Medical Coder/Biller ATD

Quality information is critical to quality care by physicians, nurses, and other health professionals. Health Information Management professionals (medical coder/billers) perform data collection and analysis, as well as coding of medical diagnoses and procedures, while protecting patient privacy and confidentiality.

Health Information Management is at the hub of the healthcare system. If a career combining medicine and information technology appeals to you, our program is proven training ground for success.

Insurance processing and coding functions are performed by specialists employed in health care settings. Health Insurance (or Health Information) specialists assign and report ICD, CPT and HCPCS codes on insurance claims for diagnoses and procedures/services provided to patients in a variety of health care environments. This coding and billing program offers individuals the opportunity to pursue business-related career that is an essential part of the health care industry.

Students enrolled in this program must complete 37 credits and earn grades of "C" or higher in all courses. The program can be completed on a full-time basis during three semesters of study. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to write the following certification examinations.

• Certified Coding Associate (CCA), which is offered by AHIMA and requires applicants to have a high school diploma. For more information, visit www.AHIMA.org

• Certified Outpatient Coder-Apprentice (COC-A), Certified Professional Biller (CPB), and Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A), all offered by the AAPC, which recommends that applicants have six months of experience in a health care setting applying ICD and CPT coding conventions and guidelines. For more information, visit www.aapc.com

View the Medical Coder/Biller Program Estimated Expenses Page

1. Coding and billing professionals become employed in a variety of health care settings, such as:

• Acute Care
• Ambulatory Care
• Behavioral Health
• Consulting Firms
• Educational Institutions
• Integrated Delivery Systems
• Long-Term Care
• Physician Offices
• Product Vendors

2. Health Information Management professionals enjoy a wide range of career opportunities throughout the vast health care industry, based on individual skills and interests. Job possibilities exist in any organization that uses health information, ranging from physician practices and hospitals to insurance companies and law firms. Examples of these positions include:

• Clinical Coding Specialist
• Health Data Analyst
• Insurance Claims Analyst
• Records Technician
• Physician Practice Manager
• Patient Information Coordinator
• Medical Coder/Biller

Students are required to complete 240-hours of non-paid professional practice experience in the coding, billing and/or insurance departments of a healthcare facility. Practice arrangements are made by the Program Director. Students are required to earn a grade of "C" or higher in each course prior to placement. Students must also earn a final grade of "C" or higher in the professional practice course in order to graduate the program.

1. Typing/keyboarding at a speed of 50 wpm is recommended.

2. As a student in our Medical Coder/Biller Program, and later as a professional working in the field, a number of tasks, skills and personal qualities will be vital to your success. If you're "cut out for the job", you'll need to:

• Work on computers for a significant part of a workday
• Work with detailed facts requiring a keen ability to concentrate
• Follow rules and regulations
• Protect patient confidentiality and privacy

To satisfactorily complete the curriculum and to develop the skills required of an entry level health information professional, the student must demonstrate:

• Visual Acuity (with or without corrective lenses): to read paper, microfilm, and electronic documents.
• Physical Ability: to process reports and records, to operate equipment necessary for record keeping (for example, manually operated filing equipment, printers, microfilm reader/printers, computer keyboard), and to move about in space limited by compacted filing.
• Manual Dexterity: to perform the fine motor functions necessary to document analysis of records (for example, must use pens, pencils, and manage papers), and to operate electronic equipment (for example, computers, word processors).
• Hearing (with or without aids): to hear the spoken voice in order to be able to respond verbally.