Medical Billing
& Coding Specialist
Diploma 37 Credits (930 Contact Hours) 58 Weeks
What is the Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Program?
The Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Diploma Program at Compu-Med Vocational Careers (CMVC) is a 58-week training designed to prepare students for a dynamic and essential role in the healthcare administrative sector. This comprehensive 37-credit program, consisting of 930 contact hours, equips students with the skills needed to manage and process medical billing and coding for healthcare facilities. The program focuses on preparing graduates for entry-level employment in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies.
Program Objective
Why Choose the Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Program?
What You Will Learn
The Medical Billing & Coding Specialist program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering the following essential topics:
- Computer Skills & Office Procedures: Basic computer operations, office software, and communication skills necessary for administrative roles.
- Anatomy, Physiology, and Medical Terminology: Understanding of human body systems and medical terms to ensure accurate coding.
- Medical Coding (ICD, CPT, HCPCS): The use of coding systems to classify and document medical diagnoses, services, and procedures for reimbursement.
- Medical Law & Ethics: Introduction to legal standards, ethical issues, and compliance with healthcare regulations like HIPAA and OSHA.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR): Learn how to manage and utilize EHR systems to maintain accurate and secure patient information.
- Insurance and Reimbursement Procedures: Training in insurance claims processing, reimbursement, and handling billing tasks efficiently.
Program Structure
Duration: 58 weeks, totaling 930 contact hours.
Class Format: A mix of theory-based instruction and hands-on experience in medical billing software and coding applications.
Topics Covered:
- Medical Billing & Coding Basics: Learn the essentials of the billing and coding process, including the use of industry-standard software for entering medical codes and managing billing documents.
- Medical Office Procedures: Develop the communication and office management skills needed to work effectively in a healthcare setting.
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare: Gain an understanding of healthcare laws and regulations to ensure compliance and protect patient privacy.
- Specialized Medical Coding: Learn to code for different body systems (digestive, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal) and procedures (radiology, lab, and surgery).
- Professionalism and Career Preparation: Prepare for the workforce with career development training, job search strategies, resume building, and interview preparation.
Certification and Career Path
Certification
Graduates of this program are encouraged to pursue certification exams such as:
Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) through the National Health Career Association (NHA).
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) through the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Upon completing the program and obtaining certification, graduates will be qualified for positions such as:
- Medical Biller
- Medical Coder
- Insurance Claims Analyst
- Medical Records Specialist
Career Opportunities
Medical Billing & Coding Specialists play a crucial role in healthcare administration, working in:
- Hospitals
- Medical Offices
- Insurance Companies
- Clinics
- Long-Term Care Facilities
The demand for skilled medical billing and coding professionals continues to rise, especially with the growth of electronic health records and healthcare data management. This program prepares students to meet this demand with the skills and certifications necessary to succeed.
Admission Requirements for the Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Program
To qualify for enrollment in the Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Diploma Program, students must meet the following criteria:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Applicants must provide proof of a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
- If a student’s diploma is from a non-English-speaking country, a certified translation and a document verifying U.S. equivalency are required.
- Minimum Age Requirement
- Students must be 18 years of age or older or provide proof of legal emancipation.
- DAX Testing
- Prospective students must pass the DAX testing to meet the required program entry score.
- Admissions Interview
- All applicants must complete an interview with an admissions officer to discuss their qualifications, career goals, and the programs offered by CMVC. After the interview, prospective students will be given a tour and invited to sit in on a class before deciding to enroll.
- Online Course Requirements
- Students interested in online learning must meet all admissions requirements and pass a digital assessment exam. They must also meet the technical requirements outlined by CMVC, which include access to a modern computer, internet connection, and updated software.
Technical Requirements for Online Courses
- Computer: Must have a current operating system (Windows 10 or Mac OS X 10.7+).
- Internet Access: A stable DSL or broadband connection.
- Browser: Up-to-date browsers with cookies enabled.
- Anti-Virus Software: Regular updates are required.
- Software: Word processing software like Microsoft Office (available for free to CMVC students).
Additional software, such as Java, Flash, or Windows Media Player, may be required for specific courses.
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