The medical billing profession, which is a specialty of medical coding, is primarily concerned with the collection of data and bill processing in a health care facility. A medical biller's responsibility is to ensure that a health care facility is properly paid by insurance companies and patients, and does this by collecting the proper insurance forms, clarifying diagnoses, and entering information correctly into computer systems.
A tremendous number of quality professional training schools have distance learning and online medical billing programs, and this article reviews a few of the more established options.
Medical Billing Schools – American Academy of Professional Coders
AAPC offers distance learning medical billing programs which provide comprehensive, entry-level courses that focus on Medicare and third-party billing. According to AAPC, students "learn specifics about the health insurance industry and different reimbursement methodologies for correct claim submission. Successful completion will prepare the student to work in a medical billing department at a physician’s office, clinic or similar positions."
This medical billing program offers the following elements:
- A total of 17 modules, review materials, and a final exam
- Learning materials, including a textbook, workbook and audio lectures
- Students receive a Certification of Completion upon successfully passing
While this course prepares students for medical billing, it does not prepare students for medical coding or the CPC examination. For more information, contact AAPC at 1-800-626-CODE.
Medical Billing Schools – Everest University
Everest University offers medical billing programs through its associate degree in medical billing and coding. The program prepares students for jobs as a medical insurance biller and a medical receptionist.
The degree, which contains online courses structured so that students can log in and learn whenever they choose, offers simulations which allow students to practice preparing insurance claims and data entry.
While this medical billing online degree program offers students with online classes in both billing and medical coding, students interested solely in medical coding can take selected classes of interest.
For more information, contact Everest University at 888-391-8881.
Medical Billing Programs Online – Additional Universities
A number of established online universities offer healthcare management, medical assisting, and medical transcription programs which include medical billing courses, including:
- Kaplan University
- University of Phoenix
- DeVry University
These schools offer associate degree programs which contain medical billing online courses, and offer asynchronous schedules which allow students the flexibility to log in and learn whenever it is most convenient for them.
Medical Billing Programs Online – Benefits
For working and nontraditional students unable to attend a traditional, on-campus trade school, online programs provide the flexibility to learn while fulfilling outside demands.
Students interested in medical billing programs are encouraged to compare the immense number of schools available and choose the best fit.
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