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 |  | Online Program: $1,000-$4,000 |  | Degree Program: $20,000-$30,000 |
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Medical billing specialists are typically responsible for submitting and tracking claims with insurance providers. Work in medical billing also includes data entry, clerical tasks and support to other medical office staff, but the primary responsibility is managing interactions with insurance companies and patients. Medical billing and medical coding are frequently paired in both training and careers because medical coding guides the billing of patients and insurance providers.
Typical costs: |
- Most medical billing programs are taught online and typically cost $1,000-$4,000 total. Allied Schools[1] offers an online medical billing program for $2,298. Some medical billing programs are paired with medical coding. Career Step, an online medical training center, packages two medical coding and billing programs that cost $2,095-$2,495.
- Medical billing is taught as part of larger healthcare management associate degree programs at some schools. The degree programs take 18 months to two years to complete and cost $20,000-$30,000. Colorado Technical University has a health administration services degree program[2] that costs $27,260 and can be completed in 18 months.
Related articles: Medical Coding Training, Medical Transcription Training, Community College
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What should be included: |
- Medical billing training should include learning how to process paper claims, manage insurance claims, and how to manage medical office billing. Students should also learn commonly used medical billing software. Training on CMS 1500 forms, a standard claim form, should be included.
- Medical billing training should include learning how to manage workers' compensation claims.
- Medical billing specialists need training in medical coding. Coursework should include learning ICD-9 (and soon ICD-10) and current procedural technology (CPT) codes.
- The Medical Biller blog outlines what should be included[3] in medical billing curriculum.
Additional costs: |
- While certification is not mandatory for a medical billing career, it helps in obtaining higher-paying positions. American Health Information Management Association offers certification testing for two levels of health information management certification[4] : administrator and technician. Technicians can be certified out of school, administrators tend to have several years of work experience before seeking certification. The tests cost $229-$299, depending on whether the test-taker is a member of AHIMA. The American Medical Billing Association provides Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist[5] certification for $325. Certifications must be renewed annually.
- Students are likely to find textbook, software and technology fees that are not included in tuition. Textbooks, depending on coursework, typically cost $200-$750 per quarter of study.
Discounts: |
- For degree-based programs, such as those at junior or community colleges, financial aid is available to qualified students. Students can apply for federal financial aid[6] online.
- The American Health Information Management Association awards scholarships[7] annually for students seeking careers in health information management.
- Sarah Lincoln Bush Health System[8] provides scholarships to medical coding students.
- Allied Schools[9] offers a $200 discount for training in medical billing if tuition is paid in full at time of enrollment.
Shopping for medical billing training: |
- The Health Information Careers provides information[10] about finding the right coding program.
- Medical Coding and Billing provides tips for finding an accredited school[11] .
- There are many reputable companies that offer legitimate and rigorous medical billing training, but be cautious about programs that makes promises of guaranteed jobs or at-home work that sound too good to be true. HomeWithTheKids.com describes common medical transcription/billing/coding scams[12] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: sania in skokie, IL. | Posted: October 21st, 2014 10:10AM |
| Program: medical | Certification Obtained: |
if you really see money instead of medical billing of way to help people it will not be good choice for you to do this career |
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External Resources: |
- www.medicalbillingcourses.com/program-details.asp
- www.coloradotech.edu/Degree-Programs/Associate-Degree-In-Health-Administration-Services
- www.medicalbillers.org/overview-of-medical-billing-and-coding-training/
- www.ahima.org/certification/credentials.aspx
- ambanet.net/cmrs.htm
- www.fafsa.ed.gov/#
- www.ahimafoundation.org/education/default.aspx
- www.sarahbush.org/patients-visitors/lab-test/
- www.medicalbillingcourses.com/program-details.asp
- hicareers.com/Toolbox/recognition.aspx
- medicalcodingbillingschools.net/accreditation/
- www.homewiththekids.com/scams/medical.php
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