Refresher course for medical billing and coding

AHIMA has partnered with MARSI to present the first Risk Adjustment Coding/Auditing course that prepares professionals for risk adjustment coding while going a step further to address chart auditing. This course presents extensive, in-depth education for those working in risk adjustment that need a thorough understanding of HCCs, coding, and auditing.

With our Subscription Bundles, coding teams will have unlimited access to practical, focused content for 12 months for one annual fee. Team Supervisors have "Team Functionality," and can assign content to specific users, obtain progress and completion reports to track their team's education journey.

Choosing a career as a medical biller and coder is a great way to help the health community. Every doctor and every clinic needs someone who is competent and trustworthy that can submit the correct claims to insurance companies for payment.

There are accelerated online courses that allow you to earn a certificate in medical billing as well as medical coding in as little as four weeks. However, there are also many medical billing and coding courses available that allow you to earn the same certificate in a longer time frame.

How do you know which option is better? It all depends on your schedule and how much time you can devote to studying, as well as how quickly you want to get into the work field.

Another option to consider is whether you are interested in taking in-person classes or attending courses online. Below you can find more answers to these and other questions about medical billing and coding courses and schools.

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What is a Medical Biller and Coder?

As a medical biller and coder you can expect to work in an office, generally in a physician’s office, hospital, rehab center office, or nursing home. While the job description at each office may change a bit, depending on the specifics of where you work, for the most part, it is the same.  Here is a list of essential duties you can expect to do as a medical coder:

• Review patient files for doctor’s notes on condition, procedures, and office visits to accurately assign codes for billing.
• Work with doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and patients to ensure the accuracy of data.
• Bill insurance companies for services performed.
• Study claims information for accuracy, proper signatures, and needed prior authorizations.
• Audit denied claims for accuracy and reasoning of denial.
• Resending claims to insurance companies once missing information has been received.
• Understand and maintain the patient’s privacy during the billing process.

How to Choose the Best Medical Billing and Coding Certification or Degree

The first thing you should decide when choosing the best option to get your medical billing and coding education is the type of certificate or degree you are looking to earn. Many employers ask that you have an associate’s degree, but many are happy if you have a certificate in medical billing. However, you can also choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in medical coding and billing.

Previous Education

Have you already earned some college credits? Or perhaps you’ve taken extra courses or attended a vocational college. If you have participated in any post-secondary school, the accelerated medical billing and coding program you choose may allow you to transfer some of your previously received credits.

Online or Classroom Education

Because there are so many medical billing and coding courses, your options are wide open when choosing a school and a learning format. If you are the type of person who manages your time well, is very organized, and has a quiet place to study, you may find that earning your medical billing and coding certification online is the best route for you. However, if you are the type of person who needs more structure and a tight schedule, you may wish to consider choosing a traditional learning style school.

Accreditation

If there is any chance that you plan on furthering your education, make sure that the certification or program you choose is either accredited itself or that the college, trade school, or institution from which you attain your certification is accredited. Credits earned through an unaccredited institution will have a high chance of not transferring to a two to four-year college or university.

Time Frame for a Medical Coding and Billing Certification

It is also essential to take into consideration how much time you have to spend in medical coding schools. If you are in need of a job as soon as possible, then choosing an online medical coding and billing program is going to be your fastest route to your new career. However, if you have the time and the money to spend in college, you may want to consider earning your associate’s or even a bachelor’s degree.

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