstracts so third party payors and outside agencies may utilize this information. Coded data are also used internally by institutions for quality assurance activities, case-mix management, and other administrative and research activities. A medical coder is an individual who analyzes medical records and assigns codes to classify diagnoses and procedures to support the reimbursement system, to support assessment of clinical care, and to support medical research activity.

A medical record coder must have a thorough understanding of the content of the medical record as well as clinical knowledge including extensive training in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical disease process.

A coder must adhere to ethical principles relating to quality, truth, and accuracy in work performance and productivity. The suggested courses are in agreement with guidelines set by the American Health Information Management Association.

WHAT DOES A MEDICAL CODER/BILLER DO?
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists are primarily responsible for submitting documentation of care they've provided to insurance companies.

To do this, they handle day-to-day medical billing procedures, complete claim forms, schedule appointments, explain insurance benefits to patients and bill insurance companies, They also may be responsible for office bookkeeping and other administrative duties.

Medical billing is a doctor's key to getting paid. Every medical office has a need to maintain patient financial accounts and arrange for collecting payment of services. This involves knowing the different methods of billing insurance companies and patients, understanding various collection methods, and having a good working knowledge of medical terminology.

In order to be reimbursed for services, medical facilities must document all activities using correct medical terminology. This is referred to as ‘coding.' Codes exist for all types of services, tests, treatments and procedures provided in a medical office, clinic or hospital. The combination of these codes tells the health insurance companies which services were performed. This makes it easier to handle these claims.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists usually work a 40-hour week. Some overtime may be required. In hospitals—where health information departments often are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week— Medical Billing and Coding Specialists  may work day, evening, and night shifts.

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists work in pleasant and comfortable offices. This is one of the few health occupations in which there is little or no direct contact with patients. Because accuracy is essential in their jobs, technicians must pay close attention to detail. Medical Billing and Coding Specialists who work at computer monitors for prolonged periods must guard against eyestrain and muscle pain.

MEDICAL CODING/BILLING TRAINING AND ADVANCEMENT
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists entering the field usually have an associate degree from a community or junior college. In addition to general education, coursework includes medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, legal aspects of health information, coding and abstraction of data, statistics, database management, quality improvement methods, and computer science. Applicants can improve their chances of admission into a program by taking biology, chemistry, health, and computer science courses in high school.

Advancement for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists usually requires 2 to 4 years of job experience and completion of a hospital’s in-house training program.  Experienced specialists usually advance in one of two ways — by specializing or managing. 

Click Here for More Career Information - including employment outlook and salary.

Other programs of interest:

Health Information Management - Associate of Science Degree

Medical Assisting

Medical Transcription