Medical Coder/Biller - ATD H170530
Classes
Course Info
Length:
12 Months (1110 Clock Hours)
Schedule:
Monday 8 am-1 pm; Tuesday-Friday 8 am-2 pm
(Summer schedule) Monday- Thursday 8 am - 2:45 pm
Medical Coder/Biller Standards:
- Possess a standard U.S. high school diploma or GED from a school accredited by an approved accrediting association
- Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) scores: 11 in Reading & Language; 10 in Math OR meet TABE exemption (refer to Admissions and Testing)
Program Requirements:
- Physical
examination/immunizations
- Criminal
background check
- Random drug
screenings
PLEASE NOTE:
Students entering all health programs with a
clinical study requirement must submit to a criminal background check and
random drug screenings at their own expense.
If problems arise with the results of either the criminal
background check or the drug screening, students will not be permitted to
attend the clinical portion of the program which then results in program
non-completion.
A history of felony convictions or substance abuse may adversely
affect your ability to gain employment or take licensing exams in the medical
professions. We encourage you to consider your personal history when making
appropriate career choices.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Program Description
Medical Coder/Biller is a 1110-hour program designed to prepare students for employment as an entry-level coder, medical record coder or medical biller/coder in a variety of health care settings.
This program is part of the Health Information Management or Office System Technology A.S. degree programs at community colleges offering that two-year degree and guarantees transfer of 37 college credit hours toward the A.S. Degree. Students are part of a comprehensive competency based/individualized type of instruction.
The program includes a 120 hour externship in community physician offices, hospitals, insurance/billing companies and outpatient facilities.
Book and Supply Information
For the most current list of books and supplies, please contact the Student Services Office, Financial Aid Office or our Bookstore.
Employment/Career Opportunities
Besides working in health information departments of acute care hospitals, coders work in physicians' offices, walk-in clinics, outpatient centers, specialty hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, insurance companies, review agencies, and law firms.
Salaries
Salaries for graduates range from $12.30-$21.66 per hour. Source: Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, Labor Statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Medical Biller the same as a Medical Coder?
Medical Billers/Coders usually work in a physician's office. They code diagnoses/procedures and bill the insurance company for reimbursement of services. Coding is somewhat limited in this setting. A Medical Coder usually works in a hospital medical records department and performs coding on a much more complex level than that of a physician's office. Billing in a hospital setting is done in the business office.
How do salaries of Billers vs. Coders differ?
Physicians' offices generally pay $12.30-$13.00 per hour for Medical Billers/Coders while hospitals generally pay $16.00-$21.72 per hour for Coding Specialists.
What are the local job opportunities in this field?
There are always ads in the local newspapers for biller/coder positions with physician's offices, billing services, insurance offices, law firms and hospitals. Hospital coding positions are also advertised in local newspapers. There is a high demand for skilled coders.
What career opportunities exist beyond medical billing/coding in a medical facility?
Medical billers/coders can become self-employed after gaining experience in the field. Also, medical coders in hospital settings can enter management positions after earning an A.S. Degree in Health Information Management.
How do students benefit from the externship?
The externship provides students with a hands-on approach to the billing/coding processes in hospital health information management departments, physician's offices, insurance companies and billing services.
Are computer skills essential in this program?
Most billing/coding, in physicians' offices and coding in hospitals, is done with software courses, therefore, general keyboarding skills are helpful. A computer literacy class is included in this program.
Can the national certification exam be taken at the end of the Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program?
Yes, the national certification examination is offered by two national organizations (AHIMA and AAPC).
Is job placement available upon graduation?
Advisory committee representatives and teachers provide students with guidance and recommendations.
How can I learn more about this career field?
Click here for more information
For questions regarding the program please contact: donna.matassini@sdhc.k12.fl.us